Assessing Test Equipment Readiness
Because of the complexity of weapons platforms, systems and support systems – especially electronic subsystems and components – the Navy places great importance on their test, measurement, and diagnostic capability. In recent years, increased focus has been placed in this area to improve measurement assurance and reduce total ownership costs.
CHALLENGE:
McKean has supported this strategic objective by coordinating the outfitting and maintenance of test equipment and installed instrumentation to ensure equipment is calibrated and maintained at prescribed allowances and readiness levels. While assisting with engineering and mechanical technician support, the McKean team frequently identifies process and equipment improvements that ultimately will improve readiness fleet-wide.
SOLUTION:
As part of our configuration management and logistics support, we ensured that only required equipment is calibrated. McKean staff also identified design enhancements to calibration recall databases and recognized how barcoding technologies could be employed to improve calibration equipment tracking.
SUCCESS:
With our help, the Navy has removed well over 700 unneeded pieces of equipment from fleet inventory, and improved procedures for distributing calibration equipment. The results speak for themselves, with almost $3 million of unnecessary annually spending avoided.