Reduce the variance and duration of outsourced repair lead times

This Master graduation thesis Reducing the variance and duration of external repair lead times, is initially about researching the possibilities for reducing the variance and duration of lead times for the repairs which are being outsourced by Company X. Company X experiences pressure from the Dutch government to improve its efficiency in maintaining and operating its equipment. The availability of ready-for-use spare parts is essential for its Maintenance and Service department for conducting its maintenance in an effective way. During the last four years Company X had on average a spare parts inventory equalling X euros per year in order to ensure its availability of spare parts. Variance in lead times corresponding to the supply of spare parts influences the safety stock needed to reach the desired availability of spare parts. Reducing the variance and duration can dramatically reduce the needed stock levels without harming the maintenance effectiveness. In this way, Department X can contribute to the goal of making Company X a more efficient organization by reducing the variance and duration of its outsourced repair lead times.