Operational Supply Chain Planning Method for Integrating Spare Parts Supply Chains and Intelligent Maintenance Systems

Abstract

The lack of spare parts and inefficient maintenance leads to low equipment availability, thus damaging service level and potentially increasing production costs in the industrial sector. Spare parts demand is sporadic and erratic, which impairs its forecasting with available statistical tools. The use of Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) has been studied to support the process of predicting equipment failures and thus contributing to the competitiveness of productive systems. In this context, this study proposes a method, which aims to integrate information provided by Intelligent Maintenance Systems into the operational planning of a spare parts supply chain. The obtained results indicate that the developed method is able to support spare parts supply chain cost reduction, while ensuring predetermined service levels.