SOLE HQ is working with Ben’s family to custom create a memorial bench in Ben’s memory for placement on the Colonnades grounds. We’re working toward a fall dedication – and from time to time will provide updates on the progress.
SOLE STATISTICS – Benjamin S. Blanchard, CPL, Fellow
Member since – 7/29/1966
Membership #00064 (Charter Member) – Life Member
Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) number – 15 (Charter Class of CPLs)
Fellow – Class of 1974
President of SOLE 1981-1982
Served on BOTH the Board of Advisors of SOLE and the Logistics Education Foundation (multiple years)
SOLEtech Editor from March 1998 through August 2002
AWARDS (in descending order of Society importance):
• Founder’s Medal – 2001
• Eccles Medal – 1983
• Armitage Medals – 1970 (joint, w Edward Lowery) and 1974
• Distinguished Service Award – 1993
• President’s Awards of Merit – 1980 and 1999
• Logistics Spectrum Prize Paper Award –
1995 – Honorable Mention for “An Enhanced Approach Toward Implementing Total Productive Maintenance in the Manufacturing Environment”
• Prize Papers, Symposium Proceedings –
1974 for “The Integration of System Engineering and Logistics Support for Product Integrity” – winner
1994 for “Logistics Engineering Education: A Unique Format of Instruction” – Honorable Mention, co-authored with Dinesh Verma
1996 for “Quality Function Deployment QFD: Integration of Logistics Requirements into Mainstream System Design,” co-authored with Dinesh Verma, PhD and Rajesh Chilakapati – winner
One of the original developers of SOLE‘s CPL certification, and served as the “Principal” for many years for Part I (Systems Management) – 1973-1995.
PROFESSIONAL TRIBUTE
From Virginia Tech:
In memoriam: Benjamin S. Blanchard Jr., professor emeritus of industrial and systems engineering: https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2019/07/inmemoriam-benjamin-blanchard.html
PERSONAL TRIBUTES
John “Jay” Erb, DML, SOLE President
Throughout my 15 years involvement with SOLE, the person whose name has come up most often in conversation concerning the study of the body of knowledge of logistics has been Ben Blanchard. His books on logistics engineering and management, life-cycle cost analysis, and maintainability principles and practices are still referenced today as some of the most definitive texts in the business of logistics.
But Ben meant so much more to SOLE. Ben significantly enhanced the growth of the organization both in the United States and abroad. For over three decades, Ben tirelessly served the organization in multiple capacities, to include President, member of both the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors, and editor of several SOLEpublications. Professor Benjamin Blanchard will be sorely missed by SOLE and by logisticians around the world.
Sarah R. James, DML, SOLE Executive Director and Past President (1995-1996)
If anyone could be said to have been the heart and “guiding light” of SOLE, it would have to be Ben Blanchard. Ben lived and breathed logistics and systems engineering, not just as a practitioner but – far more importantly – as the penultimate teacher and mentor. The living example of the wise man who had attained a vast knowledge and understanding of logistics, he chose to freely share that knowledge with others instead of “holding on to it” for his own personal gain. Whenever a potential member asked me what ‘value’ SOLE membership brought, at the top of my list was the ability any member had to email Ben with a question – and actually get a thoughtful, individualized response from “the father of modern logistics”… at no charge! What other professional society in the world could make such a claim?!
In all the years I worked with Ben (and there were more than 25 of them, both at home and abroad!) I never saw Ben’s love of/commitment to SOLE and logistics practitioners falter. What I did hear in our discussions over the years was his concern about the tendency of academia and the corporate world to “shrink” the logistics enterprise – that is, define it as ‘only’ supply chain management, or warehousing and transportation – to the exclusion of logistics engineering or total life cycle support. I personally believe that the reason Ben kept writing – and sharing that writing – for so long was to remind people of the expanse of the ‘whole’ logistics enterprise.
Finally, at the end of the day, what I’ll remember most about Ben were not his “Rs” but his “Gs” – generosity, gentleness, and grace. Ben did not discriminate in his sharing of knowledge – he treated a logistics ‘neophyte’ as he would a self-professed ‘expert.’ At the end of the day, there was not one person that interacted with Ben that didn’t come away both a better logistician AND person for knowing him.
Anthony Trovato, CPL, Fellow, Past President (President, Full Spectrum Logistics)
If any one individual can be thought of as the “father” of our profession of logistics it would be Ben Blanchard. Of course the first things that come to mind are his books and his educational activities. But the real base was his continuing discussions and coaching for all of us in our profession. He was always available for phone consults, and traveled to local chapter meetings around the world to spread his knowledge and passion. Of course, there is his efforts in developing the CPL recognition and testing. He will be missed by all of us, but his legacy lives on in each of us.
