Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) for Afloat Information Technology (IT) and Network Services
Navy SBIR FY2007.1

Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2007.1
Topic No.: N07-108
Topic Title: Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) for Afloat Information Technology (IT) and Network Services
Proposal No.: N071-108-1167
Firm: Beacon Interactive Systems
30 Spinelli Place
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
Contact: ML Mackey
Phone: (617) 453-5503
Web Site: www.beaconinteractive.com
Abstract: goes hereBeacon's approach to Topic N07-108 is aimed at providing not only prognostication and prescription, but the ability to act upon that information. As we explore the needs of afloat IT Systems, our focus will not center on new algorithms or system models. Because of the intense marketplace competition currently going on to provide network and system support at the BIT/BITE level, we do not believe our time would be well spent competing in that market space. Instead, we are interested in exploring how the results of these stand-alone prognostic and diagnostic solutions can be leveraged into a single and coherent support capability for an entire ship. There is a need for tools that automate and make efficient the use of this data to create a distributed diagnostics capability. The challenge in managing an environment such as this is the plethora of components utilizing different protocols, operating systems, hardware components and software protocols which are providing a wide range of services. Additionally, fault in one area can have a cascading affect and the ability to correct this type of degradation is difficult. Ultimately, our goal is to create a support system that seamlessly creates an interconnected grid of collaborative operations.
Benefits: Our vision for this Topic, and the creation of a Predictive and Automated Maintenance System (PAMS), is to leverage our Navy experience and technology development in the area of HM&E Condition Based Maintenance and use it to support IT Systems & Networks. By utilizing proven approaches to sensor data collection, analysis and usage, we will be able to create an innovative solution. Our goal is to increase system reliability because of the cost of downtime and the need for asset availability. We envision a contextual and completely integrated automated PAMS which is working to maintain the integrity of the maintenance process from beginning to end and allows users, either ship- or shore-based, to monitor the situation in real time. In planning this work, not only is the need of the ship analyzed, but also the cost and tradeoffs of what is performed and where it is to be done is analyzed. This tool, by combining data and information from a variety of systems, will work throughout the lifecycle of support in order to accurately determine best approaches and actions. This will include existing equipment as well as new and planned systems or sub systems in conjunction with the Technology Refresh function. The support provided within the system will be based upon the context of the moment and includes a real-time understanding of system availability, the specific details of a required maintenance procedure. The technology will support OSD "Operational Sense and Respond Logistics" which seeks 1) the elimination of logistics data stovepiping (i.e.: not connecting with other data sources) within and across services and agencies; 2) the reduction of operational risk/pause due to logistics and; 3) the rapid sustainment of forces to support speed of command and quality of effects. The impact of degradation of the computing capability of a ship kicks off a complex set of actions which we must be able to support. We believe that the creation of a Predictive & Automated Maintenance System for IT Systems & Networks will meet an immense need. We also believe that this Topic, combined with SBIR technology that we are already developing, will create a very powerful set of products that will have wide applicability in many different markets where there is a concentration of IT assets that require extensive upkeep, maintenance and equipment replacement.

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