Integrated system for analyzing maintenance records in product improvement

This paper presents the development and realization of the “Integrated system for analyzing Maintenance records in Product improvement” (IMaPro). IMaPro has been designed based on research and need analysis through literature survey and consultation with industry partners in Germany. The primary goal is to analyze structured feedback data, such as condition monitoring, service, and customer data, especially to discover improvement potentials in maintenance management and ultimately product improvement. In this context, Bayesian network utilizes the knowledge-based analysis of feedback data. The Bayesian network is used in combination of a mathematical cost model. The model supports cost-based monitoring and controlling of maintenance activities, and consequently leads to the identification of the lack and applying the lessons learned for improving maintenance costing. The concept has been validated and pilot-tested through the use of a sample product, namely block heater system. Furthermore, IMaPro incorporates an in-house development of mobile application for acquisition of service data.