product lifecycle management
ESS provides system integration services to PM-CHIMS in the functional design, assembly, integration, turn-up, testing, documentation, configuration/life-cycle management, maintenance and transport packaging of IT/RT, CHATS, CI&IOPS and HDWS systems required to support the Counter Intelligence/Human Intelligence data and information collection effort for the US Army. These services include:
System level design to PM-CHIMS specifications utilizing commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware components
ESS works directly with PM-CHIMS (and through PM-CHIMS, the end users), to evaluate and test new technology to satisfy specific mission requirements. Such items as laptop computers, PDAs, digital cameras, printers and associated peripheral devices (USB Hubs, Nickel Metal Hydride battery cells, power converters and power protection units) are evaluated to ensure operability within specific environmental conditions, with pre-determined duration for maximum portability and mobility. System level designs are assembled into prototypes for first-article review and formal approval by the end user.
System Integration and High Volume Production of Approved Systems Designs
Once the proposed system design has been approved, system integration services are provided to satisfy PM-CHIMS needs using build-to-order production process. Inventory items are purchased in a just-in-time fashion which reduces carrying costs associated with a build-to-stock production methodology. Component items are received and inspected to ensure adherence to pre-determined standards before entering production to eliminate rework of work in process (WIP). All component items are labeled with a specific system serial number for the purposes of component tracking and traceability. Software drivers are installed for peripheral components (accessories) in order to provide systems that are ready for use upon arrival at their destination. Powered “A” cases, once assembled, are energized and nickel medal hydride battery cells are “trained” using a specified burn-in process to preserve and enhance battery longevity.
System Turn-up and Testing
Once the system is completely assembled, system level operational tests are performed and documented. Tests are conducted using step-by-step checklists to ensure full system operability prior to packaging and the results of these tests are retained for not less than three years.
Technical Manual Documentation Development
ESS is responsible for the development and maintenance of all technical documentation required to operate and maintain each approved system. User Guides (complete with illustrations and detailed step-by-step procedures) assist end users in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the system to the component level. Documentation is provided in both paper and electronic (Adobe Acrobat) format to satisfy various end user needs.
Configuration & Life-cycle Management
As COTS system components become obsolete, ESS researches and recommends replacement parts that both harness the benefit of new and improved technology while minimizing the impact to existing designs. Upon review and approval by the ESS Change Control Board (CCB), system modifications are implemented once approved by PM-CHIMS. ESS works closely with software developers to ensure newly proposed replacement components are seamlessly introduced into the existing design with minimal impact to operational requirements.
System Maintenance and Repair
ESS receives, evaluates and repairs faulty systems components for both in-warranty and out-of-warranty processing. Repairs are effected using a documented RMA process and metrics are retained and reviewed by the Quality Assurance Team to ensure continuous improvement in future system designs.
Transport Packaging
ESS works closely with transport case manufacturers to identify, test and propose suitable transport cases to prevent damage to system components in transit. Custom-designed transit cases are manufactured to ESS specifications for a professional packaging solution to satisfy end user requirements for transport mobility and safety in harsh environments. Complete systems are integrated into these custom-designed cases prior to shipping in order to ensure safe transport of components to their final destination and between numerous and varied theaters of operation.
© 2009. Engineering Systems Solutions.