The OATMEAL Model - Optimum Allocation of Test Equipment/Manpower Evaluated against Logistics

Currently, sophisticated multi-echelon models compute stockage quantities for spares and a repair parts which will minimize total inventory investment while achieving a target level of operational availability. The maintenance policies to be followed are input to the stockage models. The Optimum Allocation of Test EquipmentManpower Evaluated Against Logistics OATMEAL model will determine optimum maintenance as well as stockage policies. Specifically, it will determine at which echelon each maintenance function will be performed, including an option for component throwaway. Test equipment requirements to handle workload at each echelon are simultaneously optimized. The costs minimized include those which depend on the range, number and placement of test equipments, those which depend on whether repair is done and where it is performed, and those which depend on the range and dollar value of repair parts and assemblies stocked at each echelon. The model calculates inventory levels and maintenance policies which will achieve the operational availability target input by the user. It will not choose maintenance policies that preclude achievement of the target. Real life test cases are included which investigate the efficacy of the MIPMixed Integer Program module of the model. Author