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Article
Publication date: 20 October 2020

Sunil Dutta and Narala Suresh Kumar Reddy

Production schedules, if not met as per timelines may result in heavy losses to a company in terms of its standing and the overall profit. Production scheduling is generally…

Abstract

Purpose

Production schedules, if not met as per timelines may result in heavy losses to a company in terms of its standing and the overall profit. Production scheduling is generally planned by not taking preventive maintenance schedules into consideration. Most of the plants allocate discrete hours/time for preventive maintenance activities. These hours allocated for preventive maintenance will be in addition to the hours which would be lost during breakdown maintenance. These lost hours may be reduced if production scheduling and preventive maintenance activities are integrated. This advocates that we need to devise a methodology which can take care of lost hours.

Design/methodology/approach

Adaptive and noncyclic maintenance strategy describes the modification of existing maintenance practices, policies and procedures to meet new dynamic tasks/opportunities. It demands a high degree of flexibility and mental agility from maintenance staff members. The maintenance team has to be on a lookout for an opportunity message received from the central server and has to act promptly. The moment an opportunity arises, a message is forwarded to a central maintenance server (opportunity is captured). The central server then assigns individuals/team, based on their expertise and the maintenance task due on that machine/equipment. This action is completely automated and implemented without delay.

Findings

The total man-hours saved by executing adaptive and noncyclic preventive maintenance methodology comes to 705 h during 15 days on 30 machines installed in three different sections. There was a contribution of 71 innovative ideas from the repair teams. Out of these 71 innovative ideas, 16 were found suitable for execution. A quantum jump in the morale and motivation of the maintenance team was noticed from the feedback forms. Mutual understanding and respect for each other among employees has been enhanced. The optimization of resources and infrastructure including tools, gauges, testing equipment, etc. could truly be attained.

Practical implications

The developed adaptive and noncyclic preventive maintenance model assists in capturing lost hours and make the system proactive and lean. The suggested model optimizes the preventive and predictive maintenance activities and results in substantial saving of efforts, manpower, resources and allocated budget.

Originality/value

The adaptive and noncyclic preventive maintenance model discussed in the article is a novel approach for the optimization of resources. The technique assists in capturing lost hours and utilization of these hours for preventive maintenance tasks. The model will also encourage creative and innovative ideas from employees and take the organization toward Continual Maintenance Optimization.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 May 2020

Imad Alsyouf, Sadeque Hamdan, Mohammad Shamsuzzaman, Salah Haridy and Iyad Alawaysheh

This paper develops a framework for selecting the most efficient and effective preventive maintenance policy using multiple-criteria decision making and multi-objective…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper develops a framework for selecting the most efficient and effective preventive maintenance policy using multiple-criteria decision making and multi-objective optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

The critical component is identified with a list of maintenance policies, and then its failure data are collected and the optimization objective functions are defined. Fuzzy AHP is used to prioritize each objective based on the experts' questionnaire. Weighted comprehensive criterion method is used to solve the multi-objective models for each policy. Finally, the effectiveness and efficiency are calculated to select the best maintenance policy.

Findings

For a fleet of buses in hot climate environment where coolant pump is identified as the most critical component, it was found that block-GAN policy is the most efficient and effective one with a 10.24% of cost saving and 0.34 expected number of failures per cycle compared to age policy and block-BAO policy.

Research limitations/implications

Only three maintenance policies are compared and studied. Other maintenance policies can also be considered in future.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology is implemented in UAE for selecting a maintenance scheme for a critical component in a fleet of buses. It can be validated later in other Gulf countries.

Originality/value

This research lays a solid foundation for selecting the most efficient and effective preventive maintenance policy for different applications and sectors using MCDM and multi-objective optimization to improve reliability and avoid economic loss.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 May 2020

Nouhayla Hafidi, Abdellah El Barkany, Abderrahman EL Mhamedi and Morad Mahmoudi

The purpose of this paper is to consider various possible constraints of the problem of production and maintenance planning control for a multi-machine under subcontracting…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider various possible constraints of the problem of production and maintenance planning control for a multi-machine under subcontracting constraint, in order to bring the manufacturer industry closer to real mode. In this paper, we present an efficient and feasible optimal solution, by comparing optimization procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

Our manufacturing system is composed of parallel machines producing a single product, to satisfy a random demand under a given service level. In fact, the demand is greater than the total capacity of the set of machines; hence there rises a necessity of subcontracting to complete the missing demand. In addition, we consider that the unit cost of subcontracting is a variable depending on the quantity subcontracted. As a result, we have developed a stochastic optimal control model. Then, to solve the problem we compared three optimization methods: (exact/approximate), the genetic algorithm (GA), the Pattern Search (PS) and finally fmincon. Thus, we validate our approach via a numerical example and a sensitivity analysis.

Findings

This paper defines an internal production plan, a subcontracting plan and an optimal maintenance strategy. The optimal solution presented in this paper significantly improves the ability of the decision maker to consider larger instances of the integrated model. In addition, the decision maker can answer the following question: Which is the most optimal subcontractor to choose?

