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"The Enigma E-IML
(Integrated Maintenance Logistics) solution is more than the traditional Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). It provides soldiers with all of the diagnostic, service and repair
information needed to support a combat vehicle or weapon system while in the field."
Source : Enigma
An Integrated Maintenance and Logistics Solution for Defense
Maintenance and Logistics Solution is also known as :
Logistics Solution,
Total Logistics Solutions,
Logistics Software,
Logistics Planning,
Providing Full Logistical,
Forward Logistics,
Easy-to-Use Inventory,
Logistics Solutions Spanning,
Integrated Logistics Solutions,
Providing Logistics Solution,
Logistic Solution Directory,
Logistics Support,
Systems Logistics Solutions,
Chain Logistics Solution,
Logistics Solution Supply,
Logistics Integration Solutions,
Solutions Logistics Services,
Managed Logistics,
Top Logistics Software,
Streamline Logistics Operations,
Management Logistics Solutions,
Logistics Solution Businesses,
Logistics Supply Chain,
Reverse Logistics Solution,
Warehouse Logistics Solutions,
Forwarding Logistics Solution,
Joint Logistics Solutions,
Sales Logistics Solution,
Managed Maintenance Solutions,
Maintenance Solution Software,
Maintenance Solutions Database,
Software Maintenance Management,
Integrated Maintenance Solutions,
Asset Maintenance Solution.
OVERVIEW:
Today’s military doctrine calls for more agile, mobile, self-sustaining weapons
systems and platforms. In order to support this new doctrine, the DOD has been reengineering
its logistics and maintenance operations. In this new maintenance and
logistics environment, operators of weapons systems and platforms will perform
more of their own maintenance while in the field.
The new guidelines were designed to provide the following benefits:
- Reducing the logistics footprint of platforms and weapons systems
- Automating paper-based maintenance processes
- Linking the platform/mechanic to the supply chain (real-time access to
relevant weapon systems information)
- Reducing the total lifecycle cost of the platform
- Reduction in incorrect part orders
- Providing increased readiness without increasing headcount
Enigma’s Integrated Maintenance/Logistics (E-IML) solution is more than the
traditional Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). Based on the
acclaimed Enigma 3C® Platform, the E-IML actually exceeds the definition of a
class V IETM, and has been designed to enable this new military doctrine. The EIML
provides a single electronic interface, allowing the maintainer to access all
maintenance, logistics and operational information for multiple weapons system or
platforms. This includes every aspect of maintenance execution from diagnostics
alerts to parts orders. The goal of the E-IML solution is to provide the maintainer
with all of the information required to perform their tasks at the point of need. The
Enigma solution improves maintainer efficiency and consistency, thereby
increasing the uptime and readiness of weapons systems/platforms.
3 Areas of Maintenance Operations
Figure 1 – E-IML Platform Health Management Diagram
When an operator/maintainer enters a platform’s serial/identification number
(bumper number) into the E-IML, the system immediately filters all technical data
and displays only the service and parts information that is relevant to the specified
vehicle. As a result, maintainers work with greater confidence knowing that the
information required to upgrade or repair a specific platform or weapon system has
already been validated and that the data being used is the most accurate information
available.
The E-IML solution can also retrieve fault codes from the platform’s embedded
diagnostic system. When connected directly to the platform, Enigma will
automatically list the appropriate procedures and launch the proper forms. Since the
content is filtered by serial number, the E-IML ensures that only valid part numbers
can be ordered. Integration with FEDLOG provides further assurance that a part
order is valid, prior to entry into the corresponding logistics system. By using
Enigma, operators/maintainers are provided a complete view of the required
troubleshooting, maintenance and repair tasks that need to be performed, with
instructions formatted according to their level of technical proficiency.
Integrating the E-IML with a configuration management system gives technicians a
view into the specific equipment they need to service, before they actually start
work. A maintenance crew, from any location, is then able to begin standard
procedures such as (Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services),
checking parts availability and automating part requisitions, documenting platform
faults and scheduling higher-level maintenance directly from Enigma.
A single E-IML implementation can output information for multiple environments.
