Automated Repair Service Bureau: Economic evaluation

Throughout the conception, development, and deployment of the Automated Repair Service Bureau (ARSB) systems, economic studies have played a continuing and important role. Prior to the development of ARSB, economic studies quantified the potential costs and benefits, leading to the funding of the ARSB project. Throughout the ARSB development phase, the economic studies were refined and used to influence system features. Several field trial evaluations were conducted in Bell Operating Companies (BOCS) to verify the economic models and to refine operational procedures. Prior to system availability, economic planning guides for Loop Maintenance Operations System (LMOS) and Mechanized Loop Testing (MLT) were generated to assist the BOCS in planning for the implementation of ARSB. This article describes the purposes, methods, and results of each of these economic activities. Currently, approximately 75 percent of the Bell System lines are served by LMOS and 50 percent by MLT. Significant reductions in repair expenses, as well as flexibility in the organization of maintenance centers, have been achieved as a result of ARSB development.