Technology Insertion in Health and Usage Monitoring Systems: An Integrator’s Perspective

The Joint Advanced Health and Usage Monitoring System (JAHUMS) is a DoD-sponsored initiative to demonstrate advanced HUMS technologies and an open systems approach to HUMS deployment. The JAHUMS program is currently developing five technology modules to be integrated into the Navy/BFGoodrich Integrated Mechanical Diagnostics (IMD) HUMS for the SH-60 aircraft. These technology modules, from multiple suppliers, will provide new functionality and/or new technology to the HUMS. The open systems technology insertion process involves both business and technical practices. The business issues involve the clear definition of roles, responsibilities, liabilities, and compensation throughout the HUMS life cycle. The technical issues affect the way that system engineering, component development, and system integration must be performed. Open standards will facilitate the design of system components by multiple sources, but successful integration of the system requires a thorough up-front systems engineering effort, a well-defined integration and verification process, and life-cycle support to assure that the system is adequately integrated into the end-users’ systems and processes. Development of open architectures and standards is itself a significant process that warrants a systematic approach to assure that the open system objectives of all stakeholders are satisfied.