ARINC Pushes for More Focused Processes to Fight Obsolescence and Counterfeit Parts

Annapolis, Maryland—Program managers and sustainment teams who support aging aircraft need to adopt more focused processes and proactive methods to combat supply problems now threatening the readiness of aging systems, according to industry obsolescence specialists at ARINC Engineering Services, LLC.

ARINC will present a range of information sessions and training activities related to DMSMS (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Materials Shortages) this month at Aging Aircraft 2008, the Joint NASA/FAA/DOD Conference on Aging Aircraft, April 21-24 at the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ.

Charles Marshall, ARINC’s DMSMS Program Manager, will present “Developing a Bill of Materials When There Isn’t One Available,” Tuesday, April 22, from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m., as part of the DMSMS Obsolescence-Management Tools session chaired by the Defense Standardization Program Office. Incomplete bills of materials are ranked among the most common problems that prevent obsolescence management programs from working effectively.

“This paper will show program managers how they can build a valid Bill of Materials for their systems, even if they have to start from zero,” states Marshall. “A correct BOM is the first and most important step toward getting the maximum benefit from any sustainment or DMSMS program.” Mr. Marshall will also conduct “DMSMS for Technical Professionals,” Monday, April 21, from 8:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m.  On Thursday, April 24, he will co-chair the session “DMSMS Obsolescence—Rapid Re-Engineering & Agile Manufacturing,” with Mr. Vinh Phan of NAVAIR from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Walter Tomczykowski, Director of ARINC’s Life Cycle Management Department will present “How DMSMS, RoHS, and Counterfeiting Impact Aging Aircraft,” at the DMSMS Obsolescence–Counterfeit Components Session Wednesday, April 23, 10 a.m.  Focus will be taking BOMs a step farther to make sure data are correct and not falsified.

“Counterfeit parts or falsified certificates of conformance threaten to disrupt today’s DoD supply chains and procurement in costly and unpredictable ways. In addition, new RoHS regulations are making procurement of old stock parts and identical replacements more difficult than ever,” says Tomczykowski. “It’s an uphill battle for weapons sustainment teams, and they need access to all the processes and information they can get.”

ARINC Engineering Services is a recognized leader in the development of programs to mitigate obsolescence affecting aging military, aviation, and transportation systems. Marshall and Tomczykowski are frequent lecturers on advanced sustainment strategies and have spoken at most major defense and industry events.

The tri-service sponsored Aging Aircraft Conference is the premier conference on leading-edge technology and research on aging military and commercial aircraft. The conference draws top researchers in the field of aging aircraft, and attracts a growing attendance annually. For more information, visit www.agingaircraft.utcdayton.com.

ARINC Incorporated, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government customers worldwide. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland with regional offices in London and Singapore, ARINC is ISO 9001:2000 certified. 

Release: 08-38

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