The numbers game with the logistics support analysis record (LSAR)

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has specified that the logistics support analysis record (LSAR) will be the central automated database for logistics support data in the weapon system acquisition process. The author describes the logistics analyst´s role in establishing and documenting some of this data. Through the use of numerous examples, he illustrates the integration function and demonstrates the impact that reliability and maintainability (R&M) engineers can have in designing a system´s support. He shows the interrelationship of failure rate, task frequency, quantity per task, and the maintenance replacement rate and how R&M impacts key initial provisioning requirements encountered in a typical DoD acquisition program. The author highlights how these R&M factors affect other logistic support elements, shows sample calculations, and describes the appropriate coding and entry in the LSAR. A description is also given of typical errors made by logistics analysts and how miscommunication between system engineers, R&M engineers and logisticians can impact the design of the support