Kadena Innovators compete for AF-level honors

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members from the 718th Force Support and the 18th Communications Squadrons partnered to develop the Personnel Records Analytics System (PRAS), which was named as one of two PACAF Spark Tank nominees to compete at the Air Force level.

PRAS is a data analytics tool commanders can use to pull, real-time data on evaluations and decorations. PRAS, a web-based application, completely automates the administrative data analytics process.

“This initiative is in perfect alignment with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s priority to drive innovation to secure our future,” said Maj. Jama Stilwell, 718th FSS commander.

To advise commanders of the dynamic administrative requirements on Kadena, the military personnel flight provides evaluation metrics twice a week to commanders that show a current, comprehensive overview of personnel under their command.

Stilwell said the team’s goal was to alleviate the administrative burden on units so Team Kadena could remain mission-focused to defend our nation’s interests at all times.

The current process takes three products from three separate systems with various formatting and limitations, and merges them into one product to be used as a data analytics tool for evaluation and decoration metrics.

PRAS would allow commanders to press a single button that would produce administrative statistics based on their selection, stated Stilwell.

The team said PRAS would give time back to Airmen by saving around 100,000 man-hours annually increasing transparency and empowering commanders to manage their personnel more effectively.

“We are honored and proud that as a team we were able to identify a critical mission problem, think outside the box, and potentially help our Air Force become more efficient and effective in finding realistic time saving ways to address personnel issues,” stated Stilwell.

Currently the team is in the developmental stages of the system, working with a contractor to develop and expand the 18th CS’s prototype to provide a cost-effective tool for the entire Air Force.