Computer modeling of maintenance policy change in defence

Most assets that allow businesses and government to deliver required services have long term operational and maintenance lifecycles. Through life, these assets undergo changes in maintenance policy due to acquired maintenance data, advances in technology changing financial and contractual conditions. This paper explores the application of computer modelling techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of existing and alternative maintenance solutions before significant resources are committed to changing system operation and maintenance practice. It presents a modelling approach in which the performance of an existing in-service maintenance system may be compared using alternate maintenance policies through analysis of model outcomes. The Collins Class Submarine maintenance system is described along with some alternative maintenance options. Suitable criteria for measuring maintenance performance are defined and corresponding stochastic models, underlying assumptions and modelling results are presented.