Packaging, Handling, Storage, and Transportation (PHS&T)

Overview

The program team employs Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportation (PHS&T) principles/methods to ensure the necessary equipment reaches the warfighter while minimizing risk of damage to the equipment during handling, storage and transportation -- frequently in highly challenging and corrosive operational environments.

Thorough PHS&T requirements promote supportability and sustainability of major end items, reparable system elements and supporting test equipment. PHS&T focuses on transportation, handling and storage (short- and long-term) constraints on performance resulting from driving size, weight, parts robustness and shelf life.

Role of the PM and SE

Program Managers (PMs), Systems Engineers, and Lead Software Engineer should ensure PHS&T is addressed during the requirements analysis process, and validated throughout each phase of the systems engineering (SE) development of the weapon system. All PHS&T requirements should be verified before entering the Production and Deployment phase, as this phase will require the implementation of PHS&T for a weapon system delivery to the warfighter during low rate initial production. DoDI 4540.07 identifies specifics regarding PHS&T as related to systems engineering of weapon systems acquisitions.

Products and Tasks

Product Tasks
10-17-1: Document packaging, handling, storage and transportation plan
  1. Determine packaging and containerization requirements and identify possible impacts to system design.
  2. Determine shelf life and handling requirements and potential impact to life cycle cost and system design.
  3. Develop requirements for storage to include environmental, physical shock, and static shock factors.
  4. Consider the impacts of short and long term storage on material condition and availability.
  5. Establish liaison among stakeholders for requirements determination for all modes of transportation.
  6. Plan for transition of the supply and distribution chain from normal operations to expeditionary operations in austere locations not initially served by commercial transportation.
  7. Identify security classification requirements and their impact on PHS&T.
  8. Conduct trade studies to optimize packaging, handling, storage and transportation (PHS&T) impact on system readiness and affordability.
  9. Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve PHS&T processes to improve weapon system readiness and affordability.
  10. Document PHS&T requirements, trade study results and new technology opportunities, and incorporate into the PHS&T plan for procurement, operation and disposal to maximize joint usage and commonality across the enterprise.

Source: AWQI eWorkbook

Resources

Key Terms

Policy and Guidance

DAU Training Courses

DAU Media

On this page

  1. Overview
  2. Role of the PM and SE
  3. Resources
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