Information logistics for continuous dependability improvement

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an information logistic framework for continuous dependability improvement that is applied within Sweden to improve the operational availability performance of the railway system.

Design/methodology/approach

The applied study approach is a case study of the Swedish iron ore transports, described from the perspectives of the infrastructure manager and the operator of the rolling stock. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, workshops and document studies, while quantitative data were collected through databases. As a framework for analysis, international standards within the dependability area were applied. Finally, the conclusions of the study were verified by key informants.

Findings

Information logistics provides methodologies and technologies to support continuous dependability improvement through monitoring of the operational availability performance and its included aspects of reliability performance, maintainability performance and maintenance support performance.

Practical implications

The operational availability performance of technical systems is crucial to provide a quality of services that fulfils the requirements of stakeholders. Hence, continuous dependability improvement is necessary to keep pace with increasing stakeholder requirements and ongoing system degradation to enable stakeholder satisfaction. The framework is based on best practices and international standards.

Originality/value

The proposed framework includes an integration of methodologies and technologies from the information technology and dependability management areas that considers both railway infrastructure and rolling stock.

Citation

Söderholm, P. and Norrbin, P. (2014), "Information logistics for continuous dependability improvement", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 249-261. https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-05-2014-0030