The status of maintenance management in UK manufacturing organisations: results from a pilot survey Available to Purchase

The importance of the facility maintenance management in the manufacturing environment has increased rapidly as many organisations aim to become world class. For many organisations it is important to respond to the global competitive pressure by seeking to increase their productivity, maximising the overall equipment effectiveness and pursing an effective and efficient maintenance programme. By creating a set of key ingredients for effective maintenance management and success, this paper analyses the current status of these components in the UK manufacturing organisations through a pilot survey of 18 UK manufacturing respondents. A radar diagram was generated showing the current status of maintenance management in the UK. The chart shows that only one‐third of the organisations seriously consider good maintenance management practices and realise the full benefits. Any preparation of adequate reports on performance and cost is visibly lagging behind. The paper also explores the opportunities for improving maintenance management in UK manufacturing organisations. The crucial involvement of the management is fundamental to give the guidance and direction to the maintenance function.