INTEGRATED LOGISTIC SUPPORT (ILS)
What is integrated logistic support?
Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) plans and directs the identification and development of logistic support and system requirements for both commercial and military systems. Its aim is to create a system that will last longer, require less support throughout its planned lifetime, and reduce whole life costs to a practicable minimum. ILS provides a mechanism to identify (as early as practicable) system reliability issues or problems and can initiate system design improvements and addresses aspects of system supportability throughout the full operational lifecycle. Its impact is often measured through metrics such as reliability, maintainability, availability and testability. ILS is the integrated planning and actions of a number of interdependent disciplines to provide assurance that a system is able to achieve its availability targets. The planning of each ILS element is developed in tandem with the system engineering design effort. Trade-offs between design and supportability elements may be required in order to develop a system that is affordable, operable, supportable, sustainable, transportable and provided at the lowest life-cycle cost. ILS analysis is a documented process and for more complex equipments, outputs are recorded in a Logistic Support Analysis Repository (LSAR). The overarching support strategy is outlined within an Integrated Support Plan which also signposts the reader to each supporting element. ILS planning activities are developed in-line with the system acquisition strategy with the ILS programme being tailored accordingly. A correctly developed and well-executed ILS strategy will ensure that the requirements for each ILS element is fully developed, planned, resourced and implemented to enable the operational readiness levels required by the user at the time of system use and throughout the system’s lifecycle.
why is ils important to defence?
The discipline of ILS is used to ensure that the
supportability of an equipment is considered during its
design and development. The technique was adopted
by the UK MOD in 1993 and was made compulsory for
the majority of equipment purchase programmes.
why an understanding of ils as it applies
to defence is so important?
Understanding ILS requirements permits TMS to deliver
a tailored, project specific solution to meet the needs of
Defence and specifically the requirement to accurately
acquire and sustain a system at the greatest operational
availability and at the lowest whole life cost to the
taxpayer.To do this in the most cost effective manner,
TMS delivers internationally competitive ILS services
and supporting documentation without duplication of
effort or the need for continuous rework with focus on
implementing ILS best practice.
In essence, ILS provides the means through which a system:
• Design can be influenced for supportability •
Can be maintained and repaired to meet availability and reliability targets •
Can be provided at a minimum whole life cost.
Why is an understanding of ILS that applies to Defence so important?
Understanding ILS requirements permits TMS to deliver a tailored, project specific solution to meet the needs of Defence and specifically the requirement to accurately
acquire and sustain a system at the greatest operational availability and at the lowest whole life cost to the taxpayer.To do this in the most cost effective manner, TMS
delivers internationally competitive ILS services and supporting documentation without duplication of effort or the need for continuous rework with focus on implementing ILS
best practice.
HOW DO TMS DELIVER ILS?
TMS undertakes integrated planning and actions a number of interdependent disciplines underpinned by Logistic Support Analysis (LSA) tasks that enable the development
of ILS outcomes and provide assurance that a system is able to achieve its availability targets. The planning of each ILS element is developed in tandem with the system
engineering design effort. Trade-offs between design and supportability elements may be required in order to develop a system that is affordable, operable, supportable,
sustainable, transportable and provided at the lowest life-cycle cost.
The most widely accepted ILS activities include:
Design improvement
Supply (spare parts)
support
Human factors engineering
(manpower and personel)
Technical documentation
development and support
Packing, handling and
transportation
Computer and software
sources support
Maintenance identification
(preventative and
corrective)
Support and test
equipment
Training and training
support
Facilities planning and support
Design interface integration and
planning
LSA DISCIPLINES
LSA is a selected group of analytical techniques, which are conducted continually throughout the System life cycle and provide the data to support improvements to the
efficiency of the system. Data from the analysis is typically stored in the Logistic Support Analysis Record.
Reliability, Availability and
Maintainability Analysis
Failure Modes, Effects
& Criticality Analysis
Failure Modes &
Effects Analysis
Reliaility Centred
Maintenance Analysis
Level Of
Repair Analysis
Maintenance
Task Analyasis
Verification
and Validation
Life Cycle
Costing Analysis
ils standards
TMS applies the following standards to its development
and production of ILS outputs:
ASD S2000M International Specification for
Material Management
MIL-STD-1388-1 Logistic Support Analysis
MIL-STD-1388-2B Development and Delivery
of LASR Data
Def Stan 00-600 (previously Def Stan 00-60)
Integrated Logistics Support
Defence Logistics Framework
Def Stan 02-250 Human Factors for Designers
of Systems
Def Stan 00-56 Safety Management
Requirements for Defence Systems
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
KEY DISCIPLINES EXPLAINED
Reliability engineering
Reliability engineering is a sub-set of systems engineering that emphasises the ability of an equipment to function
without failure. Reliability describes the ability of a system or component to function under stated conditions for a
specified time period. Reliability is closely related to availability which is the ability of a system or component to
function at a specific point in time or for a specified duration without failure.
Reliability engineering deals with the prediction, prevention and management of engineering uncertainty and risk
of failure. Although the random probability of failure will not define or effect reliability, reliability is generally
achieved through the application of testing, mathematics and empirical data.
Reliability engineering is closely related to quality engineering, safety engineering and system safety in that they
use common methods of analysis and may require input from each other.
A key function of reliability engineering focusses on the cost of failure caused by system downtime, cost of spares,
equipment repair, personnel and warranty claims.
Reliability Centred Maintenance
Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) is an engineering framework which enables the
definition of a complete maintenance regime. It regards maintenance as the means to maintain
the functions the product was designed to deliver. As a discipline, it serves to assess, predict,
and understand the workings of the product and its operating context in conjunction with the
development of the FMEA/FMECA. Secondly, once the logic is outlined and identified in detail
at the analysis stage, it enables the identification of rationalised maintenance periodicities and
maintenance methods to be employed to ensure the product continues to operate at maximum
capacity.
RCM is used to create a cost-effective maintenance strategy to address dominant causes of
equipment or product failure and is a systematic approach to defining a routine maintenance
programme comprising cost-effective tasks which preserve important functions.
Failure Modes Effects Analysis
Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a detailed study and
prediction of how a product can fail and what the effect of failure is.
The FMEA can be undertaken at component, module and system
level and seeks to identify potential failure modes to assess the
risks involved with those failures, to categorise and order in terms of
importance, and to identify and either put in place suitable
mitigations or institute corrective actions to address those that can
be addressed.
Extending the scope of a FMEA to include Criticality Analysis
(FMECA) provides the mechanism to assess the impact of a failure
and in particular, how the failure influences a mission.
Maintainability engineering
Maintainability engineering or Maintenance Task Analysis is a study undertaken to determine which maintenance
tasks are required in order to maintain the equipment and through further Ease of Maintenance analysis, the ease
in which a product can be maintained in order to:
•
Correct defects and their cause
•
Repair or replace a faulty or worn out component without having to replace working parts
•
Prevent unexpected working conditions
•
Maximise a products useful life
•
Maximise efficiency and safety
•
Improve maintenance processes
In many cases maintainability engineering is a continuous improvement process which seeks to improve the overall
availability of a system or component or to improve the overall reliability of a system based on the maintenance
experience.
Preferred Repair Schedule
Preferred Repair Schedule (PRS) analysis
is often combined with a Level of Repair
Analysis to determine those items that will
be changed due to anticipated wear and
tear, has a finite life or deemed an item that
may fail or is consumable. The analysis is
conducted against the equipment or system
Bill of Materials (a list of all constituent
parts). The resultant output is used to drive
the content for technical maintenance and
repair manuals and in conjunction with a
Level of Repair Analysis will identify the
point at which the repair will be undertaken
and therefore which technical manual the
content is to be included in.
Level Of Repair Analysis
Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) is a methodology used to determine the most cost-effective location for
repairing, replacing, or discarding components. It is a core supportability function that informs maintenance
planning by identifying where each task should occur.
LORA involves two main steps: first, establishing non-economic criteria for support decisions, and second,
evaluating economic models to select the optimal support solution.
Repair levels define where tasks are performed, commonly categorized in UK military terms from Level 1
(operator-level tasks) to Level 4 (OEM-level repairs). Alternatively, many organizations classify tasks as
Organizational, Intermediate, or Depot-level maintenance.
Organizational Maintenance occurs at the unit level, focusing on quick-turnaround tasks such as removing
and replacing failed items. Intermediate Maintenance is carried out in specialized workshops serving
multiple units and involves more complex tasks using specific tools and bench stock. Depot Maintenance
takes place at dedicated facilities or OEM sites, involving major overhauls, diagnostics, and modifications.
Maintenance Task Analysis
Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA) aims to identify
and analyse each specific maintenance task to be
performed to in order to maintain the equipment to
meet its availability and WLC target. The analysis is
often undertaken in conjunction with the Level Of
Repair Analysis and an Ease of Maintenance
Analysis to identify each maintenance task and the:
•
Level at which the task will be undertaken
(OM, IM, DM or Level I to 4).
•
The facilities, tools, test equipment and
resources necessary to undertake the task.
•
The duration of the task and consider all
consumables necessary to undertake the task.
Supply support planning
Supply support planning involves all management actions, procedures,
and analytical techniques required to define and fulfill the need for
support items and spare parts. This includes the acquisition,
cataloguing, receipt, storage, transportation, issuance, and disposal of
items, as well as the provision of initial system support and the ongoing
management of inventory acquisition, distribution, and replenishment.
