Development of technical integrity management services - a concept

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to present a concept for the development of technical integrity management services (TIMS) for production facilities that combines multidisciplinary activities and competences to optimize operational expenses and improve production reliability while keeping focus on health, safety and environment. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on a literature survey and observation of industrial practices. The industrial practices are observed through active participation in the development of the concept. Findings - The concept involves a main service provider to integrate various competences and activities in service packages to provide holistic solutions to the customers' technical integrity needs. Such a concept could facilitate development of a new type of maintenance and modification solutions in which the maintenance strategies are developed based on real-time data acquisition and analysis of actual asset condition. Practical implications - The conceptual approach presented provides insight into the process of combining expertise and activities from different disciplines in one service solution package. The concept can be used by managers to develop better technical integrity solutions for production facilities. Originality/value - The paper presents a concept that can be used in industry by managers to develop service solutions in the maintenance area that could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of maintenance processes in capital-intensive industries. TIMS is expected to provide a service solution that may change operation and maintenance practices as well as the relationship between the involved companies/specialists.