Our Transport Formation is in the process of transforming and changing their model to better support Our Army's operations. Embracing the digitalisation of processes and using Data Analytics for resource optimisation and predictive modelling, it helps to ensure an effective and efficient way of assets allocation. 

With more innovation related initiatives introduced, there is a need to raise the digital capabilities of our people to support the operations of Our Army. Digital education is one of the key enablers to increase the awareness and knowledge of our personnel so as to embrace the next generation of digital workforce. 

On 30th Oct and 1st Nov 2019, over 400 Officers, Warrant Officers and Specialists from the Transport Formation attended the Digitalisation Up-Profiling Workshop, customised for them to draw relevancy in their operations. Conducted at Republic Polytechnic, the workshop allowed our servicemen and servicewomen to be exposed to Industry 4.0, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Data Analytics with Microsoft Excel, Power BI tools, etc.

Scanning of QR Code for registration, making the process more efficient and hassle free.

Chief Transport Officer, COL Melvin, giving his opening address during the workshop.

The participants were also introduced to the history of industrial revolution and what to anticipate during the era of Industry 4.0. Smart Apps and devices are becoming more accessible and affordable; hence it is important that Our Army continues to adapt to ideas that are relevant to what we do.

Servicemen were exposed to new applications such as OCR Scanner, Google Lens, Vuforia Chalk, etc.

Of all the different applications and devices introduced, the Internet of Things (IoT) was one that caught 2WO Kevin Chua's attention. The IoT device, which is smaller than a palm size, comes with multiple functions such as motion detector, humidity and temperature sensor, buzzer/ light function etc. "This would mean that we could customise the different needs to facilitate our daily work requirements!", he shared, adding that "our formation can explore further using the IoT device to enhance the safety of our servicemen and at the same time bringing convenience and efficency to us."

2WO Kevin Chua (second from left) getting a feel of building an Internet of Things(IoT) device.

SSG Izlan Izfian, a Training Specialist, shared "the workshop enables us to widen our knowledge about the technology available to us outside of SAF. There are actually many different types of software, which are able to help us in our everyday operations."

SSG Izlan Izfian (right), Training Specialist.

With the use of the Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which is a digital robot (Software) to automate routine work, it leaves workers with more time for higher value work. 1SG Yasmin, Section Commander, shared that "the usage of RPA would be beneficial in the aiding of mundane, routine work, such as data input." She also explained that "at the formation level, the culture of innovation is being encouraged and recognized by sharing the individual successes during internal events and also at wide-scale events, such as the Innovation Symposium."

1SG Yasmin Harunnarashid, Section Commander.

LTA Lau Kar Yin, Manpower Officer, felt that "the software and tools shared during the workshop are interesting and an eye-opener." She added that the "RPA would be the most useful in my line of work. With the program, it can alleviate our pain in the extraction and compilation of data. For my unit, we are still at an infant stage of implementing digitalisation. One effort that we have started is the usage of Power BI to help us in presenting our data in conferences in a clearer manner."

LTA Lau Kar Yin, Manpower Officer

Moving ahead, selected personnel from the formation will also be attending specialised digital related courses as part of their approach towards digitalisation. Transport Formation is also exploring Certificates/Diploma Courses that servicemen can register themselves for part-time studies. 

Transport
Moving the Army