Integrated logistics support (ILS): How and why

This paper defines the Integrated Logistics Support (I.L.S.) function and illustrates the application of a large company's resources in providing I.L.S. to a major defense program. Ancient and modern examples of I.L.S. are presented as is the concept of I.L.S. as an investment. The implementation of the defined functions — Reliability, Maintainability, Provisioning, and Maintenance Engineering are then considered as is their integration toward a common purpose system support. This I.L.S. is justified by consideration of the Life Cycle Cost elements.