A print on demand (pod) capability has a major potential in an environment where a large variety of forms are prepared randomly, often from an automated database. Pod equipment can permit common items from the database to be pre-inserted on a visual display terminal (VDT) for the clerk, eliminating redundant key stroking, reducing errors, reducing form cost and maintenance, and minimizing retyping. The navy personnel support activities (PSAs) and large ships provide an environment where hundreds of forms must be ordered, stocked, and utilized by people unfamiliar with the forms. They are used for claims, travel disbursement, separation, reenlistment, transfer, evaluation, promotion, and security clearances, etc. The objectives of the research would be: 1) summarize and project pod equipment capabilities based on data solicited from leading vendors; 2) identify and categorized all the forms used at a PSA; determine interface problems and issues related to linking pod equipment with PSA computers; 4) design a comprehensive test application scenario to provide quantitative data to substantiate pod feasibility in a PSA and shipboard environments; and 5) prepare a plan of action and milestones.
