Improved aviation readiness and inventory reductions through repair cycle time reductions using modeling and simulation

摘要

This thesis research focuses on improved aviation readiness and reductions in pipeline inventory investment through repair Turn Around Time reductions related to the component repair processes internal to the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP). Specific emphasis was given to the repair flow of a specific component from induction into the Depot for repair to the ultimate availability for sale to customers in a ready-for-issue status. The research models the current NADEP repair process flow and simulates enhancements to the process flow. These enhancements identify savings of over $52,000 in repair pipeline inventory investment for the candidate item. Our model and associated simulations provide NADEP with graphical and quantitative feedback which demonstrates the impact of process flow enhancements on repair Turn Around Time and Work in Process inventory efficiency.