Team,

Safety Security & Focus.

We are taking an important step to assure the success of the critical work we perform.  As of now, cellular phones and mobile devices are no longer permitted in AT&F manufacturing spaces.

Safety: By all of us eliminating the use of mobile devices in our manufacturing spaces, we will achieve a safer operation.  Several recent incidents compel this move.  The potential destruction that a simple distraction can cause in our operations is obvious.  We need to do everything we can to avoid such accidents.

Security: We are heavily involved in defense-related work.  As such, we are mandated by the Department of Defense to take all necessary measures to prevent the release of sensitive information.  We are installing many safeguards to our network and systems, as well as our facilities.  Cellular devices that connect via unsecure networks, and most phones today have cameras, which we can no longer allow in our manufacturing areas.

Focus: Mobile devices are a huge consumer of our time and share of mind. Even when they lie on a table nearby or rest in our pockets, we are conditioned to constantly check them. When we are not checking them, we are thinking about checking them.  The work we do requires our complete attention.  Even small interruptions from the work we perform causes errors and delays.  It is also frustrating when we cannot disconnect from distractions and connect to what we need to get done.

We worked well without cell phones from 1940 well into the 2000s.  This does, however, present a few challenges, as quick communication in our operations is critical.   We have solutions such as use of authorized devices where truly needed, and having more information posted and available via MES stations.

We need few rules as we all agree on what we are here to do.   We need one here as it is important that we are all on the same page with this. 

Safety, Security, Focus 
MFR