The U.S. Air Force’s Lean Logistics effort has rapidly changed some of the basic organizational structures and rules for depot maintenance and repair. However, in addition to the remarkable improvements in depot maintenance that have resulted from these changes, new opportunities for further improvement have also emerged. For the Lean Logistics Simulation (LLSIM) project, KBSI is modeling and analyzing the depot maintenance and repair processes with the intent of identifying candidate processes to be included in the project’s analysis and simulation tasks. The goal of LLSIM is to extend the Lean Logistics avionics model for simulation-based decision support (including select Air Logistic Center avionics maintenance-related processes like the Shop Support Center (SSC) and associated back-shop, supply, administrative, and information systems) and to develop an information system in support of these additional processes.

In the first phase of the project, candidate processes were evaluated using process capture, improvement analysis techniques, and KBSI’s state-of-the-art technology. Once these processes were added to the Lean Logistics model, KBSI next compared the information requirements of the redeveloped model with information available in the current information system. When the currency and accuracy of supporting information was evaluated, KBSI next developed an information system migration strategy to fill voids in the information requirements. The findings will also be used to determine the relevance and maturity of model-driven code generation technology (e.g., ProSys™).

The LLSIM project, by focusing on inserting proven technology into Air Force systems and processes, resulted in improvements consistent with the following goals.

	Exploit lower life-cycle cost alternatives in system configurations by using current technology components and adapting common equipment to multiple requirements and applications;
	Improve the productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency of Air Force maintenance and support organizations;
	Improve the reliability, maintainability, survivability, and supportability of Air Force systems, subsystems, and equipment;
	Develop new approaches to better accommodate life cycle cost considerations in system development, such as improved specifications, technical orders, standards, and testing techniques; and
	Insert new technology to extend the life of existing weapon systems and improve existing support and maintenance processes.