While  the  growth  of  electronic  and  computer technology has helped to ease the burden and increase the  effectiveness  of  supervisors  and  managers  in  nearly every  aspect  of  command  operations,  it  has  sometimes turned  the  electronics  maintenance  supervisor’s  job  into an overwhelming problem. You may be responsible for maintaining a multimillion dollar resource ashore or at sea.  Your  shop  will  have  to  keep  high-cost,  highly sophisticated  electronic  systems  and  equipment  in  the highest possible state of readiness under a variety of working conditions. No matter how well designed an electronic  system  or  equipment  is,  its  value  to  the command   lies   in   the   ability   of   the   maintenance supervisor to provide a maximum amount of “up time.” Consider a few of the problems that the maintenance supervisor  faces  nearly  every  workday: l l l l l l l User complaints– Are user complaints about poor maintenance service justified? If so, what are the most economical and effective methods of  correcting  the  causes?  If  not,  what  human factors may have led to user dissatisfaction, and are  the  technicians  providing  sufficient  technical assistance  to  eliminate  the  problem-causing human   factors   (such   as   poor   operator procedures)? Procedural changes– What improvements could be realized by minor modifications to existing procedures? Future  requirements–  Will  future  system demands affect present resources? System down time– Is the amount of down time the   system   suffers   reasonable,   given   the personnel  and  material  assets  available? Training requirements– Have all technicians acquired   the   highest   level   of   technical competence?  If  not,  can  the  on-site  training program bring them up to speed? New personnel–  Is  the  in-house  training  program adequate for new personnel? Material assets– Will the material assets be adequate for any upcoming deployment ? If you, as supervisor, have reasonable and well- documented  answers  to  these  questions,  it  is  likely  that you are effectively managing the shop, instead of merely supervising  it.  Good  management  and  good  supervision are  inseparable  for  the  control,  operation,  and  financial budgeting of an electronics maintenance group. The right answers to questions such as those listed above will significantly enhance a command’s ability to carry out its mission. Your prime objective is to maintain control of complex, costly electronic systems and equipment through  a  sound  maintenance  management  program. You must be aware of the alternatives that are available to make a maintenance management program perform most  effectively  and  efficiently. SUPERVISORY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES An  exact  list  of  duties  and  responsibilities  can  be made only when the list concerns a specific position; however,   here   are   some   typical   duties   and responsibilities you will have as a maintenance shop supervisor: l l l l l l l l l l Q l l l l l l Keeping   maintenance   operations   running smoothly  and  efficiently Promoting  teamwork Maintaining   discipline Keeping  morale  high Getting the right person time on the job at the right Maintaining the quality and the quantity of work Checking and inspecting jobs and personnel Preventing  accidents  and  controlling  hazards  and hazardous  material Using and storing materials economically Maintaining good housekeeping on the job Keeping  records  and  preparing  reports Planning and scheduling work Training   personnel Procuring the supplies and equipment to perform the  work Inspecting,  caring  for,  and  preserving  equipment Giving orders and directions Maintaining   liaison   with   other   units, departments, and divisions Looking at the typical duties and responsibilities in the preceding list, we can see that the following major areas are common to all supervisory positions: 1. Production 3-2