Prognostics framework software design tool

The U.S. Army logistics integration agency has funded (1998-2000) the advanced technology office (ATO), the U.S. Army test, measurement, diagnostic equipment activity (USATA), the U.S. Army AMCOM, to develop a "Prognostics framework". This is a generic software developmental tool set, open architecture capability to integrate various prognostic mechanisms, and to provide operational and logistic decision-making information. The Prognostics framework is a horizontal technology and is tailorable to apply to new and existing systems. This approach saves time and money. It is the fastest to converge on Prognostics capabilities into manageable information for the system operators, the maintenance crew, and logistics planners across systems. The prognostic framework, a system-level prognostic manager, ties-in to logistics infrastructure (e.g.: IETM, logistics planning, mission planning, statistical tools, spare parts provisioning...). Prognostics Framework is integrated with diagnostics to provide a total Health Management Capability. This paper provides Prognostics framework architecture, design approach, and interfaces capabilities.