DEMATEL-based consensual selection of suitable maintenance KPIs

This paper aims to highlight the fundamental role of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) tools to perform efficiently in such a complex field as industrial maintenance. Typically, a strategic plan of maintenance interventions has to be first implemented and then continuously checked by maintenance management. Given the importance to monitor the quality and suitability of the undertaken choices, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is herein suggested to evaluate some of the most important maintenance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on the basis of their mutual relationships. DEMATEL is particularly adequate to take into account interdependencies existing among the main elements involved in a complex decision-making maintenance problem. The goal consists in providing maintenance decision-makers with suitable drivers in leading critical processes connected with the maintenance function. Aiming at monitoring the implemented interventions respect to the relative scheduling, a numerical case study related to the selection of a suitable set of KPIs is developed.