Remote control and maintenance outsourcing networks and its applications in supply chain management

This paper analyzes the impact of e-Business technologies on maintenance management and supply chain operations. Two brief reviews of the literature are presented: firstly, on the supply chain and network integration, and then the evolution of maintenance using Information Technology (IT). Following this, the paper discusses four industrial case-studies from various applications of e-maintenance systems in different production sectors, technology complexity environments, maintenance outsourcing level, and supply chain integration context. The results of this research include (1) the classification of the different e-maintenance systems, and (2) the variables which can influence the introduction and development of the systems, as well as the effects of these parameters on the relationships between the different members of the network in four real application case studies. Moreover, this study also introduces new business opportunities, innovative maintenance services, and profitable forms of collaboration provided by the introduction of IT and the Web. The applications have produced interesting benefits and criticalities derived from the introduction and development of e-maintenance, with some important implications for plant and production managers.