Thumbnail: click to enlarge

XFMR Architecture

The Transformation in Maintenance and Repair (XFMR, or “transformer") research effort, currently in Phase II, identified the critical method and tool technology voids that must be addressed in transforming Air Logistics Center (ALC) operations to a warrior-centric, highly adaptive, and more efficient sustainment enterprise activities.  Central to this approach is a set of key technologies supporting a critical chain program management (CCPM) approach based on Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints (TOC).  The XFMR solution concept includes a set of Critical Chain deconfliction tools that provide interactive critical chain resequencing, constraint violation identification, and automated, optimized critical chain plan option generation. 

Phase II Development

These capabilities are augmented by innovative, web-based status capture and visualization tools aimed at dispelling the “fog of maintenance” via knowledge network discovery and application; vital status and constraint data capture; and user-friendly, ad hoc query and summarization support for production management. 

Together these elements target key voids needed to dramatically improve the capture of key shop floor events, status, and constraint knowledge; rapidly revise production plans, schedules, and resource requirements forecasts to adapt to changing requirements and the variability of depot sustainment operations; and streamline the information management and communication process between shop floor personnel and production management.  These innovations extend the potential of CCPM to help ALC's deliver to warfighters what’s promised, at the promised time, and at the promised cost, all the time. 

This material is based upon work supported by the United States Air Force under Contract No. FA8103-05-C-0174.  Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Air Force.