A simulation model for field service with condition-based maintenance

Abstract

We consider field service in which service providers are responsible for maintaining equipment performance. To do so, preventive maintenance work is usually required in addition to repairs. Field service managers are often faced with the conflicting objectives of maintaining a high level of equipment availability and keeping a low service cost. A condition-based maintenance (CBM) system can be used to achieve both goals by using equipment condition as a guide for taking maintenance actions. We developed a simulation model for field service with an integrated CBM system. A test case based on the field service operation of an elevator service provider has been built in a visual simulation environment to estimate the value of a CBM system.