Adrian Stephan, CPL, Past President (President, Logistics Pty, Ltd., Australia)
I am so sad to hear about Ben’s passing. He is one of most respected friends. He was a very generous man with his time and knowledge. I often sought his advice and opinion. He always was the most gentle of people. The world and the logistics community loses one of the best. Our loss and Heaven’s gain I guess. Our sincere condolences to the family of our most respected friend. I first met Professor Blanchard in early 1980’s and I am very saddened to learn of the passing of a very good friend and colleague. Ben was always very generous with his time and knowledge of logistics. Ben is one of the pioneers of logistics as we know it and I always found his advice about logistics to be wise and insightful. What we take for granted today in our defence systems engineering and logistics deliberations and practices “has a touch of Ben” in the logic and analysis; but we are unaware of that influence.
To me, Ben was that logistics “iceberg”; not in a negative way but because of the range and depth of his professionalism, knowledge and expertise he was able to offer. His willingness to share means that we all have a “touch of Ben” in our profession. Ben was always there to help.
I hope that someone is collecting all of his papers for future research. If I can support the legacy of Professor Ben Blanchard in some way, please let me know.
Dr. Lloyd Muller, CPL, Past President (Professor, Florida Institute of Technology)
Basically, when I left the Air Force as a long-time logistician, I knew how to push the “right buttons” to get something done. But, I really didn’t understand the theory of logistics. But, ignorance abounded when I agreed to teach Ben’s book. This, I knew from nothing. But, with a lot of guidance from Ben, he made me a good teacher. Thank you, Ben.
Shikato Kamimura, Secretary, SOLE Japan Chapter
We always appreciate you very much for your best cooperation.
This time thank you again for information of the parting with Professor Benjamin S Blanchard.
He did leading, guidance for SOLE Japan Chapter more than 40 years.
We would like to express him about the feeling of gratitude and thanks heartily and are greatly appreciated.
If you can relay what we want to regret in the bereaved and the various persons concerned.
Sincerely yours
All SOLE Japan Chapter members; Representative Mr. Haruhisa Denda
Dear Professor Benjamin S Blanchard:
In response to news of the everlasting parting with Benjamin S Blanchard, all SOLE Japan Chapter members are astonished. You had Japan sow a kind of the modern logistics management by the solicitation of the Managing Director Kiyokazu Nakajima director of Japan Management Association (JMA) in 1975 when you were in Vice Chairperson international charge of SOLE there in those days and you did great support and gave us to the establishment of the SOLE Japan Chapter office in 1978 if I reconsidered them.
Since our members of Japan Chapter had begun to start study of the modern logistics as a Bible by “Logistics Engineering and Management” that you were written. We participated in the International Conference of SOLE many times and had instructions, suggestions directly or indirectly by you and attendants. As for you, strong influence and much contribution were done as well as the US country to the society of foreign countries, and we just admired them. You became kind eagerly in various ways for the SOLE Japan Chapter and instructed it devotedly.
Due to Your grace, the activity of the SOLE Japan Chapter greets the 43rd year in this year; of the engineering of the professor in Japan was scientific, and the progressive spread in Japan was available based on your philosophy of the study integrated logistics and the practice that are promoted. And we are right working out a plan of the next fiscal year now.
The arrowhead, farewell news with Professor Benjamin S Blanchard arrived. We thank from a professor the SOLE Japan Chapter office for the great contribution that we had heartily, and we thank you, and all our office members pray for the happiness of Professor Benjamin S Blanchard. Please watch us from the sky. This time, please accept our deepest condolences, and live in our heart eternally.
Dr. Jezdimir Knezevic (MIRCE, UK)
Ben was one of the greatest contributors to the development and promotion of SOLE, worldwide. He was totally devoted to SOLE and believed in Logistics Engineering and as one of the pillars of System Engineering. Loved and respected by many in all continents, always ready to help and share his knowledge. For his contribution to the MIRCE Akademy follow the link www.mirceakademy.com
Ben will stay in hearts and minds of thousands of SOLE members as SOLE was one of the main constituents of his heart. Dr Knezevic, Life Member of SOLE (introduced and “infected” by SOLE by Ben in 1986)
Joe Coogan (Acquisition Logistics Engineering )
On behalf of the entire team at Acquisition Logistics Engineering (ALE), please accept our sympathies and condolences on the recent passing of Ben Blanchard. We are all saddened by the loss of such a great teacher and advocate for logistics. His books form the foundation that we use to teach all new logisticians at ALE. Charlie was sorry to hear of Ben’s passing, and wished that we send along the attached brief memories that he has. Thank you for helping to bring these thoughts and memories together.
