It Can't Be That Old. DOH!

ARINC says it's made an engineering breakthrough that can extend the life of complex electronic and mechanical systems built into aircraft, vehicles, military weapons, and communications equipment.

By predicting when electronic parts and other components may become obsolete, the ARINC Logistics Assessment and Risk Management (ALARM) System helps to identify high-risk components, suggests alternatives, and helps engineers determine the most cost-effective design solution.

Unlike other tools, ALARM can assign obsolescence risk ratings to all types of parts, not just electronics. It was designed to analyze both avionics and hydro-mechanical Bills of Materials (BOMs) and calculate risks based on associated logistics and engineering data.

Extending the operational life of complex systems is a critical concern for today's military and the many OEM's who build equipment. By using ALARM, design engineers can now avoid specifying components most likely to become obsolete quickly. Reducing parts obsolescence is a major step in controlling life-cycle costs and avoiding the effects of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages, or DMSMS.

DMSMS is the gradual loss of vital components and raw materials as manufacturers and suppliers discontinue items due to economic, environmental, or competitive factors.

This loss of crucial components makes it difficult for defense systems to continue in operation, and finding new manufacturers to supply replacement parts is extremely costly.

The ARINC ALARM System works by assigning a composite risk score to each item. Components scoring above a certain level receive a "high risk" rating, requiring further analysis to determine whether they should be included in a cost-efficient solution.

Based on market knowledge and technology trends, ALARM allows users to analyze and forecast the availability of specific items, allowing designers and manufacturers to stay ahead of potential component shortage problems.

"Current databases and tools do not provide all-inclusive proactive obsolescence analysis of components based on supply chain and engineering data," stated Walter Tomczykowski, ARINC Program Director of DMSMS. "ARINC's ALARM System is now helping program managers solve problems before they affect system supportability and readiness."

FMI: www.arinc.com