STANDARDIZATION OF AUTOMATIC TEST AND CHECKOUT EQUIPMENT: A PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION
Abstract
This research memorandum is a guide for evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of standardizing automatic test and checkout equipment. It is intended to be useful alike to Air Force offices charged with reviewing contractors' proposals and to the contractors themselves. Five levels of standardization are defined: component, functional module, functional assembly, tester assembly, and testing system. Two opposing opinions are presented on the desirability and feasibility of standardization. Technical factors relevant to standardizing automatic checkout equipment (ACE) are shown, and each factor is discussed as it relates to feasibility at all levels of standardization. Factors dealing with economic feasibility are also investigated. For example, a weapon-system cost structure is examined to determine where the economic impact of ACE is typically observed, and how much of the system cost is typically affected by test and checkout automation. Within this framework, the potential effects of ACE standardization on weaponsystem cost/effectiveness are indicated. In addition, some pertinent points of inquiry concerning the various levels (above the component level) are outlined. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 25, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0256277
Entities
People
- A.a. Barbour
- M. Kamins
- S.i. Firstman
Organizations
- RAND Corporation