The constraint-based scheduling for work orders tool for work orders is expected to be designed to effectively plan, release and execute work on the shop floor while working around constrained resources, said IFS.
Constraints are dealt with through synchronization of tasks, having the correct tools in place, releasing work only when spare parts are accessible and ensuring that the necessary skills are available as needed, according to the company. The functionality is expected to allow companies to predict how project changes will affect the date when a unit will be released back to service.
The tool can also help with lean maintenance, repair and overhaul programs, added IFS. These initiatives are often point initiatives, achieving optimization in only one area of operation. IFS claims that its constraint-based scheduling for work orders, however, focuses on the entire value stream.
Alastair Sorbie, CEO of IFS, said: Currently, many defense organizations are outsourcing maintenance and modification programs to the industry on availability and capability contracts. The industry has a lot to gain by improving the turnaround times by introducing more sophisticated planning. This focused product development is aimed at supporting one of our global strategies targeted towards the performance-based logistics market, typically where we supply logistics solutions when payments for repairs and services are dependent on how well the repair shops perform in terms of waiting times.