This paper will share the challenges faced, and lessons learned by the staff of an operational NWS forecast office during the implementation of the AWIPS Interactive Forecast Preparation System (IFPS). While the components of this system allow forecasters to provide a large amount of digital information to partners and customers, it changes the basic forecast methodologies that have been used for years.

In addition to learning the knobology of the new forecast preparation system the forecasters were also challenged to attack the daily forecast process in a new way, and to change the paradigm of their primary products. It required a change in the way data was analyzed, how the forecast process was completed, how forecast datasets were updated, and what end products were prepared. Transitioning to use of the IFPS is the biggest change that the forecasters have faced in their careers, but the ability to provide digital data and new forecast products has made the change worthwhile.

Training and philosophical changes during this transition are discussed in the paper.