Have you noticed the vibrant, graffiti-style conex boxes out in the shipyard? Operations Resource Centers (ORCs) serve as a place where foremen can get support as they take on all of the elements of their job. Inside each of the ORCs are shipbuilders who welcome all questions to the forefront of production. Take ORC coordinators Sterling Dupree and Andrew Walker for example. Located near the wet dock, their ORC is a hub for the challenges of the shipyard. We caught up with him to learn more about how ORCs are helping foremen.
Tell me about the impact of ORCs since they’ve been in the yard. What are resources/examples you provide to shipbuilders?
Sterling: We provide a number of resources to different departments in the shipyard. Just to name a few - locating models of equipment, 3D and 2D shots or drawings, foundations, and grating packages. Plus, all foremen have access to printers to make copies of documents.
Andrew: Since the implementation of ORCs, we have been able to recognize the major impact the organization has made throughout the shipyard. Having these centralized locations to offer shipbuilders quick support for printed work, material lists, scoped bills/drawings, and other resources are a tremendous help in keeping production flowing and overcoming daily obstacles.
Do you have any success stories that stand out to you? How were you able to assist that shipbuilder in that moment?
Andrew: One successful account that stands out involves a motivated shipbuilder that was trying to locate a package of material on the ship. Using the inboard/outboard profile, we were able to find what model was relevant to each line item and search the 3D model. This process allowed us to find each piece of material and convey clear instructions to the location. Communication and teamwork between Operations, Industrial Engineering, and Planning made this instance of success attainable.
Sterling: In my first few days in the ORC, I had an electrical foreman come in and ask for a drawing. I was able to assist him based on the context of our conversation. Knowing the specification of the model he was referring to, I searched 3D models and pointed to various locations and ended up with the right drawing. This was a significant help for his workload.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Sterling: I would say we don’t have a typical day in the ORCs. Our location helps however we can. I like that we stay busy and it’s ever-changing.
Andrew: Every day in the ORC is different but it’s always busy. We utilize most of our time working on packages that are dropped off by scoping line items on work orders (2D drawings), retrieving model shots (3D model), printing packages, drawings and addressing any issues that may arise.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Andrew: The most rewarding part about our job is seeing the positive impact of our efforts. Foremen reach out to the ORCs because they want to make things happen. It is inspiring to know our collective efforts throughout the company help these individuals succeed and contribute to the overall goal of delivering the world’s most powerful ships.
Sterling: One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is being able to assist foremen with whatever they need. Whether it's problem-solving, providing resources, or helping ensure the team stays on track, I take pride in contributing to the overall success of the shipyard.
How has working in the ORCs impacted you personally and professionally? How does it make you feel knowing you are helping shipbuilders and contributing to build world-class ships?
Sterling: This role opened up different paths to get the job done – All kinds of ways that result in conclusions to get through another world-class day building world-class products for our military.
Andrew: Working in this ORC is an invaluable personal experience because it teaches us how to collaborate as a team, establish relationships with our fellow shipbuilders, and explain conclusions in better detail. Professionally, this experience strengthens our problem-solving capabilities, allows us to network, and gain experience with platforms that will likely continue to help us for the remainder of our career. It brings us a deep sense of pride to be a part of an organization that creates an advantage for the U.S. military to protect peace and freedom around the world.
Foremen can visit any of the ORCs for assistance. To get help, it's quick and easy! No appointments are needed. Either walk into an ORC to be seen by a coordinator, call 228-935-0799 or send an email to IngallsORC@hii-ingalls.com.