Supply Chain Support to Naval Aviation Via the Weapon System Product Support Assessments (WSPSA)

Challenge

The US Navy and Marine Corps face an array of challenges to support aircraft operations. One of the more persistent challenges involves aircraft sustainment throughout their service lives. Sustainment includes supply support/logistics and comprises elements such as maintenance, manpower, training, and technical data—which the US Department of Defense collectively refers to as Product Support. Historically, Product Support stakeholders often view supply support issues (i.e., backorders) as indicative of a fractured supply chain. Unaware of this, activities often favor over-reliance on supply support without understanding the underlying issues impacting aircraft sustainment. This problem is often compounded as undetected Product Support gaps may linger for several years, unknown to the supply chain.  

Solution

Guidehouse created a solution that identifies root causes of performance gaps and orchestrates corrective action across the full spectrum of Product Support. Our Weapon System Product Support Assessment (WSPSA) methodology assesses the underlying causes of performance gaps that may reside outside of the supply chain. As users identify parts shortages, our team conducts a forensic analysis of business process flows across product support areas (e.g., supply, maintenance, engineering) and operations. In many cases, this may be followed by onsite reviews or virtual engagement. Our WSPSA methodology places special emphasis on maintenance and repair to assess underlying issues impacting the supply chain, such as accelerated mechanical/electrical failure, process deviation, design flaws, training deficiencies, and gaps in technical data. Our comprehensive understanding of the interface between component design, operations, repair, procurement, etc., allows us to deliver impactful solutions.

Impact

We improve readiness and affordability through the identification of root causes and the creation of corresponding solutions that:

• Extend aircraft component life
• Reduce aircraft component repair time
• Minimize supply chain disruptions
• Optimize wholesale and retail inventory levels
• Reduce sustainment costs

These efforts have produced verified improvements to aircraft readiness and Product Support efficiency.