The goal is to ensure a fully supportable materiel system with a clearly
defined supply structure. After initial planning, further considerations
address the supply system’s performance post-implementation,
including management of spare parts pipelines, consumables,
rotatable spares, supply locations and training, stock levels,
replenishment processes and lead times, shelf life, and long-lead item
planning.
Human factors engineering
Human Factors Engineering (HFE), also
known as behavioural research, ensures that
the man-machine interface is safe, effective,
and suited to human capabilities. Manpower
requirements are based on achieving
logistical support in the most efficient and
economical way. HFE influences product
design, planning, and decision-making to
optimise equipment usability for the majority
of users. It considers the integration of
human, machine, and environmental factors,
the need for special skills, and human
limitations throughout the planning and
development process
Training and training support
Training and training devices/equipment support encompasses the processes, procedures, techniques, training
devices, and equipment used to train personnel to operate and support a system. This element defines qualitative
and quantitative requirements for the training of operating and support engineering personnel throughout the life
cycle of the system. It includes requirements for:
•
Competencies management
•
Operator and maintainer training
•
Instructor and key personnel training
•
Refresher training
Training and training support consideration through the training needs analysis process identifies key learning
points and the best method of imparting that knowledge (for example: theoretical training, practical training or
computer based training) to ensure the user/operator, maintainer or trainer is provided with the skills necessary to:
•
Acquire
•
Operate
•
Diagnose failures
•
Removed failed items
•
Conduct repair and/or overhaul
•
Undertake functional testing and calibration
•
Correctly dispose of a product
Training can be embedded within a product such a help files within a software programme to provide training or
assistance in the use of the system.
Technical Data Development and Support
Technical data supports the development of repair, maintenance, and user manuals essential for operating and
sustaining a system. It encompasses a wide range of documentation such as manuals, bulletins, drawings,
specifications, software support, provisioning data, maintenance procedures, and safety-critical information.
Maintained throughout the system’s life cycle as part of the ILS process, technical data includes materials used in
development, production, in-service operation, maintenance, training, and disposal. It is typically derived from the
Preferred Repair Schedule and forms the basis for engineering and logistics documentation required to meet
system requirements.
Facilities Planning and Support
The Facilities logistics element comprises a number of planning
activities undertaken to ensure all permanent or semi-permanent
operating and support facilities are available concurrently with
system fielding. Planning is comprehensive and will include the
need for new construction or modifications to existing facilities,
associated machinery and Plant to operate and support a
materiel system throughout its life cycle.
Analysis will ensure the correct environment is available and
maintained along with heating, lighting, ventilation and supplies
such as electricity, water, gas and air. Infrastructure requirements
will be assessed to ensure they meet the space demand for
storage and support in terms of maintenance or repair and that all
access and security aspects are addressed. Facilities planning is
undertaken in conjunction with the identification of tooling,
maintenance tasks and special to type test equipment.
Facilities planning additionally establish the impacts on life cycle
cost, funding requirements, facility locations and improvements,
space requirements, environmental impacts, duration or
frequency of use, safety and health standards requirements, and
security restrictions.
Packaging, Handling and
Transportation
Packaging, Handling, Storage and
Transportation (PHS&T) analyses the
requirements, procedures and resource
necessary ensure equipment and support
items such as spared items are correctly
identified, packaged, preserved, handled
and transported in the correct manner.
The study seeks to identify material-
handling equipment and optimum storage
requirements. It outlines the level of
packaging required for maximum
protection and longevity, identifies
perishable items, items with restricted
shelf-life and those needing intervention
whilst in storage.
PHS&T considers the requirements for
multi modal transportation and any special
shipping or Customs requirements.
Design Interface Integration and
Planning
Design interface integration seeks to identify and set
the boundaries of the system and its associated
supporting functions. It identifies how the system will
integrate into a broader support capability. It identifies
the boundaries, not only of the system and the
support solutions envelope, but also the
organisational structure and responsibilities of staff
assigned to the programme.
The study considers the interface in terms of:
•
Reliability Function
•
Safety Management
•
Security Management
•
Configuration Management
•
Obsolescence Management
•
Interoperability
•
Change Management
•
Vendor Management
•
Contractor’s Approach
Support and Test Equipment
The Support and Test Equipment (S&TE) element identifies the requirements for any specialist support or test
equipment required by the system maintainers to undertake scheduled and unscheduled maintenance or repair
activities.
The analysis will consider the suitability of existing in-service S&TE which can be made available by the user
community. To maintain programme whole life costs to a practicable minimum, the aim is to introduce new S&TE
only where absolutely necessary.
