DRIVE (Distribution and Repair in Variable Environments)

This report describes the design and operation of a mechanism that was developed and demonstrated in prototype form at the Ogden Air Logistics Center (ALC). Called DRIVE (Distribution and Repair in Variable Environments), it is the kernel of an improved approach to managing the component repair workload at ALCs. Specifically, "snapshots" of the current worldwide asset position, coupled with specified aircraft availability goals at bases and item characteristics drawn from standard Air Force Logistics Command data systems, are used by a computer-based algorithm to prioritize component repairs and allocate the assets to locations worldwide in a way that maximizes the probability of achieving availability goals. This approach contrasts sharply with the current component repair system, in which component repairs are a matter of negotiation at the ALC, based on estimated repair requirements stated by the item manager and asset data that are six to nine months old at the time the repairs take place.