Introduction: In the increasingly complex world of defense and aerospace industries, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of military systems can be a critical piece of contract delivery. The diminishing availability of manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS) can present significant challenges to any program. DMSMS management plays a pivotal role in overcoming these obstacles and maintaining the operational readiness of vital defense systems. Here we will introduce the basics of DMSMS impacts, and explore some effective strategies to tackle this ever-evolving challenge.
Understanding DMSMS: Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages, or DMSMS, refers to the diminishing availability of critical components, materials, and technologies required for sustaining military systems throughout their operational lifetimes. This situation arises from a multitude of factors, including obsolescence, technological advancements, supplier consolidation, production discontinuations, regulatory changes, and geopolitical issues. DMSMS is not a task, but a process that must be relentlessly worked for the entire life of the program.
Impacts on Defense Systems: DMSMS can have far-reaching consequences on defense systems, affecting their operational readiness, maintenance costs, and overall effectiveness. When critical components become unavailable, repairs and upgrades become challenging, resulting in extended downtime and reduced system availability. This could negatively impact mission readiness and may compromise the effectiveness of military operations. No one wants to frantically search eBay in hopes that a “gently used” critical part will get your system back up and running.
Strategies for Effective DMSMS Management:
Proactive Planning: Early identification and anticipation of potential DMSMS risks are essential. Conduct thorough market research, engage in technology forecasting, and talk to your suppliers to gather information about component lifecycles and potential obsolescence issues.
Supply Chain Collaboration: The key here is robust collaboration and communication between government agencies, industry partners, and suppliers. Establish and maintain communication channels for sharing information related to obsolescence risks, alternative sources, and emerging technologies. Collaborative efforts enable the proactive identification of potential solutions and promote a more efficient response to DMSMS challenges. Parts do wear out and break. Effective and early communication with the entire team will only give you more options to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
Design for Diminishment (DfD): Implementing DfD principles involves designing systems with a keen awareness of potential DMSMS issues from the outset. Do the research, ask questions, and embrace a flexible approach. Select components that have longer lifecycles, embrace standardization, and incorporate flexible architectures that can accommodate future technology refresh initiatives.
Technology Refresh Initiatives: Proactively plan to refresh outdated technologies to mitigate the impact of obsolescence. By staying abreast of technological advancements and integrating modern, latest-generation components, you get not only better performance, but reliability, and maintainability while reducing dependence on obsolete parts.
Supplier Management: Establish robust relationships with suppliers and monitor their financial stability, production capabilities, and willingness to support sustainment efforts over the long term. Do your homework. Carefully match supplier capabilities with the project specifications. Engaging in strategic partnerships and fostering healthy competition among suppliers can help mitigate risks associated with DMSMS.
Obsolescence Management Plans: Develop comprehensive obsolescence management plans that outline strategies for identifying, assessing, and addressing DMSMS challenges. We all learned that supply chains can be adversely affected by events beyond our control. Plans should include provisions for technology forecasting, lifetime buys, redesign efforts, stockpiling critical components, and evaluating alternative sourcing options.
Conclusion: In the dynamic landscape of defense and aerospace industries, DMSMS management plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainment and effectiveness of military systems. By adopting proactive strategies such as proactive planning, collaborative supply chain management, DfD principles, technology refresh initiatives, and robust supplier management, organizations can mitigate the impact of DMSMS. Embracing these approaches enables stakeholders to navigate the complexities of DMSMS, minimize risks, and ensure the readiness and availability of critical defense systems.
Want more information? Here is a link to SD-22, DMSMS: A Guidebook of Best Practices and Tools for Implementing a DMSMS Management
Find additional resources here from DAU
Melken Blog 