An Initial Evaluation of the VISION Assessment System: Its Relevance and Application to National-Level Sustainment Planning
Abstract
This report describes the outcome of a national-level demonstration prototype of the VISION Assessment System (VAS). VAS is a decision support system designed to help logistics planners evaluate and improve equipment sustainability. It is part of a larger initiative called VISION (for Visibility of Support Options), which is aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness through better logistics decision making in the Class IX (spare parts) arena. The need for a planning tool like VAS at the national level was highlighted during Operation Desert Shield when the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) asked the major subordinate commands of the Army Materiel Command to forecast equipment readiness rates for several key weapon systems and identify strategies for improving them. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate the ability of VAS to address questions such as those posed by the CSA. To demonstrate the prototype, the authors developed a scenario involving M1 tanks similar to the one that occurred during the buildup phase of Operation Desert Shield. In addition to the standard support concept, the authors evaluated three other strategies designed to improve tank availability: expedited requisitions, forward-deployed depot repair, and asset prioritization. The evaluation indicated that under the standard support concept the number of operational tanks would decline to unacceptably low levels and that each enhancement strategy improved things, albeit not always to the extent anticipated. Beyond demonstrating that the prototype could address logistical questions, the project illuminated some data and usability issues. A fair amount of the data needed by VAS resides in Army standard systems, but they are not always accessible. Other elements do not exist. Also, although VAS functions, it would require additional work to make it a helpful tool at the everyday working level. (8 figures, 20 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA428375
Entities
People
- Christopher L. Tsai
- Patricia M. Boren
- Robert S. Tripp
Organizations
- RAND Corporation