preventive maintenance

Introduction

This paper discusses the application of computer simulation to the management of the maintenance function at DuPont. Large Scale simulation models often have been used to analyze technical problems of plant operation. Typically, these models mimic the operation of the plant and are used to predict capacity and uptime for alternative equipment configurations. These models require input assumptions for key parameters such as mean time between failure and mean time to repair.

by Malcolm Hide

So how do you go about setting up all of the maintenance requirements for several thousand discretely maintainable assets? This was the challenge facing us when we needed to set up the maintenance requirements package for a baggage handling system in a new airport terminal in a major international airport. From previous experience, and the airport requirements, we had a good idea of what needed to be done. The challenge was in the sheer size of the system-with a total asset base of over 28,000 discretely maintainable assets, we needed to find a more efficient way of doing things. As a result, we developed a three-step process (see Figure 1) that delivers a robust maintenance plan, based on a clearly defined strategy, which is easy to review and enables the implementation of changes when necessary. We have found that the principles hold well, regardless of the size of the system.

Maintenance to many organizations is a word which provides little value to an organization when in fact it provides great value to any company when development, management, and discipline are applied. I think what is most misunderstood about maintenance is the true objective of the function. The objective of maintenance is to maintain the assets of a company so that they meet the reliability needs at an optimal cost.