TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, PA. (Aug. 6, 2010) -- Tobyhanna provides service and support for a Defense Department program that develops and deploys tools to verify the identity of people entering and exiting U.S. controlled military installations and during military operations worldwide.
Computer Service and Repair Branch employees assembled more than 100 new mobile Biometrics Automated Toolset kits for shipment to Southwest Asia. The BAT is one of several biometric systems in use by DoD that uses unique physical factors such as fingerprints, iris or facial images to confirm identity.
The BAT consists of a laptop computer with identification processing software and peripheral devices, including a hand-held iris scanner, digital camera and fingerprint reader.
Last year, warfighters asked DoD Biometrics to simplify the BAT kit's design, provide easier access to the components, cut down on the number of parts to assemble and find a way to keep the system operational in extreme temperatures.
DoD Biometrics is part of the Army Program Executive Office, Enterprise Information Systems.
"In an effort to streamline a systems' operational state, we improve effectiveness and efficiency of the warfighter thus we are able to devise a better way to do business," said Curtis Matchett, contract support logistics specialist, PM DoD Biometrics. "Now all the BAT components are configured and connected in a hardened case at the depot. Users simply open the new case, plug the system into a power source and go to work".
"By reorganizing the items and storing them in a hardened case, we were able to cut the assemble/disassemble time significantly, increasing operational readiness for the system user," he added.
The idea for the kit's redesign came from a prototype built by a Soldier stationed in Afghanistan, according to Joe DeLong, equipment specialist in the Production Engineering Directorate's Cost Development and Analysis Branch.
"The depot joined forces with PM DoD Biometrics and a commercial foam company to engineer a kit that meets the customer's needs," he said, adding that the kit boasts a carrying case with a lifetime warranty and pre-cut foam that boosts air flow. "It's satisfying to see everything come together to benefit the warfighter".
The new design consists of a hardened case, two layers of foam separating and protecting the power cables and cords, on the bottom, from the computer and peripheral equipment on the top. A laptop cooler is placed (upside down) under the laptop to force air down into the power supply bay and dissipate the heat buildup.
Soldiers in the field gave high marks to the new mobile BAT design.
"Great job Tobyhanna," wrote one user, pointing out that the kit can now be placed on the hood of a Humvee, plugged into a power port and powered up. Plus, the peripherals are already plugged in and ready for immediate use, the Soldier added. U.S. Army
