Life cycle cost (LCC) of the system/equipment is used usually as one of the main parameters for choosing the best among the considered alternatives.
The alternatives can be of many kinds: optimal maintenance concept, new design Vs improvement of existing one, purchasing from different suppliers etc.
This article deals with additional usage of LCC as tool for decision making: adjustments of different expenses, as a part of acquisition and support (LCC distribution over the life time) to long term budget.