Development of an empirical formula for machine classification: Prioritization of maintenance tasks

Continuous type production and discrete type manufacturing systems face challenges in optimizing the maintenance related costs. The risk based maintenance approach has been carried out within the continuous type production systems to classify equipment in production and process facilities based on the risk of failure that can cause financial, societal and environmental challenges to the asset owner. At the same time the term 'machine classification' (MC) has been used within the discrete type manufacturing systems to classify machines based on the influence on; production process to continue, delay in deliveries, product quality as well as personnel, process, societal and environmental safety. Initially, this paper discusses the role of the MC in mitigating health, safety and environmental challenges. Then, it derives an empirical formula performing classification of machines. The derivation has been performed by carrying out a case study in three manufacturing companies and utilizing the three different MC models employed by them. Finally, the manuscript verifies the empirical formula with an arbitrarily selected manufacturing organization. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.