Lean management framework for improving maintenance operation: development and application in the oil and gas industry

Lean production theory and techniques have been widely applied in the manufacturing and construction sectors to improve process efficiency by reducing the waste and increasing the value in the value streams. Turnaround maintenance (TAM) is a periodic comprehensive maintenance programme, in which the operations present a unique work scope and context and are conducted following a unique maintenance process. A well-organised project management process is essential to improve the operation efficiency of TAM. Therefore, this study aims to develop a systematic lean management framework based on value stream mapping and structured analysis, evaluation, and validation, specific to the TAM operation efficiency in Oil and Gas industry. Finally, the proposed framework is verified through a case study by using 4D building information modelling taken from a real life environment. The framework provides structured guidance and empirical evidence for using lean for integrating improvement and evaluation in TAM project management.