A Predictive Maintenance System for Reverse Supply Chain Operations

Sotiris P Gayialis,Grigorios D Konstantakopoulos,Evripidis P Kechagias,Georgios A Papadopoulos

doi:10.3390/logistics6010004

Sotiris P Gayialis, Grigorios D Konstantakopoulos + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics6010004

Copy DOI

Journal: Logistics	Publication Date: Jan 7, 2022
Citations: 14	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: National Technical University of Athens

Abstract

Background: Reverse supply chains of machinery and equipment face significant challenges, and overcoming them is critical for effective customer service and sustainable operation. Maintenance and repair services, strongly associated with the reverse movement of equipment, are among the most demanding reverse supply chain operations. Equipment is scattered in various locations, and multiple suppliers are involved in its maintenance, making it challenging to manage the related reverse supply chain operations. Effective maintenance is essential for businesses-owners of the equipment, as reducing costs while improving service quality helps them gain a competitive advantage. Methods: To enhance reverse supply chain operations related to equipment maintenance, this paper presents the operational framework, the methodological approach, and the architecture for developing a system that covers the needs for predictive maintenance in the service supply chain. It is based on Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of things, machine learning, and cloud computing. Results: As a result of the successful implementation of the system, effective equipment maintenance and service supply chain management is achieved supporting the reverse supply chain. Conclusions: This will eventually lead to fewer good-conditioned spare part replacements, just in time replacements, extended equipment life cycles, and fewer unnecessary disposals.

Highlights

A reverse supply chain can be defined as the process of returning products or materials to the manufacturers for reusing, repairing, remanufacturing, recycling, or disposing of [1].The services of equipment maintenance, repair, replacement are core reverse supply chain management operations related to the procedures of on-time returning equipment that need to be repaired or replaced
The research efforts under discussion combine, in a comprehensive way, the implementation of the predictive maintenance approach, the support, and improvement of the reverse supply operations, the focus on innovative activities through the algorithms and technological approaches that the system incorporates from the field of the Fourth
All the above strengthen the effort for creating an effective predictive maintenance system with the ability to be implemented in a number of potentially interested companies that operate, monitor, and maintain equipment at the premises of their customers

Summary

Introduction

The services of equipment maintenance, repair, replacement are core reverse supply chain management operations related to the procedures of on-time returning equipment that need to be repaired or replaced. Methods: To enhance reverse supply chain operations related to equipment maintenance, this paper presents the operational framework, the methodological approach, and the architecture for developing a system that covers the needs for predictive maintenance in the service supply chain.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion