| | | Introduction
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Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) was introduced as an engineering discipline in order to ensure that the necessary support resources were in place when a system entered service. In both the US and UK, standards have been developed that have provided a structured approach to the ILS processes and resulted in satisfactory support solutions. During recent years, however, ILS and ILS practitioners have developed a poor reputation and, indeed, the process has fallen out of favour with a significant number of manufacturers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that if ILS were not a contract deliverable then manufacturers would not undertake it. |
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The advent of a Systems Approach to Acquisition, especially in the defence arena, has provided new opportunities for the System Supportability Engineer, especially in the area of support solution design and derivation. However, to remain a relevant engineering discipline, it is essential that we understand the erstwhile failings of ILS and what needs to be addressed as we take the discipline forward. |
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The issue of COTS and Integrated Optimised Support solutions provide additional challenges for the System Supportability Engineer. Inputs to integration solutions and understanding the performance of innovative support initiatives will provide the System Supportability Engineer with the necessary future challenges but advice will have to be delivered quickly and accurately in order to influence the final design and support solutions. |
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This paper examines the recent necessary re-packaging of ILS within the Systems Supportability Engineering discipline and looks at how this essential discipline must evolve to remain relevant in the modern acquisition environment. |
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last update: December 27, 2004 |
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