Optimised maintenance – the design of a management information system for the Department of Water Affairs

Abstract

The Department of Water Affairs’ (DWA) management has established that the monitoring of maintenance performed on its mechanical and electrical components on a number of assets is not entirely satisfactory. The department aims to improve this situation in a manner that will bring the greatest value at a reduced cost to the organisation. The purpose of this project is to refine the already existing maintenance and refurbishment process and to design an add-on to the system that will help address the problem. The new system must be inline with current industry standards and best practice. Simple scheduling and monitoring activities are currently performed using a manual system. The need for a digital computer based system arises once the maintenance system becomes more complicated and more demanding. An Information System (IS) has been designed and will be used for information management purposes. By improving the monitoring and control functions, the maintenance manager is thus able to ensure that work orders are actually completed to satisfaction and on time. The envisaged benefits to DWA are: − A simpler way of planning and managing maintenance is achieved. − Redundant maintenance costs can be eliminated. Thus reducing the overall cost associated with maintenance. − Better alignment to and achievement of strategic objectives. − Improved control over maintenance will assist in achieving better operational and budgetary efficiencies. The use of a Maintenance Management Information System will decrease the effort and increase the value associated with monitoring and control of maintenance by facilitating more effective reporting and decision making. This will improve effectiveness and the efficiency of maintenance within the department.