Emerging operational strategies. The economy-of-scale concept is losing some of its advocates. Increasingly, organisations have switched to lean manufacturing, “JIT production” and “six sigma programmes”. These trends indicate a shift of emphasis from:- maximum volume output to quick response; elimination of waste, defect prevention; and achievement of higher quality. In increasingly demanding environments, breakdowns, speed loss and erratic process yields create immediate problems for the timely supply of goods or services to customers. Thus, installing the
appropriate equipment and facilities, optimising the maintenance schedules of these assets and the effective deployment of appropriately skilled manpower to perform the maintenance activities are crucial factors in fostering these operational strategies.