Practical implications

The approach developed deals with the case of the real-mode manufacturing industry, taking into consideration different constraints and determining decision variables which allow it to expand the profits of the manufacturing industry in different domains such as automotive, aeronautics, textile and pharmacies.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few documents dealing with the integrated maintenance in subcontracting constraint production which considers the complex aspect of the multi-machine manufacturing industry. We also dealt with the stochastic aspect of demand and failures. Then, we covered the impact of the unit cost variation of subcontracting on the total cost. Finally, we shed light on a comparison between three optimization methods in order to arrive at the most optimal solution.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2021

Abbas Al-Refaie and Hiba Almowas

This research developed and examined a mathematical model for concurrent corrective and preventive maintenance policy of a system of series configuration.

Abstract

Purpose

This research developed and examined a mathematical model for concurrent corrective and preventive maintenance policy of a system of series configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model was developed to maximize availability, and maximal net revenues, and minimal cost. Different probability distributions for time to failure and time to repair were considered. The model was then implemented on a real case study, which was studied under corrective maintenance policy and concurrent corrective and preventive policy.

Findings

A comparison between results at current policy (90 days) and optimal period of corrective and preventive policy was conducted. It was found that availability, profit was increased from 94.4% and $20.091 – 96.5% and $24.803, respectively. Further, the cost was reduced from $1104.8 to $797.22.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed optimization model can be adopted in planning maintenance activities for a single machine as well as for a system of series configuration machines under various probability distributions.

Practical implications

The proposed model can significantly enhance performance of the production as well as maintenance systems. In addition, the developed model may support maintenance engineering in effective management of maintenance resources and the performance of its activities.

Originality/value

This research considers a mathematical model with multi-objective functions and distinct probability distributions for time-to-failure for a system of series machines. Moreover, appropriate approximation solution was deployed to find integral of some functions. Finally, it provides maintenance planning for a single machine or a series of machines.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2010

Kamran S. Moghaddam and John S. Usher

This paper seeks to develop and present a new mathematical formulation to determine the optimal preventive maintenance and replacement schedule of a system.

1766

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to develop and present a new mathematical formulation to determine the optimal preventive maintenance and replacement schedule of a system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper divides the maintenance‐planning horizon into discrete and equally‐sized intervals and in each period decide on one of three possible actions: maintain the system, replace the system, or do nothing. Each decision carries a specific cost and affects the failure pattern of the system. The paper models the cases of minimizing total cost subject to a constraint on system reliability, and maximizing the system reliability subject to a budgetary constraint on total cost. The paper presents a new mathematical function to model an improvement factor based on the ratio of maintenance and repair costs, and show how it outperforms fixed improvement factor models by analyzing the effectiveness in terms of cost and reliability of the system.

Findings

Optimal decisions in each period over a planning horizon are sought such that the objectives and the requirements of the system can be achieved.

Practical implications

The developed mathematical models for this improvement factor can be used in theoretical and practical situations.

Originality/value

The presented models are effective decision tools that find the optimal solution of the preventive maintenance and replacement scheduling problem.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2011

Anil Sharma, G.S. Yadava and S.G. Deshmukh

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on maintenance optimization models and associated case studies. For these optimization models critical observations are made.

6942

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on maintenance optimization models and associated case studies. For these optimization models critical observations are made.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper systematically classifies the published literature using different techniques, and also identifies the possible gaps.

Findings

The paper outlines important techniques used in various maintenance optimization models including the analytical hierarchy process, the Bayesian approach, the Galbraith information processing model and genetic algorithms. There is an emerging trend towards uses of simulation for maintenance optimization which has changed the maintenance view.

Practical implications

A limited literature is available on the classification of maintenance optimization models and on its associated case studies. The paper classifies the literature on maintenance optimization models on different optimization techniques and based on emerging trends it outlines the directions for future research in the area of maintenance optimization.

Originality/value

The paper provides many references and case studies on maintenance optimization models and techniques. It gives useful references for maintenance management professionals and researchers working on maintenance optimization.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 October 2021

Syed Asif Raza and Abdul Hameed

The findings of this study have lightened the focal research areas in maintenance planning and scheduling. These also served as effective guidelines for future studies in this…

Abstract

Purpose

The findings of this study have lightened the focal research areas in maintenance planning and scheduling. These also served as effective guidelines for future studies in this area. This research, therefore, contributes in fulfilling the gap by carrying out an SLR of contemporary research studies in the area of models for maintenance planning and scheduling. At present, SLR rooted in BA has not been carried focusing on a survey over models for maintenance planning and scheduling. SLR uses advanced scientific methodologies from BA tools to unveil thematic structures.

Design/methodology/approach

We have systematically reviewed over 1,021 peer-reviewed journal articles. Advanced contemporary tools from Bibliometric Analysis (BA) are used to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). First, exploratory analysis is presented, highlighting the influential authors, sources and region amongst other key indices. Second, the large bibliographical data is visualized using co-citation network analyses, and research clusters (themes) are identified. The co-citation network is extended into a dynamic co-citation network and unveils the evolution of the research clusters. Last, cluster-based content analysis and historiographical analysis is carried out to predict the prospect of future research studies.