The optimum solution will be to utilise the existing in-service support equipment, including the use of common tools
or standard test equipment wherever possible.
Computer and Software Support
Computer and Software Support analysis seeks to
outline the support strategy and contractor
responsibilities for the design, management and
configuration control of a systems computer
hardware, firmware and software. The analysis sets
the standard for interface design and integration into
wider systems where necessary. It determines how
the hardware, firmware and software will be designed,
integrated, managed and supported through its
predicted lifecycle. It defines the formal change
request process for modifications to include minor and
mid-life updates to improve operability and
enhancements to system capability. The study
determines the operational boundaries and the
mechanisms through which faults, errors or changes
will be actioned. It will additionally outline the
responsibilities for system security and any
operational and mission support.
Verification and Validation
The verification and validation focus is to provide assurance
that all ILS planning element and associated analysis is
correct and the support function outlined functions as
anticipated. Verification and validation is typically set against
a number of measurable matrix critea or in the form of
battlefield missions or Logistic Demonstrations where
support elements are tested in real time aginst measurable
performace targets.
Verification and validation can include elements such as:
•
Performance against defined matrix criteria
•
Performance against a set maintenance or repair task
•
Confirmation of supply chain availability and
performance
•
Performance against a set training requirement
•
Conformation of procedural technical information
•
Performance against set operating requirements criteria
Through-life and Whole Life Costs
Through-life Costs (TLC) provides a budget
estimation that attempts to project the actual
expenditure over the life of a system. TLC
provides an output that projects the budget for
each category of expenditure by financial
accounting period. On a development programme
TLC are used to determine the costs after the
design has been completed.
Whole-life Costs (WLC) is the analysis undertaken
to estimate the total cost of ownership. WLC takes
into account TLC and any Life Cycle Cost analysis
undertaken before the design stage at a system
engineering level. Typically, WLC is not used by
supportability engineering; instead, it is used as a
high-level management tool that is effective in
providing the total cost of a capability rather than
the cost of ownership of a system.
Maintenance Identification (preventative and corrective) and Support
Maintenance planning begins early in the acquisition process with the development of the maintenance concept. It
is conducted to establish requirements and through-life supporting maintenance tasks to be accomplished for
achieving, restoring and maintaining the operational capability for the life of the system or equipment. Maintenance
planning will:
Define the actions and support necessary to ensure that the system attains the specified system readiness
objectives with minimum Whole Life Cost (WLC).
Set up specific criteria for repair, including Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) requirements, testability, reliability,
and maintainability; support equipment requirements; automatic test equipment; and manpower skills and facility
requirements.
State specific maintenance tasks following Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA), Ease of Maintenance
Assessment and Level Of Repair Analysis (LORA) to be performed on the system.
Define actions and support required for fielding and marketing the system.
Address warranty considerations.
Maintenance Requirements Determination or MRD is a fundamental part of Integrated Logistic Support. Its
purpose is to identify the corrective and preventive maintenance tasks and is the umbrella term for a number of
discrete activities to include:
Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM)
Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA)
Ease of Maintenance Assessment
Level of Repair Analysis (LORA)
Corrective Maintenance is the repair of a piece of equipment to return it to a serviceable condition. It is usually,
unplanned and performed upon the failure of the equipment.
Corrective maintenance does not include planned maintenance such as oil or filter changes,
Hour/ time based maintenance or overhauls.
Preventive Maintenance is the servicing of a piece of equipment to maintain it in an operable condition and
prolong its service live whilst meeting the specifications of its operational requirements.
It is usually planned and performed before the failure of the equipment or performed as insurance against
equipment failure. Preventive maintenance includes planned maintenance such as oil or filter changes based upon
usage or periodicities such as Hour/ time (calendar days / months/ years) based maintenance or overhauls.
Accreditations and Standards
All
of
our
sites
comply
with
the
following
standards
which
ensures
that
we
deliver
you
the
highest
possible
standards
of
service:
ISO
9001:2015,
ISO
14001,
DTCT,
Cyber
Essentials
Plus.
Our
ISO
accreditations
cover
the
production
and
Project
Management
of
the
following
services:
Integrated
Logistic
Support
(ILS)
solutions,
Technical
Documentation,
Training
(Analysis,
Design
and
Delivery),
Safety
and
Environmental
Services,
Graphic
Design, Electronic data management solutions, Bid Preparation, Translation services, Engineering support.
Copyright © 2025 TMS Support Solutions Ltd. All rights reserved
INTEGRATED
LOGISTIC SUPPORT
(ILS)
What is integrated logistic support?
Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) plans and directs the identification and development of logistic support and system requirements for both commercial and military systems. Its aim is to create a system that will last longer, require less support throughout its planned lifetime, and reduce whole life costs to a practicable minimum. ILS provides a mechanism to identify (as early as practicable) system reliability issues or problems and can initiate system design improvements and addresses aspects of system supportability throughout the full operational lifecycle. Its impact is often measured through metrics such as reliability, maintainability, availability and testability. ILS is the integrated planning and actions of a number of interdependent disciplines to provide assurance that a system is able to achieve its availability targets. The planning of each ILS element is developed in tandem with the system engineering design effort. Trade-offs between design and supportability elements may be required in order to develop a system that is affordable, operable, supportable, sustainable, transportable and provided at the lowest life-cycle cost. ILS analysis is a documented process and for more complex equipments, outputs are recorded in a Logistic Support Analysis Repository (LSAR). The overarching support strategy is outlined within an Integrated Support Plan which also signposts the reader to each supporting element. ILS planning activities are developed in-line with the system acquisition strategy with the ILS programme being tailored accordingly. A correctly developed and well- executed ILS strategy will ensure that the requirements for each ILS element is fully developed, planned, resourced and implemented to enable the operational readiness levels required by the user at the time of system use and throughout the system’s lifecycle.
why is ils important to
defence?
The discipline of ILS is used to ensure
that the supportability of an equipment is
considered during its design and
development. The technique was
adopted by the UK MOD in 1993 and
was made compulsory for the majority of
equipment purchase programmes.
why an understanding of ils as
it applies to defence is so
important?
Understanding ILS requirements permits
TMS to deliver a tailored, project specific
solution to meet the needs of Defence
and specifically the requirement to
accurately acquire and sustain a system
at the greatest operational availability
and at the lowest whole life cost to the
taxpayer.To do this in the most cost
effective manner, TMS delivers
internationally competitive ILS services
and supporting documentation without
duplication of effort or the need for
continuous rework with focus on
implementing ILS best practice.
In essence, ILS provides the means through which asystem:
• Design can be influenced for supportability
•
Can be maintained and repaired to meet availability and
reliability targets
•
Can be provided at a minimum wholw life cost
Why is an understanding of ILS that applies to Defence so
important?
Understanding ILS requirements permits TMS to deliver a
tailored, project specific solution to meet the needs of
Defence and specifically the requirement to accurately
acquire and sustain a system at the greatest operational
availability and at the lowest whole life cost to the taxpayer.To
do this in the most cost effective manner, TMS delivers
internationally competitive ILS services and supporting
documentation without duplication of effort or the need for
continuous rework with focus on implementing ILS best
practice.
HOW DO TMS DELIVER ILS?
TMS undertakes integrated planning and actions a
number of interdependent disciplines underpinned by
Logistic Support Analysis (LSA) tasks that enable the
development of ILS outcomes and provide assurance
that a system is able to achieve its availability targets.
The planning of each ILS element is developed in
tandem with the system engineering design effort.
Trade-offs between design and supportability elements
may be required in order to develop a system that is
affordable, operable, supportable, sustainable,
transportable and provided at the lowest life-cycle cost.
The most widely accepted ILS activities include:
Design improvement
Supply (spare parts)
support
Human factors engineering
(manpower and personel)
Technical documentation
development and support
Packing, handling and
transportation
Computer and software
sources support
Maintenance identification
(preventative and
corrective)
Support and test equipment
Training and training
support
Facilities planning and
support
Design interface
integration and planning
LSA DISCIPLINES
LSA is a selected group of analytical techniques, which are
conducted continually throughout the System life cycle and
provide the data to support improvements to the efficiency of
the system. Data from the analysis is typically stored in the
Logistic Support Analysis Record.
Reliability, Availability and
Maintainability Analysis
Failure Modes, Effects
& Criticality Analysis
Failure Modes &
Effects Analysis
Reliaility Centred
Maintenance Analysis
Level Of
Repair Analysis
Maintenance
Task Analyasis
Verification
and Validation
Life Cycle
Costing Analysis
ils standards
TMS applies the following standards to its development
and production of ILS outputs:
ASD S2000M International Specification for
Material Management
MIL-STD-1388-1 Logistic Support Analysis
MIL-STD-1388-2B Development and Delivery
of LASR Data
Def Stan 00-600 (previously Def Stan 00-60)
Integrated Logistics Support
Defence Logistics Framework
Def Stan 02-250 Human Factors for Designers
of Systems
Def Stan 00-56 Safety Management
Requirements for Defence Systems
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
KEY DISCIPLINES
EXPLAINED
Reliability engineering
Reliability engineering is a sub-set
of systems engineering that
emphasises the ability of an
equipment to function without
failure. Reliability describes the
ability of a system or component
to function under stated conditions
for a specified time period.