Charles O Coogan, Col (USAF Ret.), CPL, Fellow (Past President, Acquisition Logistics Engineering)
This morning was a very sad day as I learned of my friend’s passing. At the same time it caused me to pause and think of what a great man Professor Ben Blanchard has been and what he has done for SOLE, the Services, logistics and me.
It is very difficult for me to put into words how much Ben has helped along the way, but I will do my best to touch on some of the high points.
It was at a workshop in the Wayne County Junior College in 1976 that Ben helped me understand what Logistic Engineering is all about and how it needed to be applied at the very beginning of a system life. He helped me understand how Logistic Engineering is part of System Engineering. As Lillian and I were driving back to Dayton, I told Lillian that this short workshop changed my entire understanding on Logistic Engineering and what we need to do to apply it effectively. This changed my entire professional life.
I always enjoyed and tried to put to work the lessons Ben provided on the long early morning walks we took together before each symposium and workshop. What a great learning experience it was for me. When SOLE authorized the committee to work on Re-Engineering LSA, Ben became Head of the Steering Committee. He spent countless hours keeping members on track and assuring that his great knowledge was correctly applied.
Ben has indeed been a great leader and best friend. We will miss him greatly!
Philip Frohne, CPL (SOLEtter Editor, The Boeing Company)
I first met Prof. Blanchard while working the registration booth at the 19th SOLE symposium held in St. Louis (1984). I proudly handed him his registration packet and tote bag. After soliciting his help at the 40th symposium in Orlando (2005) to get my own logistics book published, he co-wrote the ‘Forward’ for me. And to my astonishment, he asked me to autograph his copy! He will always be one of my logistics heroes.
During the 34th symposium in Las Vegas (1999), I was on the 28th floor of Bally’s hotel/casino waiting for the CPL reception to begin. While observing a ‘romantic’ sunset and watching the neon lights on the strip slowly twinkle on, I found myself standing between the two “Bens” (Blanchard and Ofstrofsky). At some point I said out loud to no one in particular…”Look at all that logistics down there!” That’s the first time I almost got slugged by both of them. If looks could kill… I’d be a gonner.
During the 35th symposium in New Orleans (2000), I was again sandwiched between both “Bens” while riding in a hotel elevator. And again, my mouth got the better of me as I casually asked: “What is the MTBF of this elevator; and which side of the bathtub curve it is on?” I quickly learned that it isn’t wise to try to impress your logistics heroes in a small crowded space with poorly timed knowledge of reliability.
During the 38th SOLE symposium in Huntsville, AL, (2003), I was walking through the hotel parking lot and came across a vehicle with a Virginia license plate that read “SOLE“. I took a photo of it for my chapter trip report. Yes, it was Ben’s car. It shows how much love he had for this organization.
And lastly, while selling books in the SOLE booth at the 44th symposium in Dallas (2009), a young Japanese loggie who spoke no English came up to me with a copy of “Logistics Engineering & Management” textbook written in his language. After bowing and presenting it to me, I assumed he was looking for an autograph. Seeing Prof. Ben across the room making his annual lunch plans with the Japanese chapter (and interpreter), I took him over to introduce him to Ben. But before that, I thumbed through his book to see what the Japanese version looked like. When I came upon the formula for Life Cycle Costing, I immediately recognized which of his six revisions I was looking at. After confirming it in the front of the book, I realized how much I had studied (& enjoyed) Ben’s books over the years.
Harry Fanning, CPL (SIU– Carbondale)
The logistics world has suffered a great loss. However, heaven has gained a great loggie. I remember a meeting [I had] with Ben [2006 symposium]. The topic was the SOLEtech. Ben was very supportive of my unsuccessful effort to get the technical publication back into distribution. He provided me some great information about the publication. I also remember him at board meetings. Ben always had good inputs to the discussion. I know that the logistics community has suffered a great loss with his passing.
Joseph D. Patton, CPL
Ben Blanchard was a leader of the Rochester, NY SOLE chapter when I first became involved with SOLE. He was a long-time mentor with his teaching and writing that provided a foundation for logistics knowledge and progress.