Findings

BA tools first outlined an exploratory analysis that noted influential authors, production countries, top-cited papers and frequent keywords. Later, the bibliometric data of over 1,021 documents is visualized using co-citation network analyses. Later, a dynamic co-citation analysis identified the evolution of research clusters over time. A historiographical direct citation analysis also unveils potential research directions. We have clearly observed that there are two main streams of maintenance planning and scheduling applications. The first has focused on joint maintenance and operations on machines. The second focused on integrated production and maintenance models in an echelon setting for unrealizable production facilities.

Originality/value

There are many literature review-based research studies that have contributed to maintenance scheduling research surveys. However, most studies have adopted traditional approaches, which often fall short in handling large bibliometric data and therefore suffer from selection biases from the authors. As a result, in this area, the existing reviews could be non-comprehensive. This study bridges the research gap by conducting an SLR of maintenance models, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been carried out before this study.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2020

Fatemeh Afsharnia, Afshin Marzban, Mohammadamin Asoodar and Abas Abdeshahi

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the preventive maintenance based on fault tree (FT)–Bayesian network (BN) reliability for sugarcane harvester machine as a fundamental…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the preventive maintenance based on fault tree (FT)–Bayesian network (BN) reliability for sugarcane harvester machine as a fundamental machine in the sugar industry that must be operated failure-free during a given period of the harvesting process.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine machine reliability using the algorithm developed based on mapping FTs into BNs, the common failures of 168 machines were carefully investigated over 12 years (2007–2019). This algorithm was then used to predict the harvester reliability, estimate delays by machine downtimes and their consequences on white sugar production losses that can be reduced by optimizing the preventive maintenance scheduling.

Findings

The optimization of preventive maintenance scheduling based on estimated reliability of sugarcane harvester machines using FT–BNs can reduce white sugar production losses, the operation-stopping breakdowns and the downtime costs as a crisis that the sugar industry is facing.

Practical implications

Machine reliability gradually decreased by 31.08% approximately, which resulted in a working time loss of 26% in the 2018–19 harvesting season. In total, the white sugar losses were estimated as 204.17 tons for burnt canes and 114.53 tons for green canes. The losses of the 2018–19 harvesting season have been 11.85 times greater than the first harvesting season. The proposed maintenance interval for critical subsystems including the hydraulic, chopper and base cutter were obtained as 1.815, 1.12 and 1.05 h, respectively.

Originality/value

In this study, a new approach was used to optimize preventive maintenance to reduce delays and their implications upon costs in time, inconvenience and white sugar losses. The FT–BNs algorithm was found a useful tool that was over-fitting of failure occurrence probabilities data for sugarcane harvester machine.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2020

Antti Salonen and Maheshwaran Gopalakrishnan

The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness of the Swedish manufacturing industry to implement dynamic, data-driven preventive maintenance (PM) by identifying the gap…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness of the Swedish manufacturing industry to implement dynamic, data-driven preventive maintenance (PM) by identifying the gap between the state of the art and the state of practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An embedded multiple case study was performed in which some of the largest companies in the discrete manufacturing industry, that is, mechanical engineering, were surveyed regarding the design of their PM programmes.

Findings

The studied manufacturing companies make limited use of the existing scientific state of the art when designing their PM programmes. They seem to be aware of the possibilities for improvement, but they also see obstacles to changing their practices according to future requirements.

Practical implications

The results of this study will benefit both industry professionals and academicians, setting the initial stage for the development of data-driven, diversified and dynamic PM programmes.

Originality/Value

First and foremost, this study maps the current state and practice in PM planning among some of the larger automotive manufacturing industries in Sweden. This work reveals a gap between the state of the art and the state of practice in the design of PM programmes. Insights regarding this gap show large improvement potentials which may prove important for academics as well as practitioners.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2021

Samane Babaeimorad, Parviz Fattahi and Hamed Fazlollahtabar

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated strategy for inventory control and preventive maintenance planning for a single-machine production system with increasing…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated strategy for inventory control and preventive maintenance planning for a single-machine production system with increasing failure rates.

Design/methodology/approach

There are three scenarios for solving presented model. The strategy is such that the production component is placed under maintenance as soon as it reaches the m level or in the event of a malfunction earlier than m. Maintenance completion time is not predictable. As a result of periodic maintenance, a buffer stock h is held and the production component starts to produce from period A with the maximum throughput to satisfy demand and handle the shortage. A numerical algorithm to find the optimal policy is developed. The algorithm is implemented using MATLAB software.

Findings

The authors discovered that joint optimization mainly reduces production system costs. Cs is holding cost of a product unit during a unit of time. The authors consider two values for Cs, consist of, Cs = 1 and Cs = 2. By comparing the two cases, it is concluded that by reducing the cost from Cs = 2 to Cs = 1, the optimal scenario does not differ. The amount of decision variables decreases.

Originality/value

This paper is the provision of a model in which the shortage of back order type is considered, which greatly increases the complexity of the problem compared to similar issues. The methods for solving such problems are provided by the numerical algorithm, and the use of buffers as a way to compensate for the shortage in the event of a complete shutdown of the production line which is a very effective and efficient way to deal with customer loss.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

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