What are the 12 Elements of Integrated Logistics Support?
Working as Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) consultants, we know how to navigate all aspects of Supportability Engineering. However, we often get asked about 12 of them, but there are more than that. The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) lists 16 in their guidelines, which are:
- Configuration Management
- Disposal
- Facilities
- In-Service Monitoring
- Inventory Planning
- Maintenance
- Manpower and Human Factors
- Obsolescence
- Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportation (PHS&T)
- Reliability and Maintainability (R&M)
- Software Support
- Introduction to Supply Support
- Support and Test Equipment (S&TE)
- Technical Documentation (TD)
- Training and Training Equipment
- Whole Life Costs (WLC)
We are in the process of publishing an article for each element, some of which will be linked in the corresponding sections in this article. For a brief overview of the 16 elements of ILS, keep reading.
Configuration Management
Configuration Management involves overseeing the technical and administrative activities associated with the creation, maintenance, and control of a product’s design and operational information.
We ensure that the product’s performance, functional, and physical attributes are consistently maintained with its requirements, design, and operational information throughout its lifecycle, helping to manage changes systematically, preventing unauthorised alterations, and providing a clear audit trail for all modifications.
Integrated Logistics Support: Disposal Planning
Disposal refers to the process of decommissioning and disposing of systems, equipment, and materials that are no longer required or have reached the end of their useful life.
At Quorum, we ensure that Disposal activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, complying with regulatory requirements, while minimising costs.
Effective Disposal planning considers recycling, reutilisation, and the safe handling of hazardous materials, mitigating potential environmental and health impacts.
For a more in-depth look at Disposal, we have published a recent article.
Manpower and Human Factors
Manpower and Human Factors address the human element in logistics support, focusing on the recruitment, training, and management of personnel involved in system operation and maintenance.
This element ensures that the workforce is adequately skilled, motivated, and supported to perform their tasks effectively.
Human Factors also considers ergonomic and safety factors to optimise human performance and minimise risks associated with human error. We work with design and development teams, making sure that a product is designed with its intended operator in mind.
We can discuss Human Factors all day, but if you want to learn more about it, we recommend reading this article.
Facilities
As the name suggests, Facilities encompass the physical locations and infrastructure necessary to support the operation, maintenance, and storage of equipment and systems. It includes the planning, acquisition, and management of buildings, utilities, and specialised areas required for testing, training, and warehousing.
Proper facility management ensures that all logistical support functions are performed efficiently, and that the working environment meets safety and operational standards.
In-Service Monitoring
In-Service Monitoring involves the continuous assessment and analysis of a product, or system’s performance and condition during its operational phase and it includes data collection, trend analysis, and diagnostics to detect and address issues proactively.
By monitoring the system in real-time, it is possible to predict failures, optimise maintenance schedules, and extend the system’s lifespan, ensuring reliability and availability.
Integrated Logistics Support is Crucial for Inventory Planning
Another topic we have published a recent article on is Inventory Planning. This element focuses on determining the optimal quantity and location of spare parts and materials required to support system operations. We conduct forecasting demand, manage stock levels, and implement replenishment strategies to prevent shortages and overstock situations.
Effective inventory planning ensures that the right parts are available at the right time, minimising downtime and reducing costs associated with holding and transporting inventory.
Maintenance
Maintenance keeps a product in operational condition through scheduled inspections, repairs, and overhauls. The three types of maintenance are:
- Preventive
- Predictive
- corrective
A well-structured maintenance programme enhances system reliability, reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.
Obsolescence
Obsolescence Management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating the risks associated with components, technologies, and systems becoming outdated or unsupported. It includes monitoring technological advancements, planning for replacements, and ensuring that alternative solutions are available.
At Quorum, we practice Proactive Obsolescence Management to helps maintain system functionality, avoid operational disruptions, and control lifecycle costs.
Obsolescence is quite the in-depth topic, but luckily, we have published an article about it.
Packaging, Handling, Storage, and Transportation (PHS&T)
PHS&T includes designing packaging solutions, establishing handling procedures, and managing storage facilities to prevent damage and degradation.
When using Quorum to handle your PHS&T, we try to ensure that items are delivered in a usable condition, we work to reduce logistics costs, maintaining system readiness and availability.
Reliability & Maintainability (R&M)
Reliability and Maintainability are key attributes that determine a system’s performance and ease of maintenance over its lifecycle. That said, we typically refer to it as Availability, Reliability and Maintainability (ARM).
Firstly, Availability combines both reliability and maintainability to measure the percentage of time a system is operational and capable of performing its intended function.
Reliability focuses on the probability of a product or system performing without failure, while maintainability addresses the ease and speed of restoring functionality after a failure. We incorporate R&M principles into the design and support processes, enhancing system dependability, reducing downtime, and lowering maintenance costs.
Software Support
Software Support involves updates, patches, troubleshooting, and user support to ensure that software remains functional, secure, and compatible with evolving requirements.
Effective software support is crucial for maintaining system performance, addressing vulnerabilities, and ensuring that software continues to meet user needs.
Introduction to Supply Support
Supply Support encompasses the processes involved in obtaining, managing, and delivering the materials and services required to support system operations, and it includes supplier management, procurement, inventory control, and distribution.
Support and Test Equipment (S&TE)
Support and Test Equipment includes calibrating tools, diagnostic equipment, and specialised machinery used in maintenance and troubleshooting.
Proper management of S&TE ensures that maintenance tasks can be performed accurately and efficiently, contributing to the overall reliability and availability of the supported systems.
Technical Documentation (TD)
Technical Documentation provides the detailed information required to operate, maintain, and support systems and equipment. This includes manuals, technical drawings, procedures, and specifications that guide users and technicians in performing their tasks.
Comprehensive and accurate technical documentation is essential for ensuring safe and effective operations, facilitating training, and supporting maintenance activities. Read more about Technical Documentation here.
Training and Training Equipment
Training and Training Equipment encompass the programmes, materials, and tools used to educate and train personnel in the operation and maintenance of systems.
It includes classroom instruction, simulators, e-learning modules, and hands-on training aids. Effective training programmes ensure that personnel are competent and confident in their roles, leading to improved performance, safety, and system reliability.
Whole Life Costs (WLC)
And finally, we have Whole Life Costs which refers to the total cost of owning and operating a system over its entire lifecycle, from acquisition to Disposal.
WLC includes initial purchase costs, operating expenses, maintenance costs, and disposal costs. Also, itis important to remember that analysing WLC helps organisations make informed decisions about investments, balancing upfront costs with long-term savings and ensuring cost-effective support strategies.
Find out how ILS can help your business – Book an informal chat with Shaun
+44 (0)1952 671950
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