A Model to Identify Relevant Data for Accurate Problem Tracing and Localisation, and Cost-effective Decisions : A Case Study

Mapping the technical and financial effectiveness of a production is crucial for making cost-effective maintenance decisions. But, a successful mapping cannot be achieved without a well-structured database including all relevant data required for this task. The problem addressed in this paper is how to identify the relevant variables and performance measures that should be monitored for achieving cost-effective maintenance decisions that enhance company’s business? The main result achieved is a model for identifying relevant data required for accurate problem tracing and localisation within maintenance and production processes using a top down approach. The potential of applying the model is examined in a case study including databases of two commercial software programs developed for maintenance. The main conclusions are integration of IT and data resources within the enterprise is needed for developing a holistic view of the production process and a well-formulated and documented procedure of data identification will ensure that the data can be traced back to root sources and in this way we can support the work of continuous cost-effective improvement by eliminating root causes of problems at an early stage