Implementation of the six sigma methodology in the maintenance process of Crown Hellas Can.

Abstract

The main objectives of our Thesis are to improve the efficiency of maintenance operations performed in the Thessaloniki plant of CROWN Hellas Can S.A. and to propose alternative strategies. At the same time, we want to reinforce the importance of implementing valid preventive maintenance policy by producing good reports with the assistance of a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS). To accomplish our goals, we apply the Six Sigma methodology which provides a structured approach to solving problems. The approach has five phases; Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC). Our data had been collected during the high season and had been statistically processed by making use of appropriate statistical package such as Minitab. The business CMMS had been used to produce defect trees and to record both the defects and the corresponding breakdown times. It had been proven that a high percentage of defects had been related to maintenance practices on different pieces of equipment. Also, the low utilization of the CMMS cannot support the production of good reports which could support the decision making on the best maintenance policy. Actually, this is the reason why the majority of most maintenance job is of corrective type. Maintenance is a service function for the production department thus ensuring the smooth performance of the plant and the achievement of a competitive advantage over the competitors.