What does the 3-M System help prevent by addressing latent defects?

The 3-M System, which stands for Maintenance, Material Management, and Management Information System, plays a crucial role in sustaining equipment reliability and safety in Navy operations. One of its key functions is to identify and address latent defects, which are issues that are not immediately obvious but could lead to significant problems if not rectified.

By focusing on these latent defects, the 3-M System allows for proactive maintenance and repairs, helping to ensure that equipment functions as intended. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of unexpected equipment failures, which can disrupt operations, create safety hazards, and incur additional costs. Therefore, the main purpose of addressing latent defects through the 3-M System is to enhance reliability by preventing failures that could arise from underlying issues that were previously undetected.