A faster process, more accurate results and prompt payment. These are the benefits Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) can now enjoy with the launch of the fully automated Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) system.
An electronic IPPT scoring system has been in use since 1997, but the recently upgraded system now uses technology like radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared and ultrasonic to automatically capture the results achieved at each IPPT station.
When registering for IPPT, NSmen are issued with a RFID embedded in the number tag. At each static station, a display panel shows the NSman's IPPT category status, and after he attempts the station, it also shows the result. This result is subsequently recorded in the RFID tag.
For example, without the need for a Fitness Specialist to keep score, the chin-up station now automatically validates and counts the number of chin-ups attempted (right).
But do not even think of trying to get away with doing a sub-standard chin-up! Arms that are not fully straightened during the downward movement or chins that do not extend above the bar, will not be captured as a count.
As for the 2.4 km run, an overhead gantry system records the NSman's results. During the run, the system also monitors the NSman's progress, displaying the lap counts and timings on an electronic scoreboard each time he passes the gantry.
With an automated system, gone are the days when NSmen had to wait for a big enough group of participants for IPPT to be conducted. NSmen can now attempt the static station in any sequence, and at his own time.
This means waiting time at each station is reduced to less than five minutes, and
you can expect to complete the entire IPPT in about an hour, a significant time saving from the two-and-a-half hours it took previously.
Furthermore, with minimal human intervention, this ensures higher data accuracy and integrity.
During out-processing, the IPPT results will already have been compiled and result slips can be issued to NSmen promptly. This in turn means service pay and incentive awards can also be paid readily.
This system is already in use at the Fitness Conditioning Centres at Bedok and Khatib.
According to Head of Fitness and Conditioning Branch, Major Lee Chow Hing, NSmen who have used the system have given it the thumb's-up.
"They are very happy because they don't waste time waiting for IPPT to be conducted," he said. "They walk in, finish the test and leave; without wasting any unnecessary time."
At the shuttle run station, a built-in timer is automatically triggered when you commence and complete the run. Metal touch pads at both ends of the 10m track have replaced the use of wooden blocks.
At the standing broad jump station, the distance jumped is automatically recorded, and the best of two attempts will be captured for result compilation. Fault jumps not in accordance to test protocol, will be detected and rejected by the system.
At the sit-up station,a 1-minute countdown time clock is shown on the display panel. Sit-up attempts that do not conform to test protocol, like shoulder blades not fully touching the floorboard, will not be counted.
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Cyberpioneer____________________________________________________________
anyone tried this new system? heard that it is not perfect - e.g. standard chin ups were not counted.
All these automation just mean one thing to me.