Performance based logistics (PBL) or performance based contracting is a system in which instead of buying spares and services, the contractor must assist in ensuring a specific and measurable serviceability level of equipment.
The goal being high equipment availability with minimum logistics footprint leading to a cost effective and efficient maintenance system.
A clearly stated performance matrix ensures accurate performance measurement.
Specific spares are provided in a short time-frame. PBL utilizes the resources of the organization owning the equipment and the contractor in tandem and in an optimum manner.
For this to work we need excellent communication and accurate monitoring as per the contracted performance matrix. This matrix must be clear and not susceptible to misinterpretation.
We need the equipment to be available at a place which is easily accessible and having all the required facilities.
PBL works very well with air assets which return to a well connected base after their mission.
PBL is more difficult and expensive for equipment deployed in remote areas with tenuous communications.
In such scenarios we have to depend on conventional maintenance resources. Only an optimum logistics footprint will ensure the desired serviceability of equipment.
These logistics resources must have adequately trained personnel deployed next to the equipment with proper tools and correct spares.
A decision on the system to be followed will therefore, need careful weighing of options.