New program makes base in-processing easier Published May 28, 2009 By Senior Airman Kristopher Levasseur 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Permanent changes in duty station travel vouchers and other finance service documents are now available online thru the new Permanent Change of Station In-Processing System. PIPS was implemented April 1 Air Force-wide, and can be found on the E-Finance web site. "The system eliminates the requirement to attend a financial services office installation in-processing briefing," said Master Sgt. Joseph Watkins, 48th Comptroller Squadron financial services flight chief. "In addition, PIPS uses self-paced online training that minimizes data processing time and incorporates a electronic assistant similar to modern tax programs. The program contains real-time system validations to ensure data accuracy and external links are available to obtain additional information." The intuitive program allows users to go at their own pace, and eliminates time wasted on answering questions that do not apply to them specifically. Step-by-step, users answer questions on their travels and have the option of uploading or faxing important documents and receipts. According to the PIPS web site, PIPS offers preparation and assistance for: - Member and/or Dependent PCS Travel Vouchers - Concurrent or Non-Concurrent Travel - Basic Allowance for Housing Certification/Recertification - Family Separation Allowance - Temporary Lodging Expense - Bond Address Change - State of Legal Residence Change - Direct deposit (Pay and/or Travel) - Dislocation Allowance - Travel Generated Leave - Lost Receipts "PIPS was created to automate the current manual, time-consuming military pay and travel pay processes associated with a PCS move for active duty Air Force members," said Sergeant Watkins. "PIPS also streamlines the Air Force PCS in-processing for pay and travel purposes." The new streamlined process reduces human error and creates consistent documentation, which will reduce overall processing time. "The system allows our customers to manage their finances with minimal support from the finance office," said Sergeant Watkins. "This program along with others such as Defense Travel System and myPay truly places our customers in control of their pay." According to Sergeant Watkins, although automation is the way of the future for financial management, the 48th CPTS stands ready to assist their customers with any issues that may arise during this period of transition with PIPS. For more information, call the finance office at 226-3715.