Title: Optimisation of inspection policy for multi-line production systems

Authors: Farhad Zahedi-Hosseini; Aris A. Syntetos; Philip A. Scarf

Addresses: School of Computing, Science and Engineering, University of Salford, Manchester, UK ' Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ' Salford Business School, University of Salford, Manchester, UK

Abstract: This paper develops a simulation model to determine the cost-optimum inspection policy for a multi-line production system taking account of simultaneous downtime. The machines in the multi-line system are subject to a two stage failure process that is modelled using the delay-time concept. Our study indicates that: consecutive inspection of lines with priority for failure repair is cost-optimal, with a cost reduction of 61% compared to a 'run-to-failure' policy; and maintainers need to be responsive to operational requirements. Our ideas are developed in the context of a case study of a plant with three parallel lines, one of which is on cold-standby. [Received 13 October 2016; Revised 29 April 2017; Revised 14 December 2017; Accepted 14 December 2017]

Keywords: maintenance; delay-time model; simulation; production; parallel lines; manufacturing; preventive maintenance.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIE.2018.090616

European Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2018 Vol.12 No.2, pp.233 - 251

Published online: 23 Mar 2018 *

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