All content can be distributed through a web browser, CD/DVD offline distribution,
and/or traditional paper. In a networked mode, the data is accessible via PC, laptop,
tablet and PDA by connecting directly to the E-IML server. By moving beyond the
IETM, this type of integrated maintenance and logistics application can sustain the
multiple levels of maintenance that may be encountered in the field. The parts
catalog within the Enigma solution gives maintainers complete and accurate parts
information and current stock inventory prior to procurement. The E-IML provides
easy "point-and-click" parts ordering, removing numerous human errors and
drastically reducing the costs associated with incorrect part orders.
Capturing data in the field, such as miles driven or configuration changes, and
transmitting that information to inspection and maintenance programs, is one way
that the Enigma solution improves preventative maintenance planning for
equipment. The E-IML will also report fault codes back to program offices for
prognostic analysis and condition based maintenance initiatives that can potentially
extend the life of each vehicle and system.
When integrated with the platform, the Enigma solution identifies problems by
communicating with the on-board diagnostic and prognostic systems and reports
any recent equipment/component changes. Platform sensors identify which
components have failed, or are nearing failure, and the information is passed to the
E-IML, which automatically helps the maintainer perform further troubleshooting,
make repairs, or directs the maintainer to the relevantRPSTL (Repair Parts Special
Tool List) information. Diagnostics communications can be two-way if the IETM
content supports intrusive diagnostics natively; otherwise, this functionality is
accomplished with an off-board diagnostics application or test set.
Ultimately, Enigma's integrated maintenance/logistics solution delivers a dynamic,
Web-based product encyclopedia of maintenance and repair information for a unit's
combat vehicles and weapon systems that help maintainers keep equipment
operating at peak performance.
Architecture
Figure 2 – E-IML System Architecture
The E-IML architecture depicted above reflects the following capabilities:
- Digital Logbook – The digital logbook can be used to view maintenance
history, part order status, previous vehicle configuration modifications, and
all open faults associated with the particular piece of equipment. The vehicle
configuration history is a driving force of the information tracked for
Condition Based Maintenance (CBM). By tying into the back end system as
well as the diagnostic system, Enigma is able to gather and deliver any
information that is captured. This information can also be used for inventory
management.
- File System – The file system houses the technical manuals (TMs),
troubleshooting guides, and any forms that may be used in the maintenance
of the platform. The use of a central file system allows content updates or
changes to be broadcast and automatically installed to the E-IML, offering
maintainers the most up-to-date information.
- Fully Integrated Diagnostic System – When the integrated diagnostic system
finds a fault, the fault code can be automatically added to an inspection form
and digital logbook within the Enigma system. Furthermore, relevant parts
can be ordered, and troubleshooting guides specific to that fault can be
launched. By embedding a checklist into the troubleshooting guides, the EIML
will walk the maintainer through a fault isolation process. An authorization workflow can be implemented to assure part orders are
approved prior to entering a back-end logistics system.
- Back-End Logistics System – Integration into a logistics system helps
achieve increased readiness and a reduced logistics footprint. Enigma can
interface with any RDB and has built an interface into ULLS-G for the work
being done for the Stryker Brigades and the National Guard.
- Maintenance IETMs – The E-IML solution delivers targeted technical
manuals (Class V IETM) to the maintainer by means of a table of contents, a
targeted search, or through integration with a diagnostics system. In the
most advanced case, a fault code will automatically launch the E-IML,
which adds that fault to the maintenance or inspection form and creates a
parts order for approval.
Relevant Experience
Current and past E-IML projects involving applications for ground-based vehicles
are listed below:
Stryker – The E-IML implementation for the Stryker program is a fully integrated
maintenance application. The software covers complete functionality from PMCS
inspections and diagnostic integration through integration with ULLS-G. The EIML
also supports the FMTV, HEMTT, HMMWV, and HUMMV platforms.
National Guard – The National Guard implementation of E-IML covers all the
vehicles that belong to the PA FTIG UTES with a depot-based advanced
maintenance and IETM application. The system enables diagnostic integration and
maintenance support including ULLS-G integration, resulting in increased
throughput while maintaining headcount.
Abrams – The E-IML currently integrates with the on-board diagnostic systems
supplied by DRS. Enigma’s system returns the faults and delivers fault-specific
troubleshooting manuals passing the fault and part information automatically into
ULLS-G. Enigma’s system also retrieves information from ULLS to be fed back
into the on-board diagnostic system.