Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) is a major initiative being undertaken by the UK Ministry of Defence to ensure that products and projects are fully supported through-life at minimum cost. This is an acknowledgement that support and operating costs are often far greater than the design and procurement costs. The project support services described below comprise an integrated solution to customer requirements.
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What is ILS?
ILS is a disciplined, structured approach to defining and preparing support structures for a system. Defence Standard 00-60 currently defines the process and requirements. Outwardly, it is a complex document containing much detailed information. At its heart is a set of processes which build upon established, common-sense engineering principles.
ILS is traditionally associated with a large complicated database. In truth, ILS covers a number of business and engineering processes which can take advantage of computer based initiatives.
The Process
The processes involved in ILS include:
- a costing process, centred around the life cycle cost and Level of Repair Analyses (LORA).
- an engineering process, which influences the design via means of reliability, modularisation, etc.
- a data recording process which is encapsulated in the Logistic Support Analysis Record (LSAR).
- a technical publishing process in line with the European aerospace technical publication standard AECMA 1000D.
- an ordering administration process for supply support, based on AECMA 2000M.
The Aim of the ILS Process
The aim of ILS is to make the designer consider all the support domains. Early consideration allows a support framework within which support and life cycle costs are monitored and optimised. Def Stan 00-60 is the main tool for implementing ILS and it provides details of the main activities that can be undertaken to support a project. The key to applying ILS successfully is to tailor the requirements in a cost effective way to match the project's needs.
There are software tools available to assist in tailoring a project. Experience shows that without a detailed understanding of ILS processes, the engineering disciplines and the future direction of the project, these tools are not always as simple as they sound. A pragmatic approach is essential.
We advise on both the strategy for ILS application and its detailed implementation. The services we offer are comprehensive and include:
- Planning
- Tailoring
- Detailed AR&M analyses
- LSA tasks
- LSAR population
- Manuals
- Supply support
- Disposal
The ILS Domains
ILS is divided into a series of domains. These cover:
Availability, Reliability and Maintainability
Availability, Reliability and Maintainability (AR&M) considerations are major drivers when developing system support requirements. Reliability trade-offs are key elements in optimising equipments.
Our AR&M engineers can perform the full range of analyses to support an ILS programme, including FMECA, RCM, FRACAS, MTBF and MTTR.
Maintenance Planning
We have experience of bringing together the "Use Study" and the design to determine the optimum maintenance concept. We also develop the concept by studying the baseline system and by using task analysis so that the skills, tasks and tools can be defined.
Maintenance concepts should account for both the operational and logistical environments in which the equipment will operate, as well as the organisational structure of the users and supporting units. Our team includes service personnel who have worked extensively in the UK and overseas.
Manpower and Personnel
As a result of its service background, our team is familiar with the organisation of the military support services. We are able to identify the military and civilian support personnel and skills necessary for the operation and maintenance of systems and equipment.
Supply Support
Supply support involves the optimisation of the supply system within a series of constraints that vary project by project. It is also an area that is receiving considerable development. The types of issues to be considered are stock-out risk, warranties, private finance initiatives, spares consumption, asset tracking, contractor support and obsolescence. Optimisation is essential to provide a cost effective support package.
We are able to analyse support frameworks, advise on tender responses and to recommend stock holdings.
Support and Test Equipment
Our team has the ability to identify support and test equipment and to classify it as either 'common' or 'special'. Common support equipment can be located through our extensive experience in interrogating the Ministry's Defence Codification Database.
Training and Training Devices
The development of an effective training programme starts with a training needs analysis. It goes on to include the specification of training equipment and aids. The overall training development plan is structured to satisfy the training needs of operators, maintainers, supervisors and instructors.
Technical Documentation
The technical documentation necessary to operate and maintain a system or equipment normally comprises operator's manuals, maintenance manuals, illustrated parts catalogues and special tools. Our team has over thirty years' experience in the preparation of such documents, working to an extensive range of standards including the AECMA series.
Computer Resources
We are able to advise on the facilities, hardware, software, documentation and links necessary to establish the shared data environment necessary for an ILS programme.
Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportability
The planning of packing, handling, storage and transportability aspects can have considerable impact on cost and delivery. Issues that need to be taken into account include hazardous materials, static and shock protection, regular maintenance, delivery times, packaging and marking standards, ready-use spares, etc.
Our engineers can analyse designs to identify impact on reliability and avoid excessive demand on supply resources.
Facilities
We are able to identify and justify any special facilities which are required to support operation, maintenance or training. These may be dedicated or common, with results fed into the LSAR.
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