Reliability is closely related to
availability which is the ability of a
system or component to function
at a specific point in time or for a
specified duration without failure.
Reliability engineering deals with
the prediction, prevention and
management of engineering
uncertainty and risk of failure.
Although the random probability of
failure will not define or effect
reliability, reliability is generally
achieved through the application
of testing, mathematics and
empirical data.
Reliability engineering is closely
related to quality engineering,
safety engineering and system
safety in that they use common
methods of analysis and may
require input from each other.
A key function of reliability
engineering focusses on the cost
of failure caused by system
downtime, cost of spares,
equipment repair, personnel and
warranty claims.
Reliability Centred Maintenance
Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) is an engineering
framework which enables the definition of a complete
maintenance regime. It regards maintenance as the means to
maintain the functions the product was designed to deliver. As
a discipline, it serves to assess, predict, and understand the
workings of the product and its operating context in
conjunction with the development of the FMEA/FMECA.
Secondly, once the logic is outlined and identified in detail at
the analysis stage, it enables the identification of rationalised
maintenance periodicities and maintenance methods to be
employed to ensure the product continues to operate at
maximum capacity.
RCM is used to create a cost-effective maintenance strategy
to address dominant causes of equipment or product failure
and is a systematic approach to defining a routine
maintenance programme comprising cost-effective tasks
which preserve important functions.
Failure Modes Effects Analysis
Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a detailed study
and prediction of how a product can fail and what the effect of
failure is.
The FMEA can be undertaken at component, module and
system level and seeks to identify potential failure modes to
assess the risks involved with those failures, to categorise
and order in terms of importance, and to identify and either
put in place suitable mitigations or institute corrective actions
to address those that can be addressed.
Extending the scope of a FMEA to include Criticality Analysis
(FMECA) provides the mechanism to assess the impact of a
failure and in particular, how the failure influences a mission.
Maintainability engineering
Maintainability engineering or
Maintenance Task Analysis is a
study undertaken to determine which
maintenance tasks are required in
order to maintain the equipment and
through further Ease of Maintenance
analysis, the ease in which a product
can be maintained in order to:
•
Correct defects and their
cause
•
Repair or replace a faulty
or worn out component without
having to replace working parts
•
Prevent unexpected
working conditions
•
Maximise a products
useful life
•
Maximise efficiency and
safety
•
Improve maintenance
processes
In many cases maintainability
engineering is a continuous
improvement process which seeks to
improve the overall availability of a
system or component or to improve
the overall reliability of a system
based on the maintenance
experience.
Preferred Repair Schedule
Preferred Repair Schedule (PRS) analysis is often combined
with a Level of Repair Analysis to determine those items that
will be changed due to anticipated wear and tear, has a finite
life or deemed an item that may fail or is consumable. The
analysis is conducted against the equipment or system Bill of
Materials (a list of all constituent parts). The resultant output
is used to drive the content for technical maintenance and
repair manuals and in conjunction with a Level of Repair
Analysis will identify the point at which the repair will be
undertaken and therefore which technical manual the content
is to be included in.
Level Of Repair Analysis
Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) is a methodology used to
determine the most cost-effective location for repairing,
replacing, or discarding components. It is a core supportability
function that informs maintenance planning by identifying
where each task should occur.
LORA involves two main steps: first, establishing non-
economic criteria for support decisions, and second,
evaluating economic models to select the optimal support
solution.
Repair levels define where tasks are performed, commonly
categorized in UK military terms from Level 1 (operator-level
tasks) to Level 4 (OEM-level repairs). Alternatively, many
organizations classify tasks as Organizational, Intermediate,
or Depot-level maintenance.
Organizational Maintenance occurs at the unit level, focusing
on quick-turnaround tasks such as removing and replacing
failed items. Intermediate Maintenance is carried out in
specialized workshops serving multiple units and involves
more complex tasks using specific tools and bench stock.
Depot Maintenance takes place at dedicated facilities or OEM
sites, involving major overhauls, diagnostics, and
modifications.
Maintenance Task Analysis
Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA) aims to identify and
analyse each specific maintenance task to be performed
to in order to maintain the equipment to meet its
availability and WLC target. The analysis is often
undertaken in conjunction with the Level Of Repair
Analysis and an Ease of Maintenance Analysis to
identify each maintenance task and the:
•
Level at which the task will be undertaken
(OM, IM, DM or Level I to 4).
•
The facilities, tools, test equipment and
resources necessary to undertake the task.
•
The duration of the task and consider all
consumables necessary to undertake the task.
Supply support planning
Supply support planning involves all management
actions, procedures, and analytical techniques required
to define and fulfill the need for support items and spare
parts. This includes the acquisition, cataloguing, receipt,
storage, transportation, issuance, and disposal of items,
as well as the provision of initial system support and the
ongoing management of inventory acquisition,
distribution, and replenishment.
