WARNER ROBINS, Georgia –
Eric Carter, general supply specialist at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Warner Robins, Ga., has been awarded the Global Distribution Excellence: Quality Assurance Civilian of the Year award for his contributions to the distribution center’s Audit Readiness.
“Mr. Carter is an icon for excellence, quality, dedication and commitment. His duties in calendar year 2014 were split between that of a packaging specialist and a quality assurance evaluator, or QAE, and he performed all duties in an outstanding manner,” said Kent Wheeler, the distribution center’s director.
Wheeler added that Carter’s standardization expertise and passion for excellence made him an “ideal fit” for the newly implemented DLA Distribution Warner Robins Quality Assurance Team, or QAT, in July 2014. Four months after the team’s inception, the QAT’s manning dipped 50 percent. When one of the two vacancies was filled in December, Carter took on training the new hire. Within two weeks of reporting to the QAT, the new hire was able to independently perform surveillances. “Mr. Carter’s initiative and training help with the new hire allowed DLA Distribution Warner Robins’ QAEs to finish our Audit Readiness Test of Effectiveness project with a 100 percent completion rate.”
Carter was number one out of eight Performance Excellence Office trainers who successfully completed an eight week “Train-the-Trainer” program and then conducted Performance Management hands-on training and mentored 20 production supervisors over the course of six months. As a result, production metrics data inputs improved by 70 percent through improved supervisor reporting; supervisors’ enhanced communication skills with their teams regarding performance and production topics; and team’s strengthened bonds by focusing on utilization, standards, performance and productivity. “Mr. Carter effectively used the course to implement DLA Distribution’s initiative to standardize how supervisors train on standard processes and how effective they are with training their associates to the standard process,” said Wheeler.
Furthermore, Carter reviewed, evaluated, documented and updated over 110 operational Job Breakdown Sheets for processes performed by DLA Distribution Warner Robins. As a result of his distribution and packaging knowledge, he was able to ensure accuracy and timeliness of JBS completion without sacrificing quality of operations or training of operational team members.
Carter developed standard operating procedures, work breakdown sheets, process flow maps and PowerPoint slide presentations. He used these tools to deliver quality improvements to all organizational levels in regards to projects, events and partnerships. “As a facilitator and technical SME, Mr. Carter was a critical element in the successful implementation of standardization and Audit Readiness at our distribution center,” said Wheeler.