RAM4

RAM4 has been developed for modelling continuously running systems, and is mission oriented. Typical applications include communications, defence, control systems, signalling and space systems. RAM4 is sponsored by Ministry Of Defence, and is the recommended modelling tool for MOD projects.

	RAM4 gives design and reliability engineers a powerful, easy to use analysis tool for the assessment of the reliability of complex repairable and non-repairable systems - whether electronic, mechanical or a mixture of both - as described by Reliability Block Diagrams (RBDs). Comprehensive analysis of the Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) characteristics of a system is vital in ensuring an acceptable level of system operation, to minimise costly failures and to plan for maintenance resources such as spares and maintenance teams. Except in the simplest cases this task requires extensive computer analysis and RAM4 has been developed to provide designers and engineers with the complete assessment tool they need.
	Consider reliability aspects early in the design and development phase of a project Verify that the system meets its overall RAM specification Carry out sensitivity analysis to identify the critical system elements Study the effects of design trade-offs   Plan maintenance resources Assess the effects of common-mode failures (multiple failures arising from a common cause) Conduct apportionment studies
	Version 4.11 is a full-function Windows implementation offering a highly effective graphical user interface.
	Construct RBDs with an easy-to-use Builder using 'Point and Shoot' techniques and a Top-Down methodology. Get Element (equipment) data into your model quickly using the spreadsheet interface that can import from and export to spreadsheets such as Excel. Handle the model data in table form for better visibility.   Run the optimised Calculation Engine to get simulation results fast. Use the extensive output facilities available to get RBDs, tabular results and histograms onto the printer or straight into your report.
	RAM4 runs on the following 32-bit Windows platforms:
	Windows 9x Windows NT4 Windows 2000
	Training
	1 or 2- day training courses in the use of RAM4 for RAM modelling and analysis are available. Courses can be held at Advantage offices or on customers' premises and can be designed to suit levels of reliability analysis experience. Contact Advantage for further details.
	Help Desk.
	The Help Desk offers a telephone "Hot Line" facility by which all eligible users of RAM4 can request technical information, gain help with using the product, report faults and submit requests for enhancements and modifications. Annual support contracts offer Help Desk support and free software upgrades. RAM4 Version 4.11 for Windows offers an enhanced graphical user interface and advanced modelling techniques. Here are some of the features.
	The RAM4 Builder offers:
	Top Down approach to model building An Element Database for rapid data entry Point-and-Shoot operations for RBD building Full control over RBD colours and text fonts Import facility for merging RBDs RBD Graphics saved as .BMP and .WMF   Big models - use 4000 elements and groups Histogram display and printing Direct printing of Reliability Block Diagrams Access to Model Data via Tables Direct access to Outputs via Results Menu Spreadsheet Interface