Robert Trimble

Maintenance Strategy Development Within SME’s: The Development of an Integrated Approach

The importance of maintenance has increased, as high productivity and quality can be achieved by means of well-developed and organised maintenance strategies. However, this assumes that maintenance is controlled in such a way that equipment is stopped for maintenance via a systematic schedule. With the recent advances in technology many methodologies, tools, techniques and strategies have been developed and tested. Unfortunately, the majority of organisations are constrained by certain barriers with the resulting loss of major benefits. These are usually classified as Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Based upon our data analysis a new maintenance methodology, the Advanced Integrated Maintenance Management System (AIMMS) is developed. To enable the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of AIMMS a computerised system — Maintenance Management (MainMan) — was developed and implemented within several case study companies. This paper examines the implementation process within one of these companies. The results indicate that AIMMS supports strategic maintenance decisions, and helps to increase equipment effectiveness through prioritising equipment criticality and focusing on specific resources that will maximise gains based upon a return on investment.Copyright

Measuring the status and alignment of maintenance and manufacturing strategies – the development of a new model and diagnostic tool

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of a new conceptual model and the associated diagnostic tool which can measure the status of maintenance and manufacturing strategies and how well they are linked together. Design/methodology/approach – The new model was developed in two stages. First, a conceptual framework was produced and then a holistic diagram. From this theoretical model a diagnostic tool was generated. This tool was then verified and tested during an empirical research phase which produced four extensive and detailed case studies. A brief overview of one of the case studies is provided in this paper. Findings – It was found that the conceptual model provided an accurate representation of the strategic processes and links which should exist in a manufacturing plant. Moreover the diagnostic tool proved a valid and reliable instrument to measure and display this information. Research limitations/implications – The diagnostic tool provides a snapshot of the status of man...

The inhibitors and enablers of maintenance and manufacturing strategy: a cross-case analysis

This paper concerns the findings from case studies carried out at four North East of England manufacturing plants. The research was part of a wider investigation into the “linkage between maintenance and manufacturing strategies and the effects on manufacturing performance”. The initial study began with a comprehensive literature review, which confirmed a dearth of models and frameworks surrounding the topic. To close this gap, a new conceptual model was developed. This defined the configuration and the key processes and linkages involved. Based on the model, a new diagnostic tool and questionnaire evolved. These were used to measure the status of maintenance and manufacturing strategies at the manufacturing sites. The research produced large quantities of rich data via semi-structured interviews and these were analysed and coded. This generated the information necessary to complete a questionnaire and diagnostic footprint for each site. Importantly, the analysis of the data identified a number of specific inhibitors and enablers to strategic success and these are discussed in detail. A cross-case analysis of the data is also presented, offering five generic recommendations for practitioners to consider.

Analysis of 3 and 4 branch epicyclic transmission systems for Hybrid Electrical Vehicles using matrix method and TSA tool

This paper is focused on modeling and analysis of 3 and 4 branch epicyclic transmission systems for Hybrid Electrical Vehicles (HEVs) using the matrix method and transmission systems analysis (TSA) tool. The TSA tool is especially developed to analyse such systems. The application of the system to a typical hybrid electric vehicle driveline is modeled and a comparison of the performance characteristics of competing designs is discussed. In addition, the potential benefits of the 4 branch epicyclic system are presented.

Modelling and Analyzing Hybrid Electric Vehicles with Single and Dual Epicyclic Power Split Transmissions

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the performance of hybrid electrical vehicles (HEVs) using single and dual epicyclic power split transmissions (PST). The development of PST has been a crucial feature in the technological success of hybrid driveline vehicles. In this paper, single and twin epicyclic power split transmissions models are analyzed and the relationships of speed and torque of the engine, motor and generator are developed. The models are further extended to include all subsystems and a controller designer to be fitted in a typical hybrid electrical vehicle (HEV). Computer programmes for the analysis of epicyclic transmission based on a matrix method are developed and used. In addition, the performance and control strategy of the new system is presented. Three vehicle models are built-up; namely: traditional ICE vehicle, HEV with single epicyclic gearbox, and HEV with twin epicyclic gearbox. The vehicles are simulated over typical driving cycles. The results focus on fuel consumption comparisons but it is also shown how the single and twin epicyclic gearboxes use the engine and motor generator units differently. The simulations show that the twin epicyclic offers substantial improvements of reduction in energy consumption, though the benefits are sensitive to the driving cycle used.

MAINTENANCE STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SME'S: THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

Abstract The importance of maintenance has increased, as high productivity and quality can be achieved by means of well-developed maintenance strategies. However, this assumes that maintenance is controlled and equipment is stopped for maintenance using primary methodologies such as Total Productive Maintenance and Reliability Centred Maintenance. This paper identifies the barriers to the implementation of both methodologies within Small to Medium Enterprises and develops a new methodology called Advanced Intergraded Maintenance Management System (AIMMS). The results indicate that AIMMS supports strategic maintenance decisions, and helps to increase equipment effectiveness through prioritising equipment criticality and focusing on specific resources to maximise gains based upon a return on investment Maintenance Strategy Development.