Determining the Optimized Distribution Fielding Plan for Next Generation Automatic Test Systems

摘要

Due to a lack of regulation regarding United States Army Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), the number and variety of these ATEs has proliferated to the point that supporting the many varieties of non-standard ATE has become extremely burdensome. Additionally, the inventory of ATE is aging, causing supportability and performance problems. In order to combat these issues, the Next Generation Automatic Test System (NGATS) was developed. There are currently 28 NGATS projected for fielding to the various Army Depots and ATE-Test Program Set (TPS) Centers located throughout the United States by fiscal year 2019. The authors developed an optimization model to best determine a distribution fielding plan that maximizes the efficient use of these machines. The model utilized Multi-Objective Decision Analysis (MODA) principles to capture competing priorities for the equipment. The resultant fielding plan will help the Army distribute the NGATS in a way that minimizes costs to the Army and maximizes productivity.