RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Randolph Multimedia Center has heard the voice of its customers and to answer their requests has initiated changes to the self help center in Hangar 6.
Customers can now create their own retirement and change-of-command booklets, in addition to retirement certificates using the self-help facility. They can also print photos or edit videos.
Lino Espinoza, graphics chief at the multimedia center, said the self-help program meets a need expressed by customers.
"Since it has always been our policy to better provide for our customers where possible, we have initiated such a program and are pleased to announce its unveiling," he said.
Mr. Espinoza said customer service representatives can provide customers with a self-help guide that walks them through the steps for completing retirement or change of command booklets. Customers can produce up to 30 copies of the booklet and have a chance to transfer the finished product to their own CD or thumb drive so more copies can be made at a facility of their choice.
"We have implemented the use of a Microsoft Office Publisher template to create the booklets," he said. "Two templates - a four-page and eight-page layout - will be made available."
The templates allow customers to use existing front- and back-cover designs and provide the flexibility to import customer-supplied images through CDs or thumb drives.
Mr. Espinoza said he expects a quicker turnaround time for customers. In the past, customers were tied to having technicians produce the booklets, but because of the volume of the center employees' work orders, lead times of 10 days or more for a finished product were not uncommon.
No longer will such lead times be required," Mr. Espinoza said. "Our customers will now have complete control in producing their own booklets in a timely manner. But the self-help program is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so customers should avoid last-minute projects."
Mr. Espinoza said the multimedia center's retirement certificate program has been in place for a while but has undergone some changes. Customers are now directed to a more user-friendly PowerPoint file to create their certificates.
"We do anticipate a slight learning curve for a month or so," he said. "However, we foresee a rather smooth transition to this new initiative."
The self-help facility's additional services include a "photo-create" kiosk machine similar to that found at department stores and pharmacies. The photo kiosk allows customers to import their images using a thumb drive or directly from the camera for printing.
There is also a video station which allows customers to import their VHS or mini-DV tape for editing and printing back to tape or to a DVD.
"The photo and video services are there for customers to use for Air Force projects," Mr. Espinoza said. "These services are available solely for government use, and not intended for personal use."
For more information on the self help facility, call 652-4226.