The goal is to ensure a fully supportable materiel system
with a clearly defined supply structure. After initial
planning, further considerations address the supply
system’s performance post-implementation, including
management of spare parts pipelines, consumables,
rotatable spares, supply locations and training, stock
levels, replenishment processes and lead times, shelf
life, and long-lead item planning.
Human factors engineering
Human Factors Engineering (HFE), also known as
behavioural research, ensures that the man-machine
interface is safe, effective, and suited to human
capabilities. Manpower requirements are based on
achieving logistical support in the most efficient and
economical way. HFE influences product design,
planning, and decision-making to optimise equipment
usability for the majority of users. It considers the
integration of human, machine, and environmental
factors, the need for special skills, and human
limitations throughout the planning and development
process
Training and training support
Training and training devices/equipment
support encompasses the processes,
procedures, techniques, training devices,
and equipment used to train personnel to
operate and support a system. This
element defines qualitative and
quantitative requirements for the training of
operating and support engineering
personnel throughout the life cycle of the
system. It includes requirements for:
•
Competencies management
•
Operator and maintainer
training
•
Instructor and key personnel
training
•
Refresher training
Training and training support consideration
through the training needs analysis
process identifies key learning points and
the best method of imparting that
knowledge (for example: theoretical
training, practical training or computer
based training) to ensure the
user/operator, maintainer or trainer is
provided with the skills necessary to:
•
Acquire
•
Operate
•
Diagnose failures
•
Removed failed items
•
Conduct repair and/or overhaul
•
Undertake functional testing
and calibration
•
Correctly dispose of a product
Training can be embedded within a
product such a help files within a software
programme to provide training or
assistance in the use of the system.
Technical Data Development and
Support
Technical data supports the development of
repair, maintenance, and user manuals
essential for operating and sustaining a
system. It encompasses a wide range of
documentation such as manuals, bulletins,
drawings, specifications, software support,
provisioning data, maintenance procedures,
and safety-critical information. Maintained
throughout the system’s life cycle as part of
the ILS process, technical data includes
materials used in development, production,
in-service operation, maintenance, training,
and disposal. It is typically derived from the
Preferred Repair Schedule and forms the
basis for engineering and logistics
documentation required to meet system
requirements.
Facilities Planning and Support
The Facilities logistics element comprises a number of
planning activities undertaken to ensure all permanent or
semi-permanent operating and support facilities are
available concurrently with system fielding. Planning is
comprehensive and will include the need for new
construction or modifications to existing facilities, associated
machinery and Plant to operate and support a materiel
system throughout its life cycle.
Analysis will ensure the correct environment is available and
maintained along with heating, lighting, ventilation and
supplies such as electricity, water, gas and air. Infrastructure
requirements will be assessed to ensure they meet the
space demand for storage and support in terms of
maintenance or repair and that all access and security
aspects are addressed. Facilities planning is undertaken in
conjunction with the identification of tooling, maintenance
tasks and special to type test equipment.
Facilities planning additionally establish the impacts on life
cycle cost, funding requirements, facility locations and
improvements, space requirements, environmental impacts,
duration or frequency of use, safety and health standards
requirements, and security restrictions.
Packaging, Handling and Transportation
Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportation (PHS&T)
analyses the requirements, procedures and resource
necessary ensure equipment and support items such as
spared items are correctly identified, packaged, preserved,
handled and transported in the correct manner. The study
seeks to identify material-handling equipment and optimum
storage requirements. It outlines the level of packaging
required for maximum protection and longevity, identifies
perishable items, items with restricted shelf-life and those
needing intervention whilst in storage.
PHS&T considers the requirements for multi modal
transportation and any special shipping or Customs
requirements.
Design Interface Integration and Planning
Design interface integration seeks to identify and set the
boundaries of the system and its associated supporting
functions. It identifies how the system will integrate into a
broader support capability. It identifies the boundaries, not
only of the system and the support solutions envelope, but
also the organisational structure and responsibilities of staff
assigned to the programme.
The study considers the interface in terms of:
•
Reliability Function
•
Safety Management
•
Security Management
•
Configuration Management
•
Obsolescence Management
•
Interoperability
•
Change Management
•
Vendor Management
•
Contractor’s Approach
Support and Test Equipment
The Support and Test Equipment
(S&TE) element identifies the
requirements for any specialist support
or test equipment required by the
system maintainers to undertake
scheduled and unscheduled
maintenance or repair activities.
The analysis will consider the suitability
of existing in-service S&TE which can
be made available by the user
community. To maintain programme
whole life costs to a practicable
minimum, the aim is to introduce new
S&TE only where absolutely necessary.
