ISL_MRO – database for monitoring equipment reliability and life cycle
Monitoring the life cycle during the ongoing rearmament of the Czech Armed Forces
The armed forces are currently in the preparatory phase of an extensive rearmament process. New acquisitions are made through public tenders and include both tactical and operational requirements as well as operational reliability requirements. In the area of maintenance, greater emphasis is placed on preventive procedures, and monitoring the life cycle of equipment, including the associated costs, is playing an increasingly important role.
The development of computer technology and the implementation of logistics information systems made it possible to process large volumes of data efficiently as early as the second half of the 20th century. In several previous articles, I have discussed the Information System for Logistics (ISL), which contains a significant amount of structured data. However, it is up to today’s specialists to be able to use this data to manage the operational reliability of equipment. Although the current version of the ISL has extensive data at its disposal, advanced analytical functions are not yet embedded in it – mainly because the client did not request their implementation and gave priority to asset management.
Recording of operational data on operation and maintenance
In the context of today’s emphasis on life cycle monitoring, it is important to note that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces already have a unique database of MRO data. Operational data is recorded by the various levels of logistics, from battalions to workshops and repair facilities.
The database also contains comparative metrics for operations and maintenance management, from planning and recording measured indicators to evaluating them against set limits. These metrics – managed at the strategic level in the ”standards, norms, and procedures” module – represent in practice the limits and conditions for the operation of equipment, for preventive or predictive maintenance, and also for implementation procedures. Essentially, these are outputs corresponding to the LSA logic according to S3000L.
Completeness and reliability of data – the basis for objective management
Continuously recorded data – based on the S5000F standard – make it possible to assess whether the equipment meets the parameters specified in the contractual and tactical-technical requirements. If the values are outside the defined tolerances, it is necessary to have available accurate and auditable data that can also be used in the complaint process.
It is also necessary to be able to assess the impact of changes in recommended maintenance procedures, the use of other operating fluids, or interventions in service intervals. Analysis of these changes can significantly affect the overall life cycle costs.
It is also important for the operator to have its own data. In practice, suppliers often seek to obtain operational data for their internal research and analysis. If the operator did not have this data, they would be in a significantly weaker position when resolving any discrepancies. One solution is for the strategic level – as the owner of the data in ISL_MRO – to share this data according to clearly defined rules with both the manufacturer and internal specialist departments. Experience shows that many complaints originate from non-compliance with operational and technological conditions. In order for corrective measures to be taken, the operator must not only have the data, but also understand it.
ISL as a comprehensive logistics management tool
ISL is a comprehensive information system, whose important partner is the FIS economic information system. Together, they form the basis for calculating the total cost of equipment over its life cycle and over time.
ISL also has a robust database of materiál and spare parts stocks, broken down by purpose, location, and other parameters. This data supports key processes in the areas of supply, spare parts management, resource planning, mission preparation, and supplier management – all in accordance with S2000M standards. Material identification is standardized in accordance with ACodP-1. From my own experience, I can confirm that there are not many logistics
information systems that are integrated in this way.
In 2025, the media reported about a planned increase in funding for the armed forces. However, the real economic situation suggests that increasing the efficiency of spending will be particularly important. The advantage of ISL is that it already provides extensive data that can be further used for life cycle management. Expanding the database or adding new data elements does not pose a significant problem for the system.
Users at the tactical and operational levels are familiar with it and use it extensively. Training is provided both by our own instructors and with the support of the supplier, which ensures consistency of processes and data flows across management levels. From the above, it is clear that ISL has the potential to fully support the implementation of S-series (Sx000) standards and is in line with the internal regulations of the Ministry of Defence and the Czech Armed Forces for asset management, operation, and maintenance of equipment.
The current supplier is prepared to cooperate on the addition of add-on modules for the management of the reliability of weapons and equipment and for the management of their life cycle.
Source: Review for Defence and Security Industry 4/2025