Maintenance management - A neglected dimension of engineering management

Engineering management comprises the management of resources as well a number of life-cycle engineering processes, such as development, production and maintenance. A life-cycle approach towards the management of technical assets calls for a balanced approach in which all life-cycle phases are addressed. The management of maintenance is a relatively new academic and knowledge area. Within the engineering management body of knowledge the management maintenance has not yet received the attention that it should get. The focus is still on development of new systems rather than maintenance and support. This paper outlines the role of maintenance in the business enterprise and how the discipline of maintenance management can be enhanced in organisations.