The Repair Limit Replacement Method

Abstract

AbstractIn the repair limit replacement method when an item requires repair it is first inspected and the repair cost is estimated. Repair is only then undertaken if the estimated cost is less than the "repair limit". Dynamic programming methods are used in this paper as a general approach to the problem of determining optimum repair limits. Two problems are formulated and the cases of finite and infinite planning horizons and discounted and undiscounted costs are discussed. Methods are given for allowing for equipment availability and for the introduction of new types of equipment. An improved general formulation for finite time horizon, stochastic, dynamic programming problems is developed.