Common database for cost-effective improvement of maintenance performance

This paper describes how a common database can play an important role in reaching cost-effective improvements of maintenance performance. The definition and overall design of a common database are presented and illustrated by a case. The main result presented is that it is possible to access a more correct view of the situation in the production by data (information) integration and thereby obtain a better base for making maintenance decisions. The common database supports the development of applications e.g. for monitoring the performance of a production process, for deciding the most cost-effective maintenance policy or for simulating possible maintenance solutions.