Large capital systems, particularly military hardware, are expected to last many years longer than the refresh cycle of their component technologies. Weapons systems will be fielded containing relatively obsolescent components, perhaps even before initial deployment. The question is, to what extent should obsolescence be allowed to impact mission requirements, and how can obsolescence costs best be mitigated? In today's cost estimating models, obsolescence is not even directly accounted for, despite its impact. As the pace of technological change quickens and technologies obsolesce more rapidly, the need to plan for and mitigate its effects will grow. Galorath will develop a complete obsolescence planning system and fully integrate this into its SEER-H hardware cost prediction tool. This will enable seamless integration of obsolescence awareness and planning with a complete development, production, operations and support cost analysis tool. SEER-H is among the most widely used, commercially available hardware costing solutions. The addition of obsolescence planning would translate into instant customer success and leverage DoD goals as an already large and growing user base gains access to it. These users are largely Defense contractors who would thus be able to engage in more sophisticated obsolescence planning for Government systems.
Keywords: MAINTENANCE, OBSOLESCENCE, LIFECYCLE COST, OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT
