Maintenance implementation and automation in the steel industry

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the implementation of planned maintenance at RCA company, using performance indicators as a support tool for industrial maintenance management. The research was based on the identification of problems related to the predominance of corrective maintenance, lack of work order control, operational improvisations, disorganization of the production environment, and recurring failures in critical equipment, especially the EURA 13 machine. The adopted methodology was applied, descriptive, and qualitative, using field observations, document analysis, photographic records, and the application of tools such as the Ishikawa Diagram and FMEA. Based on the diagnosis carried out, improvements were proposed involving preventive maintenance, spare parts inventory organization, procedure standardization, checklist implementation, and the use of automated spreadsheets to monitor indicators such as MTBF, MTTR, and operational availability. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in failures, decreased downtime, increased equipment reliability, and improved safety and organization conditions within the industrial environment. The study showed that even companies with limited resources can achieve significant gains in productivity, reliability, and operational efficiency through the adoption of structured maintenance practices. It is concluded that planned maintenance, combined with the use of performance indicators and simple control tools, represents a strategic element for the competitiveness and sustainability of industrial organizations.