Balanced - Calculation at the Edge with iPads

Jul 11

CASE STUDY

The USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOC) formerly relied on outdated Excel files for weight and balance calculations for critical missions. To modernize operations, AFSOC needed a cutting-edge solution.

The command teamed up with Monkton under the MATTER IDIQ contract to develop Balanced, a secure iPad app that streamlines processes so DoD loadmasters can easily and automatically make payload calculations.

This collaborative partnership helped AFSOC embrace an agile Edge-based mindset as Monkton empowered them to implement a hands-free approach to infrastructure management.

Challenge:

Aircraft loadmasters play a pivotal role in AFSOC missions, whether they’re conducting pre-flight aircraft inspections, conducting air drops, or mathematically planning the correct placement of important cargo. For decades, AFSOC loadmasters relied on legacy IT systems that were trustworthy but cumbersome. And for AFSOC, time is critical—meaning hours lost to process inefficiencies can negatively impact mission outcomes.

AFSOC needed a solution that would help recoup valuable working time and modernize their processes to allow them to work more efficiently. The command turned to Monkton when they realized their loadmasters needed a better way to calculate and record load data, which is necessary for all large shipments.

Key Accomplishments:

Established a secure cloud infrastructure

Empowered hands-free infrastructure management

Implemented an agile and Edge-based mindset

Rapidly moved from concept to execution in <6 months

Solution:

Together Monkton and AFSOC designed and delivered Balanced, a secure, purpose-built iOS app that runs on Apple iPads and iPhones. The release of Balanced also marked the first time an organization used AWS GitOps to execute the DevSecOps Playbook Reference Architecture for mobility services.

Monkton worked directly with aircraft loadmasters to understand their pain points and built Balanced to help them quickly calculate and record load data on their mobile device. The app not only saves time by making more efficient and accurate data calculations, it enables loadmasters to use Edge technology to tap into the power of modern computing precisely where they’re doing work.

Monkton’s MATTER IDIQ cut down a lengthy procurement process and our Minimum Viable Product (MVP) program ensured loadmasters would have a mission-ready app in their hands within six months. In less time than it takes to train a new loadmaster, AFSOC acquired a secure mobile app to help it meet its operational needs.