News Opus Suite v2021.1 (RDM v3)

The third release of Opus Suite RDM is ready for download. Here are the main new topics and benefits that comes with this latest release.

Remember to check out the full list of all the enhancements in Opus Suite RDM here.

Utilization-based operations
Operations can now be described both in OPUS10 and SIMLOX as a utilization profile. Each profile is defined as a total utilization in operating hours per year which can be split up into missions. Utilization rates can be defined per calendar time and a number of other operational parameters in the table UtilizationRate. This means that systems that belong to different organizational units may use the same utilization profile. In OPUS10, the utilization profile is converted to an average utilization like before. In SIMLOX the new functionality offers an easier way to describe basic operations, for example an 8 hour daily operation.

Self-supported deployments with unscheduled start times
The concept of self-supported deployments with unscheduled start times is introduced in OPUS10. In Opus Suite RDM, a self-supported deployment is when a system can carry stock and perform certain types of maintenance "on itself". This is modeled by using the concept of an on-board station for which the capability to perform maintenance is defined analogously to ordinary stations Such deployments only rely on the standard support organization for brief periods of time. A key feature in this model is that when the system leaves the home base for a mission, the risk of not being fully stocked is considered. With this assumption comes that missions are called on an irregular basis, i.e. the start times are unscheduled, and the operating time is typically greater than the time at the home base.

Changes to failure rates
The modeling of failure rate (FRT) changes is reintroduced in SIMLOX. In RDM, failure rate changes are described in a separate table where it is defined as a change factor based on the initial value. The change factor is applied starting from a specified time and remains active until a new change is introduced. This feature makes it possible to consider aspects like an increased risk of failure due to ageing components.

Profile view updates
So far, the profile view in SIMLOX has been able to visualize explicit operation profiles. With the latest release comes the possibility to also view the simplified definition of operations, which has been introduced with the new utilization-based description of operations described above.

Structure of groups
The new group concept in Opus Suite RDM has been improved further by allowing one group to be entered as a member of another group. This makes it possible to create structures of groups in a flexible manner. It is always the union of members that are considered within a group, which makes it possible to, for example, include one individual object in two different groups and still combine those two groups in a common, overlying, group.

Performance enhancements for simulation of functional breakdown scenarios
In SIMLOX there has been significant improvements on the performance for scenarios using functional breakdowns. These improvements shorten the run-time which enhances the applicability and effectiveness of the analyses, especially for complex scenarios.