Condition Monitoring In UK Defence -The Challenges Ahead

摘要

Developments in the miniaturization of electronics, processing power and improved distributed communications are creating new possibilities for the health monitoring of military equipment. It is perceived that condition monitoring technology can support the reform of logistic processes, deliver savings and improve equipment availability. Targeting the technology intelligently is a demanding process though; there are many issues to consider. This paper places condition monitoring into perspective within wider reliability issues, discusses some potential problem areas and some of the additional benefits which successful exploitation of the technology can bring. The paper goes on to develop issues which the MOD must address, if it is to fully exploit growing capabilities. In particular, policy management, research objectives and IT support. The paper closes with a proposed simple requirements process for acquiring condition monitoring technology.