Factory to fleet maintenance concept

The recent designation of CASS (Consolidated Automated Support System) as part of DoD's standard family of ATS gives us the opportunity to successfully implement the "Factory to Fleet" concept. CASS is a tool that can help meet the challenge of cost effective ATS for DoD in the 21st century. The requirements enhanced maintenance as close to the source as practical. CASS can be a tool to help meet the requirement in a cost effective approach. "Factory to Fleet" testing will not occur on its own. It will require detailed planning early in the product life to develop an integrated development/test strategy that allows for factory acceptance testing, TPS development and life cycle support. Testability/diagnostics and life cycle maintenance must be integrated into the design process. Cooperation and communication between the program acquisition requirements and the OEM must be achieved. Successful implementation can provide significant marketing advantages both domestically and foreign.<>