A p p e n d i x  D

The Program Manager's WorkStation

The Program Manager's WorkStation (PMWS) is

this progression, TRIMS operates as a process ori 

an electronic suite of tools designed to provide timely

ented tool based on a solid Systems Engineering

acquisition and engineering information to the user.

approach.  Process analysis and monitoring pro 

The main components of PMWS are KnowHow; the

vide  the  earliest  possible  indication  of  potential

Technical Risk Identification and Mitigation System

problems.  Early identification provides the time

(TRIMS);  and  the  BMP  Database.    These  tools

necessary to apply corrective actions, thereby pre 

complement one another and provide users with the

venting  problems  and  mitigating  their  impact.

knowledge,  insight,  and

TRIMS  is  extremely

experience  to  make  in 

user friendly 

and

formed decisions through

tailorable.   This  tool

all phases of product de 

identifies areas of risk;

velopment,  production,

tracks  program  goals

and beyond.

and  responsibilities;

KnowHow  provides

and can generate a va 

knowledge  as  an  elec 

riety of reports to meet

tronic library of techni 

the user's needs.

cal reference handbooks,

The  BMP  Database

guidelines, and acquisi 

provides experience as a

tion  publications  which

unique,  one of a kind

covers a variety of engi 

resource.  This database

neering topics including

contains  more  than

the  DOD  5000  series.

2,500 best practices that

The electronic collection

have  been  verified  and

consists  of  expert  sys 

documented by an inde 

tems and simple digital

pendent team of experts

books.    In  expert  sys 

during  BMP  surveys.

tems, 

KnowHow

BMP publishes its find 

prompts the user to an 

ings  in  survey  reports

swer  a  series  of  ques 

and  provides  the  user

tions  to  determine

with  basic  background,

where the user is within

process  descriptions,

a  program's  develop 

metrics  and  lessons

ment.    Recommendations  are  provided  based  on

learned,  and  a  Point of Contact for further infor 

the  book  being  used.    In  simple  digital  books,

mation.  The BMP Database features a searching

KnowHow leads the user through the process via

capability so users can locate specific topics by typ 

an electronic table of contents to determine which

ing in keywords.  Users can either view the results

books in the library will be the most helpful.  The

on screen or print them as individual abstracts, a

program also features a fuzzy logic text search ca 

single report, or a series of reports.  The database

pability  so  users  can  locate  specific  information

can also be downloaded, run on line, or purchased

by typing in keywords.  KnowHow can reduce docu 

on CD ROM from the BMP Center of Excellence.

ment search times by up to 95%.

The BMP Database continues to grow as new sur 

TRIMS provides insight as a knowledge based

veys are completed.  Additionally, the database is

tool that manages technical risk rather than cost

reviewed every other year by a BMP core team of

and  schedule.    Cost  and  schedule  overruns  are

experts to ensure the information remains current.

downstream indicators of technical problems.  Pro 

For additional information on PMWS, please con 

grams generally have had process problems long

tact the Help Desk at (301) 403 8179, or visit the

before the technical problem is identified.  To avoid

BMP web site at http://www.bmpcoe.org.

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