Query searches get results.

Last month we discussed the opening screens of FED LOG. This month we look into making queries.

FED LOG allows you to search for: NIINs/NSNs, part numbers, item names, medical/common names, supplier names, CAGE codes, federal supply classes, item name codes, sources of supply, and characteristics.

Open FED LOG and click on the green tank to switch to Army interactive. Query results will display the Army Master Data File (AMDF).

Some query fields are stand-alone and some can be used in combination. The NIIN/NSN field is a stand-alone. If you begin typing a NIIN or NSN in this field the other fields are deselected (grayed out). Part number is a combination field. It can be used in a stand-alone mode or combined with the fields that are not deselected--in this case, item name, supplier name, and CAGE code.

When entering a NIIN any preceding zeros not following another number may be omitted. So a NIIN of 000000070 may be typed as 70, but a NIIN of 000070070 would require 70070.

You can search for more than one NIIN at a time by separating the NIINs with a space. However, you are limited to about 34 characters and spaces. For example, let's search for 70, 70070, 1800705, and 18256.

Once you click on the Search button you will getan NSN Pick List screen. The four NIINs are now listed by NSN and item name. Each has a check mark box checked, what FED LOG calls "tagged." Leave them all tagged and click on the AMDF management data field icon (the green vehicle fifth from the right).

The AMDF screen displays info for the NSN that was highlighted. At the bottom of the AMDF screen are Previous NSN and Next NSN buttons, Clicking on the buttons allows you to navigate among the tagged NSNs.