ISMART

interoperable Systems Management and Requirements Transformation (iSMART) is a repeatable systems engineering process that is the internationally accepted means to achieve visibility of interoperability challenges in the development of information systems and communications media, including tactical data links. It provides analysis of interoperability across operational and strategic data communications systems as well as down to the tactical edge where the warfighter is located.

The iSMART Process was developed by Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems and Solutions and is supported by their powerful software toolset eSMART. eSMART has been used to support the achievement of effective interoperability by reducing costs and schedule risk, by identifying, assessing, and resolving interoperability (IO) problems. It is currently the IO process and toolset of choice in the US, UK, Australia, The Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden amongst others and its application can be tailored to particular national requirements.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) currently mandates that all platforms, both in-service and in-development, procuring, supporting or maintaining UK Tactical Data Link (TDL) applications must instigate a Through-Life Interoperability Management Process where iSMART is the current best practice Through Life IO process for Data Links.

The US Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) sponsored iSMART Handbook states that:‘The iSMART process complements existing US Department of Defence (DoD) acquisition policy. Platforms that have implemented iSMART early in the acquisition cycle are realizing the benefits of planned interoperability such as early problem correction, timely cost decisions, and full documentation of a platform’s information exchange’.The interoperability authorities for the USN (NCTSI) and USAF (AFGCIC) have embraced the iSMART process as a means to ensure Information Exchange Requirements (IER) and Interoperability Key Performance Parameter (I-KPP) satisfaction.iSMART will be even more important as the DoD transitions to the new Net Ready (NR-KPP). The Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC)- approved Capabilities Development Document (CDD) for Tactical Data Links Transformation incorporates the iSMART process in several large acquisition programs, including the Joint Interface Control Officers (JICO) Support System, the USAF TDL Gateway, and Common Link Integration Processing (CLIP).The Navy Tactical Data Link Roadmap identifies iSMART as an important initiative as the USN transitions to a Net Ready data exchange environment. The USAF endorsed iSMART after the process helped correct major deficiencies in existing Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft Link 16 implementation. The USN prevented numerous discrepancies early in the EA-6B planned Link 16 implementation through iSMART application.