Decision Support Technologies for Weapon System Logistics Investment Decisions

The Air Force Smart Operations 21 (AFSO21) initiative is examining process improvements across the service. With this new evolving culture, it is critical to have detailed process definitions as well as a real understanding of how changes in those processes impact the country’s war-fighting capability. The Logistics Composite Model (LCOM) provides an important assessment capability to ensure operations and support data from all sources can be integrated and used to understand weapon system performance and affordability for logistics-support options. LCOM is a very large and detailed simulation model. The complexity associated with numerous data conversion programs, input files, preprocessor programs, simulation programs, temporary or intermediate files, post-processor programs, and output files leads to lost productivity and potential mistakes due to poor data management and inaccurate or incomplete configuration control. This multi-phase research will develop a modern, PC-based capability to provide a effective user interface, seamless operation, and configuration control for LCOM analysts. The capability would increase the productivity of analysts and their assessments that are essential to logistics activities focused on improving war-readiness of operational systems. This capability will improve planning for support of new systems and help to ensure systems remain affordable throughout their lifecycle.