Transforming Naval Support Decision Making with Opus Suite
Thales UK supports complex, long-serving naval sensor systems where effective support planning is critical to operational availability and days at sea. This case study shows how Thales UK used Opus Suite to strengthen data-driven support modelling, embedding it into decision making to improve planning, optimize support solutions and deliver long-term value for both the organization and its customer.
The Challenge
Thales UK provides long-term support for a wide range of complex naval sensors and systems fitted to UK Royal Navy surface ships and submarines. These include electronic warfare systems, submarine visual and thermal imaging systems, a towed array and multiple sonar systems, many of which have been in service for several decades. Support modelling plays a critical role in predicting spares and repairs, informing procurement and manufacturing plans, managing obsolescence and ultimately maximizing operational availability and days at sea.
As the scope and longevity of these programmes increased, Thales UK recognized an opportunity to further enhance how modelling supported decision making. Like many large and distributed organizations, modelling relied on data from multiple sources, refreshed at defined intervals, which naturally placed limits on how frequently inputs could be refined. This made it important to balance modelling assumptions carefully and to continue improving confidence in outputs.
There was also scope to further align modelling practices and data processes across multiple UK sites, and to broaden stakeholder understanding of how modelling could best support operational and strategic decisions. While Opus Suite was already an established part of the modelling approach, Thales UK identified an opportunity to make even greater use of its capabilities and to ensure that models increasingly reflected real support operations. The aim was not only to meet contractual requirements, but to use modelling as a proactive tool for continuous improvement and performance optimization, with a view to supporting more predictive and forward-looking support strategies in the future.
Action taken
Thales UK set out to strengthen its data-driven modelling capability with Opus Suite at the centre, focusing on three complementary areas: improving data foundations, building capability and confidence, and embedding modelling outputs into everyday decision making.
The first step was to enhance data quality and consistency. Collaboration between UK sites was strengthened through shared ways of working and common data channels. Data quality metrics were introduced to measure and track improvement, alongside clear internal processes for proactively collecting and updating internal data, reducing reliance on externally refreshed datasets and enabling more timely refinement of model inputs.
In parallel, Thales UK invested in training, engagement and knowledge sharing. Modelling processes were clearly documented and Opus Suite was more fully integrated into lifecycle modelling activities, making greater use of its available functionality. A modelling roadshow was delivered across UK sites to explain what modelling is, how Opus supports it, and how outputs can be used to inform real decisions. Stakeholders were shown how their data contributions influenced outcomes, helping to build shared ownership of data quality and modelling results.
To ensure modelling outputs were used effectively, post-processing of Opus results was enhanced. Outputs were translated into clear, actionable metrics that could be readily applied by stakeholders, ensuring modelling informed operational, commercial and strategic discussions rather than existing solely as reports. Results were also integrated into business intelligence tools, supporting clearer insight and faster decision making.
With a trusted and representative baseline model in place, Thales UK used Opus Suite to explore opportunities to improve the support solution itself. Sensitivity analysis using Opus scale factors and tables enabled different support options to be compared objectively and their impacts quantified. Over the course of around a year, more than 100 models were run across numerous equipment types, supported by regular engagement with stakeholders to identify solutions that were both achievable and beneficial.
Impact made
The enhanced use of Opus Suite delivered clear operational, commercial and strategic benefits. Improved data quality and alignment across teams increased confidence in modelling outputs and reinforced Opus as a credible decision support tool.
Modelling demonstrated that if a 25 percent reduction in repair turnaround times was achievable it would reduce recommended stock holdings by around 10 percent. When combined with a significant reduction in procurement lead times and the introduction of waterfront diagnostic and limited repair capability, the improved support solution reduced both cost and mean waiting time for spares. Opus Suite enabled Thales UK to identify and prioritise the changes that delivered the greatest overall benefit.
These insights directly supported the move to a new support contract methodology with the UK Royal Navy. Opus modelling provided evidence to justify a shift from traditional short-term support contracts to a single long-term commitment, demonstrating increased efficiency, stability and long-term value for both Thales UK and the MOD.
Under the new contract, Opus modelling is now performed several times a year using refined stakeholder data. Models are regularly updated to reflect obsolescence redesigns and changing usage profiles. Outputs provide forecasts of annual repair volumes and new spares requirements, taking into account existing spares pools and platform decommissioning. Results are embedded into business intelligence dashboards, enabling procurement, manufacturing and repair teams to plan effectively and maximize economies of scale.
Looking ahead, Thales UK is building on this foundation to explore more advanced simulation, predictive maintenance concepts and AI-supported data processing. These developments aim to improve risk visibility, enable earlier intervention and further shift support planning from reactive to predictive.
Overall, Opus Suite has enabled Thales UK to further mature its support modelling capability, embedding a data-driven, decision-focused approach that delivers sustained value across long-life naval support programmes while preparing for the next generation of intelligent support modelling.