Richard Lancioni (Emeritus Professor of Logistics, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa)
Ben Blanchard was a dear friend. He was instrumental in the CPL program and guided me in my logistics career. He was instrumental in guiding SOLE through its years of development and will be remembered for all of his many contributions to the field of logistics. I will certainly miss him. The best to his family, with great sorrow.
David Floyd, CPL (Defense Acquisition University)
A huge loss to the Logistics profession. Ben will be sorely missed. May his soul (sole) rest in peace.
Bob Vassian
I did not know Mr. Blanchard, but I used his “Logistic Engineering and Management” text as a student and an instructor. I am retired now but used it professionally as a reference for many aspect of supply chain, ILS, and other aspects of our business.
Robert A. Miller (USAF AFMC AFLCMC/WLN)
Incredible human being. Got to meet him at the SOLE Convention in ’05 or ’06. Heard him speak, and shared a 30-second elevator conversation with him. I was in the presence of greatness. Like being the kid in “October Sky” when he met Wernher von Braun, I’m sure…
VITA
EXPERIENCE:
1. Consultant – Systems Engineering, Logistics, Reliability and Maintainability, Maintenance, Life-Cycle Costing, and Related Areas (Current).
2. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Adjunct Professor, ISE Department, Systems Engineering and Logistics (Current)
3. Professor of Systems Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, (“Logistics Engineering” and “Reliability & Maintainability” Internet Courses September 1999-2004).
4. Adjunct Professor, Systems Engineering, University of Virginia, Fall Semester, 2001.
5. Member, SDOE Fellows Board, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ. (2001-2002).
6. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, Virginia — Professor-Emeritus, Industrial and Systems Engineering (1997-present).
7. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, Va. (1970-1997)- Chairman, Graduate Program in Systems Engineering (1979-1997); Assistant Dean of Engineering for Public Service (through July 1995); Director, Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program (satellite TV- 1983-1996); teacher and consultant in systems engineering, reliability and maintainability, logistics, life-cycle costing, maintenance, and related areas (1971-1996).
8. General Dynamics-Electronics Division, Rochester, New York (1963-1970) — Engineering Manager, Design Assurance Department (responsible for Division activities in reliability and maintainability, human factors and safety, value/cost engineering, integrated logistic support, and maintenance engineering — about 250 engineers and support personnel in the organization (up to 75 projects).
9. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY — Adjunct Faculty – taught reliability and maintainability engineering (1966-1969).
10. University of Exeter, School of Engineering (MIRCE Centre) — “Visiting Lecturer,” Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom (1989-1996).
11. Electronic Industries Association (EIA) — Various Management Positions and General Dynamics’ Representative — G-42, G-50 (1964-1971).
12. Bendix Systems Division, Ann Arbor, Michigan (1961-1963) — Engineering Supervisor, Maintenance Engineering Group (reliability and maintainability engineering, maintenance and system support requirements).
13. Sanders Associates, Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire (1960-1961) — Staff Engineer (electronic countermeasures system design and support requirements).
14. Boeing Airplane Company, Seattle, Washington (1953-1960) — Design Engineer (B-52 Program), Field Service Engineer, and Reliability/Maintainability Engineer, B-52G/H Aircraft Program; Lead Systems Engineer on Minuteman Program.
15. U.S. Air Force (1951-1953) — Technical Training Instructor (ATC) and Electronics Maintenance Officer (B-47 Aircraft/SAC).
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND:
1. B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Maine, 1951.
2. Graduate Electrical Engineering Courses, Seattle University, 1954-1956
3. M.B.A., University of Rochester, 1969 (selected by the General Dynamics Corp. for a specialized two-year intensified executive development program for top-level managers of corporations, businesses, and agencies located in upper New York State).
OTHER TRAINING:
1. U.S. Air Force Armament Systems Course (10 months), Lowry AFB, CO (1952)
2. Boeing Airplane Company Electrical/Electronics Courses – in preparation for B-52 Field Service assignment (1954-1956).
MAJOR PUBLICATIONS (TEXTBOOKS):
1. Blanchard, B.S. and W.J. Fabrycky, Systems Engineering And Analysis, 4th Ed. Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2006.
2. Blanchard, B.S., System Engineering Management, 3rd Ed., John-Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ, 2004. (1st Ed. translated into Spanish, Megabyte, 1993).
3. Blanchard, B.S., Logistics Engineering And Management, 6th Ed., Pearson Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. 2004.
4. Blanchard, B.S., D. Verma, and E.L. Peterson, Maintainability: A Key To Effective Serviceability And Maintenance Management, John-Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 1995.
5. Fabrycky, W.J. and B.S. Blanchard, Life-Cycle Cost And Economic Analysis, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1991.
