After exhaustive testing, Electronic Maintenance Requirements Determination (eMRD), a software application that provides the ability to create or manage an existing Logistic Support Analysis Record (LSAR) and Weapon System Database (WSDB) has now been approved for use on the Defence Protected Network (DPN). Logistic Engineering Services (LES), the developer of the software, has entered into a long term contract with Defence for the supply of eMRD software licences and its on-going support.

Since 2011, eMRD has been used by a number of SPO and Agencies as a stand-alone application. They have largely made this decision based upon perceived savings and efficiency gains over the then available corporate software. Many of these gains have been realised with feedback indicating efficiency gains of up to 75% over other processes and reduction in man hours to complete work. The contract facilitates the aggregation of the stand-alone licences onto the DPN and will be deployed in early September 2017. The contract also allows for additional licences to be added for future projects, Defence System Program Offices (SPO) and Agencies.

With the approval of the software on the DPN this closes the gap between Defence and Defence Industry in the overall utilisation of the software. Now Defence Industry can be assured that when using eMRD, as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Airbus and others currently do, Defence has the capability to use the same software thereby removing compatibility issues when delivering LSAR as part of contractual requirements. A win win for all.

eMRD was developed by LES to simplify the ADF Maintenance Requirements Determination (MRD) process. eMRD was built by analysts for analysts by ex-Defence technicians and MRD analysts who understand the day to day requirements of performing the MRD process.

eMRD provides the ability to create or manage an existing Logistic Support Analysis Record (LSAR) and Weapon System Database (WSDB). The work processes of eMRD meet the requirements of the MRD Manual (AAP 7001.038) and is fully compliant with the data exchange requirements of MIL-STD-1388-2B and DEF(AUST)5692 Issue 2. eMRD has functionality to produce all Australian Defence and DEF(AUST)5692 mandated Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness (TMP and PSS), including standard ADF reports and additional eMRD specific reports that are essential for data validation and the management of the LSAR.

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) for eMRD is intuitive and efficient, allowing users to be more productive and to focus on the task at hand. A key feature of eMRD is its ability to view an LCN/ALC by its Physical and Functional structure while simultaneously viewing its associated LSA configuration and data elements.

The initial application was used by LES to undertake the maintenance review of the DHC-4 Caribou aircraft against an aggressive schedule. Since then, eMRD has been used by LES and its customers to develop, maintain or conduct detailed analysis including, Some of the major programs include:

• Land 121 Phase 4 Hawkei
• Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD)
• Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS)
• F/A-18F Super Hornet
• F/A-18A Classic Hornet
• MH60-R (Romeo) Helicopter
• C27-J Spartan
• C130J Hercules
• PA-8 Poseidon
• ARH Tiger
• MRH Taipan
• PC-9 Trainer
• AIR5431 Phase 2 FDATCSS

When eMRD is used in conjunction with eLSA, the eMRD/eLSA suite is compliant with DEF(AUST)5692 Issue 2. The suite can be used for both the Acquisition and Through-Life Support phases of ADF materiel management. The eMRD/eLSA suite also provides LSA reports and ADAASS Project Dataset functionality.

For further information on eMRD, eLSA and other LES software products, please contact LES on (03)8698 6400 or

LES recently attended the 2017 Aircraft Airworthiness and Sustainment (Australia) Conference in Brisbane (19-21 July). The conference ran over three days, comprising 22 presentations and 3 discussion panels, focusing on all aspects of Airworthiness, Sustainment and the management of Ageing Aircraft in Australia.

Highlights from the discussion and presentations were the panel on ADF Sustainment Management Reform, updates on the Defence Aviation Safety Regulations (DASR) and F-35 Airworthiness and Sustainment in the ADF from CASG.

LES looks forward to attending the AASC again in 2018. For more information, please visit http://www.ageingaircraft.com.au.

LES is pleased to announce the successful re-certification of our Business Management System on April 13th 2017 to the new ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Standard. This also marks 15 years of continuous ISO 9001 certification from our initial 9001:2000 and subsequent 9001:2008 accreditations.

ISO 9001:2015 certification requires that a company meets and maintains certain standards and requirements for its ongoing operation, and:

1. practices evidence-based decision making;
2. addresses risks and opportunities in a systematic manner; and
3. ensures that quality policy and quality objectives are established for the Quality Management System that are compatible with the context and strategic direction of the company.

Meeting these standards not only demonstrates LES’ commitment to the provision of high quality deliverables and support services to its customers, but also our drive to continually improve our business processes.

LES’ assessment and certification was performed by SAI Global.

LES is preparing to release Version 4.0.0 of eMRD and Version 4.0.0 of eMRDCompanion around end of March 2017 - early April 2017.

Versions 4.0.0 of eLORA and eLSA will be released later in the year.

This major version release brings with it some major updates and you can find out more about these changes here in the LES Software Blog.

The LES eMRD software tool was originally built to enable LES to conduct MRD activities in an efficient and cost effective manner, its ease of use and compliance with MIL-STD-1388-2B and DEF(AUST)5692 have led to eMRD and its associated eLSA and eLORA tools being accepted for use by a number Systems Program Office (SPO) for the management of Air, Land and Sea weapon systems. LES is currently working with Commonwealth and supporting industry Subject Matter Experts (SME) to expand the capability of DEF(AUST)5692 to support current and future Australian Defence Force (ADF) requirements.

In addition to the software tools, LES provides trained personnel to complement SPO activities both on an ad-hoc basis or to provide surge capacity during busy periods or staff shortages. LES also offers trained personnel as a permanent solution, either at the customer’s site or as external support from the LES Melbourne office. Utilising trained LES personnel offers increased productivity by reducing non productive time and training overheads for new SPO personnel, additionally should the need arise all LES personnel are supported by reach back access to various SME within LES.