Spare parts decision analysis – the missing link in CMMSs (Part II)

In a previous related paper (Exton and Labib, 2001) we discussed the maintenance problem and examined the role of CMMSs as an aid to address the different challenges facing maintenance especially in terms of management, current deficiencies and spare parts inventories. We then focused our investigation on problems with maintenance inventory in terms of conflicting objectives and its unique characteristics. Finally, we extended our review to inventory policies and how they relate to maintenance inventory control. Building upon a concept first put forward in a paper by Lenard and Roy (1995), it is proposed that, rather than adapt one policy to suit all spare parts inventory, maintenance inventories should be segmented and controlled using a number of policies. In order to facilitate such segmentation and grouping of spare parts, a multi-criteria technique has been used, and developed into a piece of computer software. Such software is presented as a hypothesis for the improved management of maintenance spares inventory. In this paper we propose the development of a decision support module of maintenance spare parts that could be part of a CMMS. We then investigate the evaluation of the frequency with which spares are withdrawn from stores, as well as the evaluation of the item’s criticality to production. Based on this investigation we determine the composition of total item ‘risk’. We then propose a methodology for allocating inventory controls to items. Finally we conclude our work and identify opportunities for future research and development in this field.