Logistics Begins with Data
At the outset, an Integrated
Product Data Environment (IPDE) information
system is being developed to provide a
single database for program performance
and metrics. Evolving technical design
information on each of Deepwater’s
assets is retained in the IPDE, as well
as the processes needed to support IDS
product teams. This data can be used to
assess workflow, supervise processes,
measure performance and manage operations.
A new Logistics
Information Management System (LIMS) is
also being developed that will automatically
collect and process logistics data to
forecast support requirements and trends
and will eventually be able to provide
readiness assessments to operational commanders.
Another ILS innovation is implementation
of a human-centered design approach (HCD)
based on the allocation of requirements
to personnel and accurate documentation
of their workload. With its ability to
bring the right information to the right
people at the right time, LIMS will provide
the backbone and software applications
necessary to establish network-centric
logistics.
The Future of Logistics
It is envisioned that the fully implemented
ILS system will achieve savings in the
Coast Guard’s annual operating expenses
for Deepwater assets and increase the
time those assets can be at sea and in
the air. As logistics requirements will
be assessed during design trade-offs,
single point failures should be reduced,
proven state-of-the-market technology
can be introduced and a continuing-improvement
program will generate future performance
increases. IDS assets will be designed
for improved maintainability through concurrent
engineering, a “remove-and-replace”
concept for components and modules and
simplified repair tasks. Eventually, Coast
Guard crews will have maintenance support
technologies to provide step-by-step computer-generated
instructions and 24-hour expert assistance
made available through remote support
services. Increased reliability and improved
supportability can result in more efficient
management of operations and more operational
time for air and surface platforms to
do the job required for the U.S. Coast
Guard and the Nation.
