An uncertain programming model for preventive maintenance scheduling

Purpose: This study aims to illustrate an uncertain programming model for scheduling of preventive maintenance actions. The PM scheduling, in which PM actions are performed under fixed intervals, is solved by Grey systems theory.

Design/methodology/approach: The paper applied the grey evaluation method based on triangular whitenization weight functions which includes two classes (1) endpoint evaluation method (2) center-point evaluation method.

Findings: Two methods give the same results based on endpoint and center-point triangular whitenization weight functions. For validation, the results were compared by Cassady’s method.

Originality/value: The scheduling of preventive maintenance is crucial in reliability and maintenance engineering. Hundreds of parts compose complex machines that require replacement and/or repairing. It is helpful to reduce the outage loss on frequent repair/replacement parts and avoid lack of maintenance of the equipment by controlling the equipment maintenance frequency.