6. Blanchard, B.S., Design And Manage To Life-Cycle Cost, M/A Press, Forest Grove, OR, 1978. Translated into Japanese and published by. C.E. Tuttle Co., Tokyo, Japan, 1979.
7. Blanchard, B.S., Engineering Organization And Management, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1976.
8. Blanchard, B.S., Logistics Engineering And Management, 1st Ed., Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1974. Translated into Japanese and published by C.E. Tuttle Co., Tokyo, Japan, 1979. 2nd Ed. Translated into Chinese, 1981.
9. Blanchard, B.S., and E.E. Lowery, Maintainability Principles And Practices, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, NY, 1969.
10. RAC, “Supportability Toolkit,” Reliability Analysis Center, Rome, NY, 2005. (400+ page handbook).
MONOGRAPHS/BOOK CHAPTERS:
1. Blanchard, B.S., Logistics Engineering, Systems Engineering Series, Volume 7, translated into Spanish and published by ISDEFE, Madrid, Spain, October 1995.
2. Blanchard, B.S., System Engineering, Systems Engineering Series, Volume 1, translated into Spanish and published by ISDEFE, Madrid, Spain, January 1995.
3. Blanchard, B.S., W.J. Fabrycky, and D. Verma, Application Of The System Engineering Process To Define Requirements For Computer-Based Design Tools, published by the International Society of Logistics (SOLE), Hyattsville, MD, March 1994.
4. Blanchard, B.S, “Cost Management,” Chapter 6, Sage, A.P. and W.B. Rouse (Eds.), Handbook Of Systems Engineering And Management, John Wiley & Sons, 1999.
5. Blanchard, B.S. (co-authored with W.J. Fabrycky, “Life-Cycle Costing,” Section 188, R. Dorf (Editor), The Engineering Handbook, CRC Press and IEEE Press, 1996.
6. Blanchard, B.S., “Logistics As An Integrating System’s Function,” Chapter I.5 in Don Taylor (Editor), Logistics Engineering Handbook, CRC Press (scheduled to be published late 2006).
OTHER PUBLICATIONS:
Over 250 published papers for journals, symposia, and conferences (systems engineering, reliability and maintainability, integrated logistic support, total productive maintenance, life-cycle costing, cost/system effectiveness, and various facets of systems engineering and logistics education.
MAJOR PRESENTATIONS:
Over 375 national and international presentations throughout the United States and in foreign countries. International presentations have been made in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Taiwan, and the former Yugoslavia – Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Slovenia (from 1972 to present). Topics have included systems engineering, reliability and maintainability, logistics, life-cycle costing, cost/system effectiveness, maintenance, and related areas.
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY ACTIVITIES:
1. International Society of Logistics (SOLE): Charter Member (1965-present); Fellow (1974); Certified Professional Logistician (1974); Vice President-International (1977-1979); Vice President-Technical (1979-1981); President (1981-1982); Member of the Board of Directors (1975-present); Member of the Board of Advisors (1991-present); Publications Committee (1982-1985); Education Committee/CPL Exam Preparation (1973-1995); Lecturer in SOLE continuing education programs and tutorials; Editor of newsletter, “SOLEtech” (March 1998-August 2002) and contributing editor for the “Logistics Spectrum;” Armitage Medal (1970, 1974); Eccles Medal (1983); Distinguished Service Award (1993); Founders Medal (2001).
2. Senior Member, Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE); Senior Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE – until 1998); Member of the American Society of Quality (ASQ), 1963-1997; Member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP); Member of ASEE; Life Member of NDIA.
3. Member of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), 1990-present; Editorial Board for INCOSE Journal, “Systems Engineering;” Elected INCOSE Fellow (1998); Fellows Committee (1998 – present); Presented “Pioneer Award” (July 2000).
4. Electronic Industries Association (EIA): G-42 Maintainability Committee (1959-1967); G-50 Logistics Support Committees-Group Manager (1968-1971).
5. Maintenance Engineering Society-Australia (MESA) – MESA Medal (2001)
6. International Federation of Research In Maintenance (IFRIM) – Member (1985-Present).
7. Tau Beta Pi (May 1986 -Present).
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
1. Member of Christiansburg-Blacksburg Rotary Club (1997-Present).
2. Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Blacksburg, VA – member of Church Council (several different times), Parish Life Committee, Endowment Committee, Columbarium Committee, and various other functions (1970-Present).
3. Voluntary Services (weekly), Montgomery Regional Hospital (1999-Present).
4. Blacksburg Sports Club (2000-Present).