Simulation and analysis of express run frequency

EXPRESS is a database tool the Air Force (AF) uses to prioritize depot maintenance of reparable spare parts based on warfighter need. Many studies have examined individual portions of EXPRESS, though few examine it as an entire system. This effort proposes a modeling approach for examining overall system behavior of EXPRESS using discrete event simulation. The emphasis of the model is to be flexible enough to provide useful insight into system performance and a foundation for future expansion and analysis. In current operations, EXPRESS runs every day. This research effort tries to determine the impact on the depot repair process´ ability to respond to warfighter need due to running EXPRESS less frequently. A discrete event simulation written in Arena, modeling the general flow of information and parts through the depot repair process, is used to determine the effect of the frequency of EXPRESS runs on Mission Capable (MICAP) hours.