INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Universal Systems & Technology Inc.
Roger Schultz
President and Chief Operating Officer
Universal Systems & Technology Inc.
Q: Many of us know UNITECH, but tell us in your words what your primary focus is?
A: Universal Systems & Technology, Inc. (UNITECH) is an awardwinning professional services company that provides high-end customized training, simulation and exercise solutions to federal, state, local and commercial customers. We are headquartered in Centreville, Va., and have major branch offices in Washington, D.C.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Charleston, S.C.; Orlando, Fla.; Des Moines, Iowa; Newport News and Quantico, Va. UNITECH’s primary focus is training and human performance related. We provide both high-end interactive courseware and advanced training simulation systems in the live, virtual and constructive domains. Our courseware and simulation systems have been lauded by the military and recognized as being instrumental in effectively training our men and women in uniform. UNITECH training tools are widely used by each branch of the military and the Coast Guard. We are very proud to be a partner with DoD in producing the best fighting men and women in the world. In addition to our training and simulation capabilities, UNITECH has developed an innovative exercise and evaluation system that allows our customers to assess performance and then implement training systems to ensure optimum effectiveness. UNITECH has been effectively used by the military; the departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Energy and others.
Q: It’s clear that UNITECH’s focus is on training, can you tell us more specifically what the company is doing in the simulation area?
A: Just to give you several brief examples, UNITECH provides the USMC’s Continued Fielding Support (CFS) for tactical engagement simulation systems currently deployed at six major USMC Bases. In addition, we recently completed and delivered the Live Fire Instrumentation System to the Combined Maneuver Training Center [CMTC] in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The current version of this CMTC-ILF-IS is a fully functioning, operational, training system that provides a greatly enhanced capability at the U.S. Army’s training center. UNITECH also produces and provides a wide array of Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems [MILES] and other force on force training systems. These systems include main gun signature simulators, remote gunnery signature simulators, wireless independent MILES target systems, wireless auxiliary MILES vehicle systems, universal MILES controller devices, MILES micro controller devices, shoulder launched munitions MILES simulators, individual MILES instrumentation systems and training improvised explosive devices.
Q: Share with us some of the exciting and innovative developments you’re doing in courseware development.
A: We have recognized that realism and interactivity in the courseware environments are rapidly evolving beyond the simple presentation of facts and equipment functions. Although older courseware typically had impressive graphics and well thought out presentations, UNITECH’s courseware includes contextspecific storylines, user features and the kind of engaging graphics that enhances the learning experience. Courseware that immerses the trainee as an individual or as a member of a team enables us to teach complex skills and build realistic performance models into the training. This, then, generates a very close approximation to actual mission performance.
Q: What sets UNITECH apart from your competitors?
A: It’s our focus on understanding customer requirements and then exceeding their expectations. It’s just that simple. We believe in that so deeply that we have made it our mission statement. The true quality and strength in UNITECH is found in one place—in our people. They are committed to getting it done and getting it done without excuses. Beyond that, we hold dear the fundamental value of trust. Trust is important to us and we understand what that means to our customers. We never want to lose that.
Q: What does the future have in store for UNITECH?
A: Our future is bright. There is no question about that. That’s because we don’t focus on being the biggest; we focus on being the best. We continually strive to provide more effective business and technical solutions to our customers. We just believe that when you provide superior value to your customers, success and rewards follow. In just the last several years, that success has expanded to include customers worldwide. We look forward to continuing that record of success in the future. ♦