JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - When 2nd Lt. Kiara Nuevo saw how much time and paperwork went into completing a government vehicle inspection, she saw a solution: go digital.
Nuevo, 305th Aerial Port Squadron Passenger Operations and Innovations program manager at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, developed a process to centralize and digitize the inspection process to increase efficiency and improve the workflow of vehicle management. The innovation earned her a spot at this year’s AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo.
We asked her a few questions about her idea, being a finalist and his thoughts on innovation and empowering Airmen and Guardians.
Q: What is the name of your idea?
RHINO - Real-time Hybrid Internet of Things Network Operations - Vehicle Inspection and Management Application and Database
Q: Please briefly describe your idea:
RHINO is a vehicle management database and inspection application that would replace outdated Air Force forms and paperwork used to check out and manage government vehicles.
Q. How will your idea help the Air Force deliver installation and mission support capabilities, improve installations or support families in a better way?
RHINO will improve the vehicle inspection process by deviating from the pen and paper method, and storing inspection forms in a single database. It could also eliminate over 44,000 man-hours annually by eliminating manual data collection.
Q. How does it feel to be selected as a finalist for the 2023 Innovation Rodeo?
I want to make my fellow the 305th Aerial Port Squadron Airman, Master Sgt. Sean Cyphert, proud.
Q. As a finalist, you’ll be learning from leading innovators, collaborating with industry partners, and networking with peers, senior leaders, and innovation teams. What are you hoping to gain from that experience?
I hope to gain insight on the innovation realm. There are so many things we can improve on administratively and operationally. I am also looking forward to the networking opportunities – it isn’t every day that extraordinary innovators are all in one room!
Q: Why do you think innovation and a culture change that empowers Airmen and Guardians is important in today’s Air and Space Force?
Everything around us is rapidly changing. Innovation helps us work smarter and more efficiently. We, as Airmen and Guardians, need to stay ahead of the game, not just keep up.
The 2023 AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo finals will be held July 21 in San Antonio. For more information, visit https://www.afimsc.af.mil/innovationrodeo/