Myths and Realities of Electronics Maintenance

Abstract

Objective: The author presents and discusses discoveries and developments contributing to enhanced electronics maintenance performance. Background: This body of research is viewed from the vantage point of Nick Bond's 1970 Ely Award—winning article in Human Factors, “Some Persistent Myths About Military Electronics Maintenance.” Method: Bond identified a set of myths and summarized research that not only produced information and techniques leading to demonstrably improved maintenance performance but also exploded many unfounded beliefs that were commonly held before the research had been conducted and the findings disseminated. Results: The period from 1964 through 1986, as reflected by publications in the journal, was a productive period of research that led to greater understanding of human factors in electronics maintenance and to numerous advances that contributed, ultimately, to more effective maintenance performance. Conclusion: Technological advances, combined with what we learned about maintenance performance, have substantially reduced the maintenance burden and enhanced the maintenance of electronic systems. Application: Some of the principal lessons learned from this research on electronics maintenance apply to understanding the effects of equipment complexity, providing an optimal role for automation, designing more appropriate on-the-job training, and enhancing troubleshooting skills.