Planning and Optimizing Projects for MRO

Abstract

This paper addresses some difficulties common in planning and scheduling work in the MRO industries. We present a solution developed based on Microsoft Project Server for managing and optimizing the deployment of critical resources so as to maximize the project profits. We discuss the methods for managing of multiple projects based on enterprise shared resources, identifying the critical chain for multiple projects, and optimizing their makespans and costs with constrained resources using overtime and outsourcing strategies. We present some results to show the viability and efficiency of the solution in an MRO environment. Several potential research issues are identified and discussed for future research.

Procedure structuring for programming aircraft maintenance activities

“…Although the CPM method is one of the most widely used sequencing techniques, it is not the most suitable one for managing projects in the MRO industry, because it does not consider resource unavailability when these resources are allocated to perform tasks in another project. It assumes that resources are always available (Zhang et al , 2010). In addition, if an activity is finalized in advance the next task will not be initialized immediately because it is scheduled to start on its original start date (TOCCA, 2006).…”

“…In addition, if an activity is finalized in advance the next task will not be initialized immediately because it is scheduled to start on its original start date (TOCCA, 2006). Therefore, this method should not be used exclusively, but combined with a tool that meets these needs, such as the critical chain method, which is described in the next subsection (Zhang et al , 2010; TOCCA, 2006).…”

“…Srinivasan et al (2004) applied tools derived from TOC and lean thinking at a US Navy equipment maintenance center. Zhang et al (2010) applied CCPM method in ship maintenance. Kulkarni et al (2017) applied CCPM method to aircraft maintenance checks classified as heavy maintenance.…”