Enhancing a company's profitability and competitiveness using integrated vibration-based maintenance: A case study

In this paper a model is developed for identifying, monitoring and improving the economic impact of vibration-based maintenance (VBM). This model provides an additional possibility of identifying where, why and how much capital should be invested, and judges whether or not the investment was cost-effective. The model is further utilised to develop relevant maintenance performance measures. When the model was tested in a Swedish paper mill, the main results were: the average yearly maintenance profit achieved using integrated VBM was at least 3.58 million Swedish kronor (SEK) (approximately US$0.358 million), and average potential savings (economic losses) were around SEK 30 million (US$3 million). Furthermore, the model facilitated identification of problem areas and recognition of where investments should be made. The major conclusion is that the better the data coverage and quality, the greater control is possible over direct maintenance costs, savings and further profits in maintenance. Moreover, using the model it would be easier and more reliable to detect deviations in the maintenance performance and eliminate their causes at an early stage.