Integrated Logistics Support, or ILS, is a management strategy for planning and developing efficient support for systems throughout their lifecycle. ILS can be applied at any point throughout the development of a product or system.
The purpose of this strategy is to increase investment returns by achieving the best operational availability at the lowest possible Life Cycle Cost (LCC). ILS is a subset of defense procurement. The nature of ILS is inherently fluid, with improvements in technology, business practice, and procurement causing constant change.
The science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces is known as logistics. In its broadest sense, those aspects of military operations that deal with:
- Engineering support;
- Maintenance support;
- Supply support;
- Personnel;
- Training support;
- Facilities;
- Technical data;
- Support and test equipment;
- Packaging, handling, storage, and transportation;
- Computer support.
CSMI is an Aerospace and Defense Certified Veteran Enterprise (CVE) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Our background in support and training enables us to offer our customers a comprehensive ILS solutions for technology lifecycle support for domestic and global deployment.
An Overview of Integrated Logistics Support
An integrated logistics support system can provide long-term support for complex technology systems. The process of developing an ILSS is used in industrial and military complex systems.
Unresolved minor issues can grow into major ones. Logistic Support Analysis (LSA) is critical for increasing maintenance efficiency and lowering support costs by preplanning all aspects of ILS.
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits and implications of creating an ILSS for high-technology complex systems that are being used beyond their intended design life.
The Impact of Logistics on the Global Economy
Logistics has two effects on organizations and the global economy. For starters, a company incurs numerous expenses, one of which is logistics costs. These expenses and logistics costs influence economic decisions and vice versa.
Second, logistics allows the sale of products and services, as well as the associated customer service and a variety of economic operations. Many businesses place a high value on customer service, and logistics can help them gain a competitive advantage.
A successful ILS requires the implementation of an integrated logistics support plan (ILSP). This ILSP is created during the concept phase of system procurement and updated throughout the life cycle of the system. It will also help management navigate the various stages of the life cycle.
The following are some of the advantages of effectively implementing an ILSS:
- A more effective system that is used by the customer throughout the system’s lifespan.
- A system that adheres to the operational and user requirement statements throughout the system’s lifecycle.
- A more efficient business that meets budgets by projecting realistically, measuring actual expenditures, and avoiding surprises.
- There will be no crisis upgrades, modifications, or costly repairs as a result of premature activities.
- Avoids costly failures in vital, expensive, and time-consuming products.
The Evolution of Integrated Logistics
The field of integrated logistics has evolved, influenced by the technological capabilities of system requirements and the complex environment in which these systems operate.
Data storage, communication, and information technology (IT) have all seen technological increases in capacity. The amount of documentation produced in an engineering environment would fill truckloads if printed out. Fortunately, in this day and age, these documents may be stored electronically.
The ILSS was designed for military use, but it is also used in the commercial sector. Examples of applications include civilian radar, satellite earth stations, and navigational aids. Even NASA’s space shuttles used an ILSS.
Field Service Management
CSMI’s highly experienced ILS team provides installation, configuration, and various tests to our clients on their sites. We provide on-site maintenance and troubleshooting for installed systems.
CSMI plans and oversees technology implementation and sustainment operations for US Government organizations and Host Nation Allies, drawing on decades of field services support and ILS management experience.
On-site operations are managed by our skilled remote support team, which also promotes collaboration between our field engineers and clients. Following each installation and/or on-site service, detailed informational reports are created.
Services for Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)
The ILS team at CSMI provides logistics services that optimize equipment and system readiness throughout their service life, including reallocation of support assets for broadly deployed systems and technologies.
Our services adhere to government and military directives as well as established industry standards, with an emphasis on equipment maintenance and support.
How Can ILS’s Effectiveness Be Proven?
To evaluate the effectiveness of your ILS strategy, you must employ a set of predefined metrics. These are known as RAMT which is an acronym that stands for reliability, availability, maintainability, and testability. These metrics are used to assess the performance of each support element throughout the system’s life.
Metrics for system safety are sometimes used as part of a risk management strategy.
Develop, Test, and Improve
Each support element is tested several times in this iterative procedure. Schedules with criteria specific to this procedure are used to ensure that product support or customer care systems are in good working order.
One way to think about this process is as a continuous improvement process. This means that every detail will be scrutinized and fine-tuned to maximize functionality. This can be accomplished through the use of tools such as routine maintenance, upgrades, repairs, training courses, and tests.
Following testing, a report is created outlining recommendations for change or improvement. It will identify known errors that are interfering with operational efficiency, slowing processes, and causing employee and management dissatisfaction.
Remember That This Is a People-Oriented Business
People are essential to any organization. Their background and talents add to the system’s performance and efficiency. That is why it is critical to developing these individuals’ competencies so that they can thrive in a high-demand, high-pressure atmosphere.
As a result, your HR department is a critical component of the ILS process. The goal is to match the right individual with the right job, which can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Two common ways are psychometric and/or proficiency testing. These will help you define an employee’s personality, abilities, and talents.
Management can then use this information to allocate individuals to roles based on the outcomes of these assessments. This is the quickest and most straightforward method for discovering a perfect match between the two.
Train the Trainer Method
The Train the Trainer approach is an important aspect of the ILS process that is used throughout. It relates to training operators, technicians and instructors and involves the development of Programs of Instruction (POI), lesson plans, training materials, methodologies, and equipment.
New employee training modules are developed to equip them with the theory and practical skills they need to succeed in their jobs. To meet the organization’s needs, they are regularly evaluated on their knowledge and ability to do their jobs.
Testing your training personnel regularly is the best way to ensure that they understand their training materials. Remember that how they present the material to the participants is also important.
Effective Form and Functionality
The operational effectiveness of product support and customer service systems is dependent on routine maintenance. It is critical in ILS to have optimal system operation, which can be accomplished through a regular update, maintenance, and repair plan. This proactive, rather than reactive, strategy ensures that a system is always operationally sound.
This reduces the likelihood of a production loss caused by a system breakdown, disruption, or malfunction. The consequences of equipment failure due to a lack of maintenance can be severe.
The traditional business model considers the expense of repairs and, using a short-term approach, only does so when a problem arises.
Taking a Long-Term View With ILS
The ILS method is a long-term procedure aimed at preventing problems from occurring. They make the best use of available resources by implementing a series of support measures throughout the design life of a product or customer service system.
Many companies make the mistake of focusing solely on short-term survival. In today’s ultra-competitive market, this can be a recipe for disaster. The Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) approach ensures your company’s long-term viability and success.
ILS programs cut waste, streamline operations, and give your employees more control. You’ll see right away that the result is a lean and agile operational machine that consistently performs at its best. A terrific procedure that delivers on all fronts, making it a crucial business growth approach.
CSMI: The Logical Choice
Working with CSMI ensures that ILS and technical services are in good hands. It enables you to concentrate on your core business while knowing that your logistics are in the hands of capable, dedicated professionals.
From month-long projects to multi-year commitments, our team of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) professionals ensure that your system fielding and sustainment processes are not delayed due to insufficient ILS management and execution.
Please contact us if you require any additional information about our integrated logistics services.