Title: A SWOT analysis of maintenance practices for enhancing the business performance of small-scale industry: a case study

Authors: Simranjit Singh Sidhu; Kanwarpreet Singh; Inderpreet Singh Ahuja

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, Punjab, India ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, Punjab, India ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, Punjab, India

Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in the efficient and smooth running of major enterprises, therefore maintenance practices are vital. At the manufacturing unit, a review of business performance indicators was conducted to demonstrate the benefits gained from the implementation of strategic maintenance programs. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) study is used to evaluate the application of maintenance practices in small-scale industry. During the evaluation, the assessment team found a number of issues that needed to be addressed in order for the organisation to achieve business gains. In the case study, strategic maintenance techniques were implemented in order to reap significant benefits in terms of improved OEE, on-time delivery, increased machine availability, and reduced machine breakdowns. The results showed that enhancing OEE in the organisation resulted in a considerable improvement in performance. The study underlines the importance of effective maintenance practice implementation.

Keywords: maintenance practices; business performance; SWOT analysis; OEE; small industries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2024.143226

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2024 Vol.43 No.4, pp.504 - 525

Received: 19 Jun 2022
Accepted: 10 Sep 2022
Published online: 10 Dec 2024 *

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