Multi-criteria decision tool applied to a system reliability for the priorization of spare parts

Abstract

This paper proposes a method for spare part priorization based on the system reliability behavior. The method considers the values taken by the reliability distribution parameters, as the result of a multi-criteria decision process. The range of values is divided into possible alternatives, which depend on the importance of different criteria. The presented exercise provides a quick view about how different spare part policies can be selected by the effect, not only of the design, installation quality or performed maintenance, but also due to factors that sometimes come from subjective assessments. Hence, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) includes both qualitative and quantitative criteria in the priorization scheme. The presented method is intended to be a starting point for the analysis of external factors that make an important influence on the decision–making of complex industrial assets, with high amounts of data, system configurations, and maintenance inputs, which will be analyzed in future researches with the support of a tailored software application.