A Framework for Work Package Optimization

Impact Technologies, LLC, in collaboration with Georgia Institute of Technology, proposes to develop a framework for work package optimization. The proposed work is based on historical and current maintenance data available in a number of disparate databases. Data mining techniques will be applied to depot level maintenance records obtained from these databases. During that process a framework to combine data from those databases based on their meta-data will be developed. Meta-data design will also be used to ensure that the data generated within this software application will be readily useable in other software applications. Using the data mining results, work package optimization in the face of limited resources, short timelines and increasing requirements will be implemented. Individual work packages provided by the optimization can then aid a repairman. A manager will be able to use the work package optimization tool to investigate different possibilities through the simulation of what-if scenarios and work around contingencies as they arise. Specifically the core innovations of the proposed work include: 1) a meta-data framework for managing data from multiple databases; 2) a data mining module for analyzing that data; and 3) a work package optimization module that provides decision support for proactive maintenance planning. BENEFIT: This framework for work package optimization technology will help existing and future Air Force and DoD programs reach improved fleet readiness objectives and total ownership cost initiatives. The technology will play an important role in providing the warfighter with significant combat advantage by maximizing asset availability and reducing maintenance down-time. The software will take full advantage of the large amounts of maintenance data available in multiple disparate databases. The objectives will be achieved through the development of a framework for combining data from multiple databases leveraging the underlying meta-data. The combined data will be mined for interesting patterns and trends which in-turn will enable the work package optimization.  Because effective military operations hinge on the ability to quickly and accurately perform maintenance tasks, there exist numerous potential military applications for the proposed meta-data mining and work package optimization tool in all branches of the U.S. DoD. Given the adaptable nature of the core analysis and optimization techniques proposed, the developed approach could be adapted for a variety of commercial applications. Such applications include: commercial airlines, land and marine propulsion systems, large utilities and independent power producers, oil and gas transmission companies, and processing industries. This effort has already garnered interest from an industry partner, Raytheon. Raytheons primary interest is in the data mining and metadata design portion of this program which is seen to be applicable to the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) Integration Backbone (DIB). The DIB is a common set of enterprise services and standards that serve as the foundation for the interoperability of the DCGS enterprise developed by Raytheon and used by all four U.S. military services to work towards achieving network centricity.