Aerospace Product Support: Sustainment Throughout the Life Cycle
I.D. # C0945 Duration 2 Days

In today's aerospace industry, product life-cycles are often being extended far beyond a product's original design expectations. With fewer and fewer new aerospace products being introduced into the marketplace, there is a dramatic need for increased emphasis on supporting these products in the most efficient and effective manner possible throughout the entire product life-cycle. In addition to the initial product acquisition cost, customers are becoming more aware and sensitive to the product's total life-cycle cost. The long-term costs to operate, maintain, and otherwise sustain these products are often a determining factor in the initial product acquisition.

This two day seminar is intended to introduce participants to the various approaches, technologies, and tools available to support a product throughout the product's total life-cycle in the most efficient manner possible. Major topics presented and discussed during this seminar include The Elements of Logistics, Performance Based Logistics, Product Support Integration, and regulatory requirements. Collectively, the information presented in this seminar will equip attendees with the skills and techniques needed to help them comfortably and confidently develop the best tailored support package, satisfying the needs of both the customer and the provider.
Learning Objectives
By attending this seminar, you will be able to:
  • Identify and apply basic concepts of Product Support, including Contractor Logistics Support, Total System Performance Requirements, Performance-Based Logistics, and Primary Support Integration
  • Evaluate elements of cost associated with life-cycle support/sustainment opportunities
  • Compare and contrast the different approaches that may be taken to provide total life-cycle support in aerospace programs
  • Assess relative risks to both the provider and the customer in the various approaches
  • Determine how to best integrate sustainment activities within the OEM as well as after-market provider business plans
Who Should Attend
Technical professionals, as well as current and prospective Program/Project managers, Product Support Managers, and Sustainment Specialists will benefit by attending this seminar. This seminar will also be of value to individuals in other disciplines, including marketing and general management, that require an understanding of the concepts and strategies of effective life-cycle sustainment programs.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge or awareness of product support, logistic support, customer support, or sustainment will be beneficial but is not required.
Seminar Content
DAY ONE
  • Introduction to Aerospace Product Support
    • Developing the class definition of product support -- Attributes; Shared experiences
    • Setting expectations
  • Elements of Product Support Offerings
    • Characteristics of Product Support
    • Compare and Contrast -- Logistics Support; Product Support; Customer Support
    • "Bits and pieces" of product support
    • What constitutes success?
  • Support Integration
    • How Support Integration works
    • Primary Support Integrator -- How PSI works
    • Third-Party Logistics Provider -- Definition; How 3PL works
DAY TWO
  • Contractor Logistics Support
    • How CLS works
    • Customer and contractor roles
    • Constructing a CLS proposal -- Estimating costs
  • Performance-Based Logistics
    • How PBL works
    • Customer and contractor roles
    • Constructing a PBL proposal -- Estimating costs
  • Regulatory and Guidance Document Identification
    • Regulatory documents and reports
    • Development and use of metrics
    • Notification of problems and re-plans to stakeholders
  • Seminar Review and Open Dialog
Instructor(s): Drex Rutledge
Mr. Rutledge is an Aerospace Consultant with Integrity Engineering, Inc. where he works with several aerospace companies in the area of Product Support and Sustainment. His principal areas of expertise are in project management, technical information development and delivery, and proposal development activities. Most recently, his expertise in performance based logistics and international support applications have been sought out by several DFW area providers. Prior to joining Integrity Engineering, Inc, Mr. Rutledge was employed by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company as the Systems Engineering Director responsible for developing and delivering the technical information needed to operate and maintain all aircraft manufactured or supported by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics by all US and foreign operators.

Mr. Rutledge is a Certified Professional Manager, a Past Chairman of the Product Support Executive Board of Directors of the Aerospace Industries Association, a Past President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Dynamics Management Association, a member of the Air Force Association, and an Honorary Lifetime Member of the International Office and Professional Employees Industrial Union. He has served as the Industry Representative and co-chair of multiple Department of Defense and Industry project teams including the 2003 Logistics Transformation Initiative. He is the recipient of the 2006 Leonard Ross Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions in the field of Logistics. Mr. Rutledge has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management as well as a Master of Business Administration from LeTourneau University in Texas.

Fees: $1225 SAE Members*: $980 - $1103
* The appropriate SAE Member discount will be applied through the Registration process.  Discounts vary according to level of membership: Elite Member 20%; Premium Member 15%; Classic Member 10%
CEU 1.3