A framework of fuzzy integrated MADM and GMA for maintenance strategy selection based on agile enabler attributes

Maintenance cost of machinery, equipment and tooling are main contributor to total cost of production in processing industry. The aim of study is to explore selection of optimum maintenance strategy for steam generating unit (SGU) in a coal fired thermal power plant using various MADM and graphical approach. The novelty of research work is selection of strategy based on agile enabler attributes and use of graphical approaches for decision making. This selection procedure allows for speedy conflux of large number of attributes, which gives the decision maker an effective tool select optimum strategy. The practicality of the framework has been justified through implementation in thermal power plant, situated in northern part of India. The plant has total installed capacity of 2400 MW. It has eight units. The present study is done in unit number 8. This selection is based on agile enabler attributes. Triangular fuzzy number (TFN) is used to take care of imprecise and vague judgements. For ranking of maintenance strategies MADM approaches of fuzzy AHP (FAHP), fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS); and Graphical approaches of Line graph and spider graph are used, respectively. PDM has been ranked first by all evaluating approaches. There is also synergy in results. The proposed work not only provides the best alternative but also alternative ranking. The results will be shared with management for implementation so as to increase system availability and reduce operation cost.