An integrated approach of maintenance tools and techniques to improve manufacturing performance

Wyant, T

Abstract

In todays competitive markets with increasing demands on manufacturers
to produce quality products to tight deadlines, the availability of
manufacturing plant and equipment is of prime importance.
Traditionally, maintenance has often been considered as a second line
function and non-productive. However, an effective maintenance
activity can contribute to plant availability and reliability leading
to increased production efficiency and consequently to company
profitability.
This Thesis is concerned with adopting an integrated approach to
implementing maintenance tools and techniques and describes the
definition, implementation and consolidation of these within a
traditional factory environment in order to increase manufacturing
performance.
The tools and techniques implemented include re-organisation of the
maintenance department to adopt a customer focused team based
approach, preventive maintenance improvements, implementation of
various condition monitoring techniques including vibration analysis,
oil monitoring, thermography and the introduction of in-house
monitoring methods as well as the introduction of a computerised
maintenance management system.
As a result of implementing these tools and techniques the company has
seen dramatic improvements. These improvements have realised savings
in excess of £ 220,000 with opportunity costs in excess of
£ 1,500,000. Condition monitoring tools allowed the company to meet a
50% increase in production during 1995, with an effect on pre-tax
profit in the region of 50%.
The results obtained emphasise the importance of an effective
maintenance strategy to the manufacturing operation. As well as this
its importance to the business as a whole, making it a key business
activity.

Citation

Wyant, T. An integrated approach of maintenance tools and techniques to improve manufacturing performance. (Dissertation). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Dissertation
• Deposit Date: Jun 17, 2021
• Award Date: Nov 1, 1997