Instandhoudingsbestuur by enkele vervaardigingsondernemings in die vaaldriehoek

Abstract

This study investigates the state of maintenance management in selected manufacturing enterprises in the Vaal Triangle. The study is based on the increasing importance of maintenance in technologically advanced manufacturing environments, where effective maintenance has a direct influence on machine availability, production costs, product quality, productivity and customer satisfaction. The primary objective was to determine how maintenance management was being practised in the selected manufacturing enterprises. The findings indicate that most of the enterprises recognised maintenance as a strategic management function, although the implementation of modern maintenance techniques was still at an early stage in many organisations. Effective maintenance was regarded as particularly important because of its influence on machine availability, maintenance costs, product quality, pricing and customer satisfaction. The study also found that many enterprises were operating with older plants and equipment, increasing the need for effective maintenance management. The research identified plant availability, maintenance costs and downtime as important measures of maintenance efficiency. Major strengths included the experience of maintenance personnel and the existence of planned preventive maintenance systems. Important weaknesses included insufficient maintenance personnel and inadequate commitment by maintenance personnel and machine operators. Opportunities for improvement included modern maintenance technology and training, while major threats included ageing equipment, skills shortages and the misuse of machinery. Overall, the study concludes that maintenance management should be treated as a strategic organisational function and integrated more closely with production activities to improve productivity, efficiency and organisational performance.