Intelligent Decision Support System in Defense Maintenance Methodologies

Integrated logistics support (ILS) systems are becoming more sophisticated as the defense operations demand increasing levels of service from contractors and maintainers. Intelligent decision support system (IDSS) are required to provide adaptive automated responses for provisioning and maintenance of an increasing number of defense platforms that are now being supported either by defense organizations or by long term maintenance contracts from within the private sector. Traditional methods of repair are being upgraded to include data mining and intelligent agents to help stimulate intelligent decision support systems in creating a more efficient and reliable maintenance environment for defense. A concept demonstration, called the automated test equipment multi-agent system (ATEMAS), is being developed under a collaborative program between Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO), the University of South Australia and Raytheon Australia. It is envisaged that when developed, this system will be able to provide cognitive intelligence to support better reliability predictions and thus making possible the much needed proactive obsolescence management for avionics parts