The optimum solution will be to utilise
the existing in-service support
equipment, including the use of common
tools or standard test equipment
wherever possible.
Computer and Software Support
Computer and Software Support analysis seeks to
outline the support strategy and contractor
responsibilities for the design, management and
configuration control of a systems computer hardware,
firmware and software. The analysis sets the standard
for interface design and integration into wider systems
where necessary. It determines how the hardware,
firmware and software will be designed, integrated,
managed and supported through its predicted lifecycle.
It defines the formal change request process for
modifications to include minor and mid-life updates to
improve operability and enhancements to system
capability. The study determines the operational
boundaries and the mechanisms through which faults,
errors or changes will be actioned. It will additionally
outline the responsibilities for system security and any
operational and mission support.
Verification and Validation
The verification and validation focus is to provide
assurance that all ILS planning element and associated
analysis is correct and the support function outlined
functions as anticipated. Verification and validation is
typically set against a number of measurable matrix
critea or in the form of battlefield missions or Logistic
Demonstrations where support elements are tested in
real time aginst measurable performace targets.
Verification and validation can include elements such
as:
•
Performance against defined matrix criteria
•
Performance against a set maintenance or repair
task
•
Confirmation of supply chain availability and
performance
•
Performance against a set training requirement
•
Conformation of procedural technical information
•
Performance against set operating requirements
criteria
Through-life and Whole Life Costs
Through-life Costs (TLC) provides a budget estimation
that attempts to project the actual expenditure over the
life of a system. TLC provides an output that projects the
budget for each category of expenditure by financial
accounting period. On a development programme TLC
are used to determine the costs after the design has
been completed.
Whole-life Costs (WLC) is the analysis undertaken to
estimate the total cost of ownership. WLC takes into
account TLC and any Life Cycle Cost analysis
undertaken before the design stage at a system
engineering level. Typically, WLC is not used by
supportability engineering; instead, it is used as a high-
level management tool that is effective in providing the
total cost of a capability rather than the cost of
ownership of a system.
Maintenance Identification
(preventative and corrective) and
Support
Maintenance planning begins early in the
acquisition process with the development of
the maintenance concept. It is conducted to
establish requirements and through-life
supporting maintenance tasks to be
accomplished for achieving, restoring and
maintaining the operational capability for the
life of the system or equipment. Maintenance
planning will:
Define the actions and support
necessary to ensure that the system attains
the specified system readiness objectives
with minimum Whole Life Cost (WLC).
Set up specific criteria for repair,
including Built-In Test Equipment (BITE)
requirements, testability, reliability, and
maintainability; support equipment
requirements; automatic test equipment; and
manpower skills and facility requirements.
State specific maintenance tasks
following Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA),
Ease of Maintenance Assessment and Level
Of Repair Analysis (LORA) to be performed
on the system.
Define actions and support required for
fielding and marketing the system.
Address warranty considerations.
Maintenance Requirements Determination or
MRD is a fundamental part of Integrated
Logistic Support. Its purpose is to identify the
corrective and preventive maintenance tasks
and is the umbrella term for a number of
discrete activities to include:
Failure Modes Effects and Criticality
Analysis (FMECA)
Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM)
Maintenance Task Analysis (MTA)
Ease of Maintenance Assessment
Level of Repair Analysis (LORA)
Corrective Maintenance is the repair of a
piece of equipment to return it to a
serviceable condition. It is usually, unplanned
and performed upon the failure of the
equipment.
Corrective maintenance does not include
planned maintenance such as oil or filter
changes,
Hour/ time based maintenance or overhauls.
Preventive Maintenance is the servicing of a
piece of equipment to maintain it in an
operable condition and prolong its service live
whilst meeting the specifications of its
operational requirements.
It is usually planned and performed before
the failure of the equipment or performed as
insurance against equipment failure.
Preventive maintenance includes planned
maintenance such as oil or filter changes
based upon usage or periodicities such as
Hour/ time (calendar days / months/ years)
based maintenance or overhauls.
Accreditations and Standards
All
of
our
sites
comply
with
the
following
standards
which
ensures
that
we
deliver
you
the
highest
possible
standards
of
service:
ISO
9001:2015,
ISO
14001,
DTCT,
Cyber
Essentials
Plus.
Our
ISO
accreditations
cover
the
production
and
Project
Management
of
the
following
services:
Integrated
Logistic
Support
(ILS)
solutions,
Technical
Documentation,
Training
(Analysis,
Design
and
Delivery),
Safety
and
Environmental
Services,
Graphic
Design,
Electronic
data
management
solutions,
Bid
Preparation,
Translation
services,
Engineering
support.
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