Design for Maintainability: Improving Project Return on Investment

This research suggests that implementation of maintainability is logically organized into five levels. Each sequential step builds on the prior step with each step becoming a more formal process.(RS141-2, p. 8)

The intent of the model process is to serve as a clearly defined ideal to aid in setting appropriate objectives and defining targets based on project requirements and available resources. The model process for implementing maintainability is organized to achieve a logical flow and consists of six steps that serve as an overall corporate template for all projects. The process begins with the corporate-level groundwork necessary to implement a new program, and then feeds back learning from the projects to improve the entire process. (RS142-1, p. 12)

The research identifies 16 useful tools and checklists to aid the corporate or project level user in implementing design for maintainability. (RS142-1, p. 18)

The research team developed 22 best practices that can be applied to the corporate level and the project level of any organization. It is also intended that the users own practices can be compared and contrasted with the identified best practices as part of an internal benchmarking exercise. Note that these 22 best practices are aligned with the six milestones of the Maintainability Model Process, Key Finding # 2 above. (RS142-1 p. 18)

1. Stand-alone approach which is specifically focused on achieving project maintainability goals only
2. Combined approach where maintainability is part of a larger overall improvement program that may include reliability, constructability, value engineering, etc.

1. Corporate Commitment
2. Program Supports
3. Maintainability Planning
4. Maintainability Implementation
5. Program Updating