Simulation-Based Analysis of Intelligent Maintenance Systems and Spare Parts Supply Chains Integration

Production systems are composed of increasingly complex components with unique specifications. Therefore, since holding safety stocks of each component would be prohibitive, maintenance activities rely on the proper delivery of spare parts, making it available at the right time and place. Equipments monitored by sensors as well as the transmission of sensors data to the spare part supply chain represent an interesting venue for dealing with this contemporaneous industrial challenge. In this direction, this paper applies a simulation model derived from a real world scenario to analyze the performance of the collaboration between condition-based maintenance – also known as intelligent maintenance systems – and spare parts supply chains, in comparison with existing maintenance approaches. Obtained results substantiate the potential of monitoring, treating and transmitting equipment condition data to ensure cost-effective maintenance and production systems availability.