Case Studies
Oshkosh — HIMARS
Oshkosh — LVSR
Oshkosh — FHTV
Harris — 52 Mod
Army — Red River Army Depot
Army — NextGen EMS
Army — EMS-2
Mobilized Systems, Inc.
Case Study — Harris, 52 Mod
During 1998, O'Neil was awarded a multimillion-dollar subcontract with Harris Corporation. O'Neil was tasked with developing a Class 5 IETM for the AN/GSC-52 Modernization Program (Heavy Satellite Earth Terminals). This IETM was to be installed from a CD-ROM IETM and produced using a nonproprietary Internet Explorer browser placed under Visual Basic control.
The IETM operates in a stand-alone mode or networked with the system's computer console. The satellite systems are extensively equipped with BIT/BITE comprising 1760 pathways/alarms which report down to a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). To create the best possible diagnostics and fault isolation environment, the IETM is developed such that the computer console operator or maintainer can jump directly to the trouble track to resolve a fault code from the computer console or its fault-reporting environment. The IETM is also linked to and functions as the Help system for the computer console.
The IETM navigation is intuitively based on Windows conventions with the look and feel of Internet Explorer but customized to the exact requirements designed for the U.S. Army CECOM. It Includes:
- Targeted searching capability to optimize search performance while minimizing the need for users to understand Boolean logic.
- A schematic viewing application that allows zooming, panning, and magnification of complex graphics.
- Index number callouts in the parts manual that are hot linked to a parts database that has been extracted from a parts data file. Moving the pointer over a callout retrieves information regarding that part or a system relationship menu that can display a table of information for the figure, next higher assembly, or up to the system level.
- A comprehensive periodic inspection and maintenance database provides hyperlinked navigation directly to parts figures or maintenance procedures.
- Any nonstandard technician tools and related comment information are also hyperlinked to the periodic inspection and maintenance information. The periodic inspection and maintenance data structure provides the navigational link between the narrative/diagnostics information and corresponding parts figures.
- An IETM integral Help and "How to Use" training information.
- Electronic error-reporting forms.
- A print utility allowing on-demand printing of maintenance narrative and supporting graphics to entire maintenance narrative selections from the Table of Contents as well as simple screen captures. The print utility also provides a message to the user of the number of pages selected that will be generated prior to sending it to the printer.
This SGML-based IETM is developed using the MIL-STD-40051 Document Type Definition (DTD). Our implementation of this DTD has been provided with most recent U.S. Army CECOM solicitations. Currently, this IETM is considered the standard to which current and future requirements are to be based. The IETM underwent a comprehensive review for compliance with the Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) and DII-COE, and it was found to be in compliance.
This IETM replaces more than 20 paper manuals (approximately 30,000 pages). Two-thirds of these pages were converted from diverse legacy data formats to SGML with the remaining one-third newly authored to support the enhancements resulting from the modernization. Each AN/GSC-52 terminal installation is slightly different. To date, 10 different configurations are covered by the IETM, with the most recent configuration being added for the Ground-Based Mid-Course Defense (GMD) system. The IETM, by virtue of its underlying SGML structure, is able to sense from the computer console the exact configuration of the unit it is connected to and filter the content as appropriate.
Additional support for the program included the development of a 120-hour instructor's class at Ft. Gordon, GA. To date, O'Neil has three teams of instructors to conduct New Equipment Training (NET) classes worldwide which started in 1998 and are planned to continue through 2007 as the terminals are upgraded. To support the classroom training and for sustaining/refresher training, O'Neil created a 40-hour Computer-Based Interactive Training (CBIT) program. The CBIT covers the terminal operation and maintenance. It is linked to and interacts with the IETM and has an associated learning management system to record user performance.
In addition to the training, O'Neil also provided support for the depot maintenance by developing a technical manual that covers the setup/teardown and depot-level repair of the AN/GSC-52 satellite terminals and antenna.
In May 2002, representatives from the U.S. Army CECOM visited our facility to present O'Neil with a commendation plaque and commander coins recognizing the quality and importance of the IETM.