Enigma's logistics and support application to improve maintenance efficiency in the field by integrating diagnostics, service and repair
Burlington, MA — October 14, 2004 — Aftermarket service and support technology provider Enigma Inc. today announced that the United States Army has selected the Enigma 3C Platform for its Tactical Logistics Data Digitization Project (TLDD). Once deployed, according to Enigma, the integrated logistics solution will provide soldiers with diagnostic, service and repair information to support weapon systems while in the field.
With an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (Class V IETM) at the core, Enigma said the solution delivers a Web-based product encyclopedia of maintenance and repair information for a unit's combat vehicles, which helps soldiers keep equipment operating at peak performance. The new system, which integrates and is compliant with Army standards, will be field tested later this year as part of the Stryker Brigade Proof of Enablers (POE) demonstration
Enigma's 3C Platform will be field tested first on the Stryker, a 19-ton, eight-wheeled, medium-weight armored combat vehicle that bridges the gap between the Army's light and heavy forces, and then on the HUMVEE, HEMTT and FMTV vehicles.
While deployed to the field, these complex weapon platforms need ongoing service and support; however, trained maintenance personnel are not always readily available. As a result, combat soldiers need to be able to maintain their equipment quickly and effectively on their own, even though they are not fully trained on service procedures. On each Stryker, Enigma said the solution will tie together the maintenance, parts and service information from more than 50 different technical manuals, but will only present information that is relevant to the specific vehicle and the specific problem. This gives the crew a complete view of the required troubleshooting, maintenance and repair tasks that need to be performed, with instructions formatted according to a soldier's level of proficiency.
The US Army said it is unifying its disparate information systems with Enigma's 3C Platform. The system will automatically diagnose fault codes from each vehicle's on-board computer and immediately deliver repair instructions and parts information to the crew. Via the battlefield wireless network, the same information can be up linked to the Army's Unit Level Logistics Systems (ULLS) for checking parts availability, automated part requisitions, storing vehicle faults and scheduling higher-level maintenance.
Additionally, the Enigma-based system can report fault codes back to the Army's equipment inspection and maintenance program to allow prognostic analysis and for suggested preventative maintenance and services that can potentially extend the life of each vehicle.
As a result of the advanced technology on Army vehicles and the ability of the platform to integrate with the Army's back office systems, more maintenance can be performed in the field reducing the workload in the depot, according to Enigma. By linking logistics and supply chain management (SCM) to the weapon system the mis-order rate for parts, which costs the Army over $80 million per year, can be reduced. And the increased efficiencies will help the Army achieve its goal of reducing the number of mechanics by 66 percent. Enigma said its integrated logistics solution will help the Army increase equipment uptime and readiness, reduce the logistics footprint and improve field maintenance.
"With TLDD, the Army is leading the way in transforming equipment maintenance on the battlefield," said Jonathan Yaron, CEO of Enigma. "For the first time, the Army will be able to deliver critical maintenance information in real-time, providing soldiers with the tools they need to keep advanced weapons systems in action and off the sidelines."
