Issues And Models In Maintenance Systems Incorporating Cannibalization: A Review

Abstract

In a maintenance system serving a group of similar machines, it is sojnetimes possible to restore failed machines by “cannibalizing” parts from other macliines. Although cannibalization can increase the number of operative machines, its use is not without controversy. This paper presents a discussion ofthe issues present in decisions involving cannibalization along with a review of relevant models in the literature. In addition, conclusions from the literature are summarized to help focus future research needs.

Résumé:

Dans un système d’entretien au service d’un groupe de machines similaires, ii est quelque fois possible de réparer une machine en panne en “cannibalisant” les pièces d’une autre machine. Bien que la cannibalisation permet d’augmenter le nombre de machines en état d’opération, son utilisation est toutefois controversée. Cet article discute des considérations présntes dans les décisions de cannibalisation ainsi qu’une revue des modèles pertinents de la littérature. De plus, les conclusions tirées de la littérature sont résumées afin d’orienter les recherches futures requises.

Key Words:

• cannibalization
• maintenance
• analytic models
• simulation models

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Warren W. Fisher

Warren Fisher is an Assistant Professor of Management in the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi. Besides teaching production/operations management, he conducts research on related topics, including mathematical modelling, computer simulation, maintenance systems and microcomputer applications. Much of Dr. Fisher’s work on maintenance systems arises from two years of experience as aviation supply officer at a U.S. naval air station. After leaving the military, he received his Ph.D. in Operations and Logistics Management from the University of Texas at Austin in 1983 and taught both there and at the University of Oklahoma before joining the faculty at Ole Miss in 1986.