CHAPTER 1 -BACKGROUND

CHAPTER 1 -BACKGROUND

1. Although impressive progress has been made in maintaining equipment in the field in an effective manner, maintenance of equipment is still a challenge due to factors such as size, cost, complexity, and competition.

   • there is a definite need for effective asset management and maintenance practices that will positively influence critical success factors such as safety, product quality, speed of innovation, price, profitability, and reliable delivery.
   • Needless to say, today’s maintenance practices are market driven, in particular for the manu- 1 facturing and process industry, service suppliers, and so on. An event may present an immediate environmental, performance, or safety implication.
     • the U.S. Department of Defense sees maintenance engi- neering as a discipline that assists in acquisition of resources needed for maintenance, and provides policies and plans for the use of resources in performing or accom- 2 plishing maintenance