Optimization of the number of maintenance crew in a manufacturing unit

Finding out optimum maintenance crew strength in an organization is a common problem with many industries. In this article we tried to formulate the problem as a queuing theory problem. It was also noted that priority queues concepts are needed in order to formulate a real life problem. The model developed also took note of absenteeism pattern of the maintenance crew, so that the solution becomes more realistic. The model thus developed is then applied to the data obtained from a manufacturing organization. Interestingly, it was observed that the optimum solution obtained suggests that the maintenance department had sufficient number of people to handle even the most critical period of the year when maximum production is attempted.