Development of a model for the implementation of industry 4.0 technologies in rolling stock maintenance
Date
2021-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Globalisation and the growth in world population are causing increased human mobility. As a result, new mobility solutions are entering the market, leading to increasing intermodal competitiveness. This implies that traditional means of transport such asrolling stock must be operated with more efficiency to withstand intermodal competition.Achieving greater efficiency is demanding for rail operators. They are being challenged by increasing complexity and safeguarding the availability of passenger rolling stock, bringing maintenance and emerging technologies into focus. To stay competitive and operate economically, rail operators need to optimise their maintenance strategies. Emerging technologies shape the Industry 4.0 environment and contribute towards improving processes.
This research work proposes a model for rail operators which supports them in their decision to implement Industry 4.0 technologies in rolling stock maintenance. The model consists of various phases and considers the various main mechanical systems of rollingstock as well as the related appropriate maintenance strategy. Relevant criteria are identified for selecting a suitable maintenance strategy for the model user’s rolling stock system.In addition, a customised selection of emerging technologies is carried out based on the railoperator’s technological maturity level. A systematic literature review revealed the suit-able Industry 4.0 technologies which are applicable for maintenance processes. The maturity level is derived from the major prerequisites of the technologies and is determined via aquestionnaire. An economic consideration of Maintenance Performance Indicators (MPIs)determines whether an investment is worthwhile based on the current technological matur-ity level. For future research the model proposes relevant activities which are influenced by the findings of the conducted online survey with subject matter experts. Therefore, this work contributes towards enabling rail operators for decision–making regarding Industry4.0 technology integration and thereby increases maintenance process efficiency.
This research work proposes a model for rail operators which supports them in their decision to implement Industry 4.0 technologies in rolling stock maintenance. The model consists of various phases and considers the various main mechanical systems of rolling stock as well as the related appropriate maintenance strategy. Relevant criteria are identified for selecting a suitable maintenance strategy for the model user’s rolling stock system. In addition, a customised selection of emerging technologies is carried out based on the railoperator’s technological maturity level. A systematic literature review revealed the suitable Industry 4.0 technologies which are applicable for maintenance processes. The maturity level is derived from the major prerequisites of the technologies and is determined via aquestionnaire. An economic consideration of Maintenance Performance Indicators (MPIs)determines whether an investment is worthwhile based on the current technological matur-ity level. For future research the model proposes relevant activities which are influenced by the findings of the conducted online survey with subject matter experts. Therefore, this work contributes towards enabling rail operators for decision–making regarding Industry4.0 technology integration and thereby increases maintenance process efficiency.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Raadpleeg teks vir opsomming
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Raadpleeg teks vir opsomming
Description
Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2021.
Keywords
UCTD, Rolling stock of railroads, Industry 4.0, Maintainability (Engineering), Maintenance Performance Indicators