Support Strategy refers to a comprehensive plan and approach (including Performance Based Logistics (PBL)) that must be taken to provide effective and efficient support to a product, system or equipment throughout its lifecycle. It includes elements such as identifying support needs, allocating resources, and establishing support processes, and aims to ensure the availability and sustainability of the supported item with optimum performance and cost.
Performance Based Logistics (PBL) is a specific approach of support strategy that focuses on achieving desired performance targets through agreements and contracts based on performance metrics. This approach aims to increase performance metrics, incentive performance targets, and collaboration between the customer and the support provider.
Key elements of the Support Strategy, may include:
1. Analysis of Support Requirements: Evaluating and analyzing the support needs of the supported system or product includes availability, reliability, maintainability, and other supportability factors. Factors such as the operational environment, expected usage, life cycle costs and performance targets are considered.
2. Support System Design: Designing a support system that is compatible with the specific requirements of the supported item. It aims to meet support goals by determining an optimal balance between organic support capabilities (e.g. own maintenance teams) and external support resources (e.g. suppliers, OEM).
3. Logistics Support Plan: Creating a comprehensive logistics support plan that includes the specific support activities, resources and processes required for the maintenance of the supported system or product. It defines logistics support elements such as logistics support management, maintenance, supply support, technical documentation, training and obsolescence management.
4. Performance Metrics and Goals: Setting performance metrics and goals to measure and monitor the performance of the supported item and the effectiveness of support activities. It provides accountability and continuous improvement by defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and service agreements.
5. Performance-Based Agreements/Contracts: Executing performance-based agreements or contracts with support providers and establishing a relationship where payment and incentives are dependent on the success of defined performance outcomes. It provides incentives for the provider to meet or exceed performance targets and encourages a collaborative approach.
6. Data Collection and Analysis: Implement systems and processes to collect and analyze data on support performance and activities. It involves the use of technologies such as condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data analytics, and is used to optimize support processes, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.
7. Continuous Improvement: Establishing a framework for regular evaluation of the support strategy, monitoring of performance, collecting feedback, and implementing necessary corrective measures and improvements. This ensures that the support strategy remains effective and open to improvement.
A clear Support Strategy helps optimize support capabilities, improve system performance, reduce lifecycle costs, and maximize availability and reliability throughout the operational life of the supported item.