Configuration Control

With the complexity of modern weapons platforms, management and tracking of assets relies on maintaining an accurate record of the build structure of the platform as it is operated and maintained. It is imperative that, when a component is replaced, it conforms to a permissible form, fit and function for the platform, thus it is also necessary to maintain a build structure that reflects what components are allowed. For any platform, this may vary according to the particular role in which the platform is operated, and should also reflect acceptable modification standards for the platform.

LSC Group’s knowledge of the business processes behind configuration control resulted in the identification of a requirement for three distinct build structures:

• Possible Build; which defines the structure at asset type level, providing a generic structure for the parent assembly.
• Permissible Build; this takes the Possible build and expands it to include Part Numbers for the assets. This defines the structure in terms of form, fit and function.
• Actual build; where asset serial numbers are included in the build information.

LSC Group’s software application, RAMS (Repairable Asset Management System), enables the configuration and maintenance of all these build structures and any attempt to replace an asset within the parent structure, where the replacement Part Number does not conform to the Permissible Build, results in a warning to the system operator.