Requirements specification of a computerized maintenance management system: a case study

Given the need for a quick response to today's dynamic market, the maintenance function is considered increasingly important for industrial companies. Waste elimination, in particular the reduction of work in process and overproduction, required by Lean Manufacturing methodology that has spread across industries, highlights and also increases the impact of failures or malfunctions of equipment on productivity. Managing maintenance involves several activities such as: planning of preventive maintenance actions; scheduling of activities considering available resources and planned production; management of spare parts; analysis of data to reduce the occurrence of failures and to improve performance of the maintenance function. To support this function, companies adopt information systems designated by computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to provide timely and accurate information. Several CMMS are offered in market. However, its main drawback is that they do not perfectly match the particularities of each company. Thus, many companies prefer to develop their own system. This paper presents an ongoing project aiming to develop a CMMS for a manufacturing company. Crucial phases of the project, involving the identification of requirements and the specifications of the system, are described in detail, showing the approach that was followed and reflecting about its effectiveness and efficiency