Spare parts provisioning for multiple k-out-of-n:G systems

In this paper, we consider a repair shop that fixes failed components from different k-out-of-n:G systems. We assume that each system consists of the same type of component; to increase availability, a certain number of components are stocked as spare parts. We permit a shared inventory serving all systems and/or reserved inventories for each system; we call this a hybrid model. Additionally, we consider two alternative dispatching rules for the repaired component. The destination for a repaired component can be chosen either on a first-come-first-served basis or by following a static priority rule. Our analysis gives the steady-state system size distribution of the two alternative models at the repair shop. We conduct numerical examples minimizing the spare parts held while subjecting the availability of each system to exceed a targeted value. Our findings show that unless the availabilities of systems are close, the HP policy is better than the HF policy

State of the art in simulation-based optimisation for maintenance systems

Recently, more attention has been directed towards improving and optimising maintenance in manufacturing systems using simulation. This paper aims to report the state of the art in simulation-based optimisation of maintenance by systematically classifying the published literature and outlining main trends in modelling and optimising maintenance systems. The authors investigate application areas and published real case studies as well as researched maintenance strategies and policies. Much of the research in this area is focusing on preventive maintenance and optimising preventive maintenance frequency that will lead to the minimum cost. Discrete event simulation was the most reported technique to model maintenance systems whereas modern optimisation methods such as Genetic Algorithms was the most reported optimisation method in the literature. On this basis, the paper identifies the current gaps and discusses future prospects. Further research can be done to develop a framework that guides the experimenting process with different maintenance strategies and policies. More real case studies can be conducted on multi-objective optimisation and condition based maintenance especially in a production context

Spare parts planning and control for maintenance operations

This paper presents a framework for planning and control of the spare parts supply chain inorganizations that use and maintain high-value capital assets. Decisions in the framework aredecomposed hierarchically and interfaces are described. We provide relevant literature to aiddecision making and identify open research topics. The framework can be used to increasethe e¿ciency, consistency and sustainability of decisions on how to plan and control a spareparts supply chain. This point is illustrated by applying it in a case-study. Applicability of theframework in di¿erent environments is also investigated

Model Development for Auto Spare Parts Inventory Control and Management

The immense dynamics and criticality of spare parts and the large revenues accrued, as essential motivating factors for providing control in manufacturing companies has never showed any sign of decrease. In fact, in the vast technological environment of today the complexities of Spare Parts Inventory Control enjoys more insights from analysts (in the Management Science, Information Technology and Industrial/Mechanical Engineering fields) as inventory policies get modeled to ensure customer satisfaction. In other words manual ways of handling inventory has failed to cope with factors like stochastic demands, better service levels, and shorter lead times and providing perfect heuristics for Inventory-related decision making. To this end, significant results for forecasting spare parts requirements can be achieved through the use of novel decision models. Besides the selling of vehicles, the spare parts of various models of heavy duty vehicles are stored and managed by the company. The management of these models which is complex was further complicated by the vast number of parts required in each model. In fact, more than 20,000 active parts needed to be controlled. The management of these parts can only be done with the aid of a computer; hence the spare parts complex has a computerized spare parts inventory database. Each of the parts that is supplied or replenished is continuously keyed into the computer and the inventory stock parameters are updated automatically. The company uses a software package for its inventory control. This is used to identify the part number of the spare parts. From the part number, the location of the spare parts in the stock room is identified. Key Words: Spare parts inventory, Information Technolog