Feasibility of provisioning spares using reliability software programs

Abstract

Accurate modeling of a system's operational availability is vital to determine its sparing needs. Two different families of sparing tools are available to model operational availability. The first was designed for use by the logistics community and the second was designed by the reliability community. Both of these families of tools were analyzed to obtain an understanding on their differences for the following attributes: 1. System structure 2. Reliability distributions 3. Corrective maintenance distributions 4. Preventative maintenance 5. Operating/sparing sites 6. Resource usage 7. Phase diagrams 8. Tool pedigree 9. Spares optimization method Both families of tools are capable of provisioning spares, but each family of tools has its advantages and disadvantages. Proper selection should be made depending upon the system's operational and maintenance philosophy.