YR Software Program: Computing Yearly Production Costs of Common Components in Multi-Item Ammunition Systems

摘要

The YR Computer Program was developed to improve response time for preparing unit cost estimates for multiyear buys of the 120-mm ammunition used in the M1E1 tank. Prior to the development of this program, the yearly unit cost of each component common to two or more rounds and subject to a learning curve was calculated separately. In addition, a separate learning curve was used for each vendor. The unit costs, thus obtained, were combined with other cost data to obtain the yearly total and unit cost for each round. Written in the Hewlett-Packard Basic language, the YR program combines the input cost data and prints out yearly cost estimates in one-fifth of the time previously required. The program also escalated the estimates to then year and constant year dollars. The program avoids introduction of errors by eliminating the necessity for manual transfer of data from one set of calculations to another. It also provides a printout of input data for review and correction before continuing with the calculations. Instructions for using the program are given; a flow chart is contained in appendix A.