Integrated logistics support (ILS): How and why

Defines the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) function and illustrates the application of a large company´s resources in providing ILS to a major defense program. Ancient and modern examples of ILS are presented as is the concept of ILS as an investment. The implementation of the defined functions-Reliability, Maintainability, Provisioning, and Maintenance Engineering are then considered as is their integration toward a common purpose-system support. This ILS is justified by consideration of the Life Cycle Cost elements.