Multicriteria model for selection of preventive maintenance intervals

Abstract

Selecting preventive maintenance intervals is a problem addressed in the literature in which several different models are used according to the context and other issues. This article presents a multicriteria decision model to support decision makers in choosing the best maintenance interval based on the combination of conflicting criteria, such as reliability and cost. A procedure is proposed for using the model, which is based on multiattribute utility theory (MAUT). Moreover, a numerical application illustrates the use of the procedure, based on a real case study. The discussion of the results addresses theoretical issues and practical managerial implications related to the model proposed. This study shows that a multicriteria decision model is important for the maintenance and reliability community when a context of service production systems is to be accounted for due to interruptions caused by failures in this kind of production system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.