TMS Photometrics is a division of Tailor Made Systems Ltd, which is based in Coventry, UK.

TMS Photometrics is unique in offering a complete, 'best practice', AGL maintenance solution - in line with ICAO, UK CAA and FAA recommendations - that incorporates its highly advanced MALMS (Mobile Airfield Light Monitoring System) Technology and Differential Maintenance strategy.   This solution can enable airports to far more effectively and efficiently maintain their AGL systems, and demonstrate compliance, to the performance standards now laid down by all the main international regulatory bodies.   It can also help deliver AGL life cycle cost savings.

Both the MALMS technology and Differential Maintenance strategy are the result of an extensive research program, which was commissioned by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, and conducted by TMS Photometrics, in conjunction with the MOD and DERA (Now Qinetiq), during the 1990s.

A critical component of this research was the development by TMS Photometrics of a mobile photometric measurement system - which subsequently became MALMS. This system was specifically developed to measure the photometric performance of AGL systems against the criteria for beam intensity and orientation defined in ICAO Annex 14, using the test methodology that Annex 14 also specifies. It was then applied, as part of the research programme, in a detailed study of AGL performance at UK aerodromes.

The research firstly confirmed that due to a variety of factors (current variation, lamp aging, unpredictable contamination build up), traditional light performance monitoring (visual observation, spot readings with light meters and primary current measurement) and maintenance practices (such as block change and spot replacement approaches) are no longer sufficient to maintain systems within the new standards set by ICAO and advised by the FAA. It also proved (confirming ICAO and FAA recommendations) that to effectively meet performance level objectives, requires a combination of using a mobile measuring unit on a routine basis to analyse the characteristics of individual lights, and the adoption of new preventive maintenance approaches.

The ongoing development of the original mobile measurement device into the present day MALMS technology has resulted in a mobile system that now offers all airports the ability to easily, rapidly, accurately, and reliably, measure the photometric performance of both inset and elevated AGL runway services (Runway Centre Line, TDZ, Inset and Elevated Edge, Inset Approach) against the criteria for beam intensity and orientation defined in ICAO Annex 14. It is therefore suitable to confirm compliance with National and International Standards. MALMS also produces routine reports and detailed graphical information for use by airfield engineering and maintenance staff.

While measurement can demonstrate compliance, or lack of it, it cannot ensure compliance. To effectively deliver this requires an integrated maintenance approach. Differential Maintenance, which has also been developed by TMS, in association with the UK CAA and supporting UK aerodromes, is now proven to provide such a regime. This approach enables serviceability levels to be maintained in an effective and efficient manner

Further development work by TMS Photometrics has resulted in a complete range of associated AGL maintenance products, including the MALMS Photometric Bench, MALMS Static and MALMS Protector (see products) and services, training and consultancy activities (see services), that can help airports significantly improve the performance of existing AGL systems and cut maintenance costs.

MALMS and the Differential Maintenance strategy are now being regularly employed in airports worldwide; from London Heathrow and throughout Europe, to the Middle East, Far East, Australia and North America.