Selecting the most efficient maintenance approach using fuzzy multiple criteria decision making

We assess the most popular maintenance approaches, i.e. strategies, policies, or philosophies, using a fuzzy multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) evaluation methodology. We illustrate with two examples how the suggested evaluation methodology identifies the most informative approach. Using the fuzzy MCDM, it would be possible to select in advance, the most informative (efficient) maintenance approach. Consequently, this leads to less planned replacements, and failures would be reduced to approximately zero and higher utilization of component life can be achieved. Thus, the maintenance department could contribute more to the business objectives throughout participating effectively in adding value to the production activities. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.