Discrete-event simulation modeling of the repairable inventory process to enhance the ARGCS business case analysis

Abstract

The objective of this project was to identify and more accurately predict the maintenance and supply chain costs and savings related to the Agile Rapid Global Combat Support (ARGCS) system. The project focused on a portion of the ARGCS business case analysis (BCA) model developed by CDR David Crosby. CDR Crosby's BCA model listed various potential savings associated with ARGCS technologies that were difficult to quantify during his initial BCA research. The focus of this research was to determine the likely benefits and cost savings that ARGCS may have on maintenance and supply functions. Using pre-existing maintenance and supply data, a model was developed to more accurately determine any maintenance and supply related cost benefits. The only F/A-18 Weapons Replaceable Assemblies (WRA) that were analyzed during this research were those that will be tested during the summer 2007 Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) at NAS Lemoore. Results of the simulation indicate there is an expected increase in operational availability and several cost savings associated with the implementation of ARGCS technologies.