IKERLAN progresses in the validation of a holistic reliability management approach that ensure optimal performance of critical assets over their lifetime in different operational contexts. The developed methodology supports value chain actors in studying the behaviour of systems and components in real operating context, allowing to achieve the expected levels of availability and, consequently, to optimize the total cost of ownership.

The methodology is being piloted through an agent-based simulation model which studies the impact of reliability on tram services under different operating contexts, with the aim of optimizing the balance between availability and LCC.

The results achieved in different scenarios show a significant impact on costs:

Figure 1 : LCC variability analysis

Moreover, important impacts in sustainability and social aspects have been noticed.

On the one hand, the implementation of the reliability management methodology leads to a decrease in corrective and preventive actions, as well as in replacements due to false failures; consequently, the required spare parts decrease. Furthermore, the need for auxiliary equipment to ensure service availability is lower. Apart from the significant environmental impact that all this entails, the effect on costs is evident. Achieving the expected levels of availability also minimizes other costs, such as penalties for unavailability. Finally, regarding impacts on social aspects, the improvement of maintenance operators’ training and specially the increase in customers safety can be highlighted.