BOMBARDIER TURNED TO SIMULATION TO VALIDATE THE CF-18 MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

The Canadair Defence Systems Division (DSD) is responsible for making all major repairs and modifications on the Canadian fighter CF-18. Alt hough the work varies, DSD must establish a maintenance program each y ear that specifies estimated starting and ending dates for every maint enance project. It modifies this program constantly during the year be cause of discrepancies between planned and actual project duration. To improve the accuracy of its plan, DSD used simulation to assess the i nfluence of uncertainty on project delivery dates. Managers can now re ly on an accurate risk-analysis tool when making strategic decisions.