Issues and models in maintenance systems incorporating cannibalization: A review

In a maintenance system serving a group of similar machines, it is sometimes possible to restore failed machines by ‘cannibalizing’ parts from other machines. Although cannibalization can increase the number of operative machines, its use is not without controversy. This paper presents a discussion of the issues present in decisions involving cannibalization along with a review of relevant models in the literature. In addition, conclusions from the literature are summarized to help focus future research needs.