Life of type software is implemented

CDRE Syd Lemon signs the contract for provision of the software system in September last year.

The RAN’s software support for the life of type maintenance management of systems aboard its ships came of age on July 17 with implementation of the new Configuration Management Tool (CMT) at the Anzac Systems Program Office (SPO) at Rockingham, WA.

The software selected as the CMT is the Teamcentre Aerospace and Defense Solution (TADS) package, developed by the global services company, EDS. PLMA is EDS’ distributor in Australia.

Maritime Systems Division (MSD) signed a contract with EDS PLM Solutions for the TADS package on September 12 last year.

TADS will be used to identify, control and report on the configured parts of Navy ships, from the smallest repairable units to the most complex systems. This information will then be used to manage the lifecycle of the ship using the program’s product data management capabilities.

TADS collects existing data, including design information and inventories and mates this information with on-board inventory and maintenance systems to constantly monitor the lifecycle state of the ship. Whenever a component needs to be replaced the program is able to provide the necessary information on dependent components, simplifying the change process.

Also, it can provide instantaneous, up to date configuration information and can control complex workflows by alerting the right people at the right time to the specific needs of any particular job.

The program is a variation of an existing package developed specifically for the Defence industry. The US Navy, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are already using the package but this will be the first time it will be used within the Australian Defence network.

TADS replaces the MSD’s current software package known as Sherpa, which is a commercial software package that is no longer supported. Also, the entire division did not use Sherpa.

TADS will provide the whole division and ultimately all areas of Navy with a dedicated configuration management capability, which will standardise configuration management standards and practices. This will provide significant flow-on benefits in terms of OH&S and the technical regulatory framework by which all ships and their systems are maintained and modernized or replaced.

As importantly, prior to selection TADS was assessed to ensure its compatibility across the ADO, not just the division or Navy. As part of this process a number of ADO logistics policy and planning areas were involved as the package may be applied in the tri-service environment in the medium term.

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