Computer based maintenance systems have been in use in the dairy industry in New Zealand for several years. The systems provide planning and control facilities suitable for keeping track of engineering maintenance activities. Predictive maintenance techniques which can be linked to maintenance management systems are also becoming available. These include trend analysis systems which collect data and provide trend graphs as well as expert systems which provide interpreted advice for selection and use of materials. Collection of this data and advice in an integrated predictive maintenance package provides opportunities to extend plant life through improvements in quality assurance and quality control in all aspects of materials.
Keywords: maintenance, expert systems, computers, corrosion, stainless steels, dairy, quality assurance, design and fabrication