Enhanced Real-Time Maintenance Management Model—A Step toward Industry 4.0 through Lean: Conveyor Belt Operation Case Study

Abstract

Conveyor belts (CBs) are widely used for the continuous transport of bulk materials. CBs must be extremely reliable due to the cost associated with their failure in continuous production systems. Thus, it is highly relevant in terms of maintenance and planning to find solutions to reduce the existing stoppages from these assets. In this sense, it is essential to monitor and collect real-time data from this piece of equipment. This work presents a case study, where a model that combines the Lean Philosophy, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and the enabling technologies of Industry 4.0 is applied to a CB. The proposed model monitors the CB and provides data on its operation, which, using the calculation of indicators, allows a more accurate and thorough view and evaluation, contributing to improving and supporting decision making by those responsible for maintenance. The data collected by the sensor help those responsible for maintenance and production, in the readjustment of more accurate and optimized planning, programming, and execution, supporting decision making in these areas. During the field test of a two-hour monitoring period (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.), the model identified six stoppages, resulting in approximately 88.6% of operational time for the conveyor. The field test showed that this model can result in more accurate maintenance decision making than conventional approaches. This research also contributes to the advancement of electronics and industrial automation sectors by empowering companies to transform maintenance methodologies. The potential of this approach and its implications for enhanced productivity and overall performance are therefore highlighted.