Increasing availability through technical cannibalisation based on scenarios: A case study of transport fleet maintenance

Jakub Konwerski; Mateusz Oszczypała; Jarosław Ziółkowski; Aleksandra Lęgas

doi:10.61089/kmj4ry13

Authors

Jakub Konwerski Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7527-1177
Mateusz Oszczypała Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1194-6913
Jarosław Ziółkowski Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-5142
Aleksandra Lęgas Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4835-1163

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61089/kmj4ry13

Keywords:

modelling of transport systems, technical cannibalisation, availability, decision-making process

Abstract

This paper presents a formal decision-making model supporting the management of technical renewal processes in transport fleets, considering technical cannibalisation as an equivalent maintenance strategy alongside standard spare parts supply. An algorithm for selecting the optimal renewal path is proposed, taking into account spare parts availability, acceptable downtime and the potential use of operable components obtained from inoperable vehicles. The model integrates two technical renewal mechanisms renewal based on the supply system and renewal through technical cannibalisation and enables a quantitative assessment of their impact on fleet availability. The proposed approach is applied to the analysis of three maintenance scenarios: no cannibalisation, partial cannibalisation, and total cannibalisation. The model is validated using empirical data from a real transport system, comprising a fleet of military trucks, and studies are conducted to evaluate the effects of the analysed strategies on fleet availability and operational stability. The results indicate that extending the scope of cannibalisation interventions leads to higher average fleet availability and a reduction in the variability of availability levels across individual vehicles. In particular, total cannibalisation achieves the highest availability while effectively mitigating the risk of long-term downtime. The proposed model can serve as a decision-support tool for transport systems operating under conditions of limited spare parts availability, high supply uncertainty or crisis situations.

References

1. Alaei, S., Mommens, K., Durán-Micco, J., & Macharis, C. (2024). Evaluating Logistics Companies’ Readiness towards Adopting Synchromodality in the Flanders Region. Sustainability, 16(11), 4834. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114834

2. Alomar, I., & Diallo, N. (2025). Managing Operational Efficiency and Reducing Aircraft Downtime by Optimization of Aircraft On-Ground (AOG) Processes for Air Operator. Applied Sciences, 15(5129). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/app15095129

3. Babu, R. D. (2018). Cannibalisation of Aircraft Parts: Managing The Maintenance Loads Induced By Cannibalisation. International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 6(1).

4. Birolini, A. (2017). Reliability Engineering: Theory and Practice. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-54209-5

5. Carvalho, T., Farber, S., Manaugh, K., & El-Geneidy, A. (2025). Assessing the readiness for 15-minute cities: A literature review on performance metrics and implementation challenges worldwide. Transport Reviews, 45(5), 801–827. https://doi.org/10.1080/01441647.2025.2513530

6. Diaz, E., Muñoz-Añasco, M., & Correcher-Salvador, A. (2023). Cannibalization Policies: Adoption In The Maintenance Of Fleet Systems. Scientific Journal of Silesian University of Technology. Series Transport, 121, 63–75. https://doi.org/10.20858/sjsutst.2023.121.5

7. Diaz, E., Muñoz-Añasco, M., Salvador, A. C., & García, E. (2023). Simulation model for the study of maintenance actions in a homogeneous multi-unit system of interchangeable components, with cannibalization. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 240, 109532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2023.109532

8. Dreyfuss, M., & Stulman, A. (2019). Cannibalisation in a repair/replacement inventory system. International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 34(2). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1504/ijlsm.2019.102212

9. Fisher, W. W. (1990a). Issues And Models In Maintenance Systems Incorporating Cannibalization: A Review. INFOR: Information Systems and Operational Research, 28(1), 67–88. https://doi.org/10.1080/03155986.1990.11732119

10. Fisher, W. W. (1990b). Markov process modelling of a maintenance system with spares, repair, cannibalization and manpower constraints. Mathematical and Computer Modelling, 13(7), 119–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/0895-7177(90)90134-9

11. Fisher, W. W., & Brennan, J. J. (1986). The performance of cannibalization policies in a maintenance system with spares, repair, and resource constraints. Naval Research Logistics Quarterly, 33(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/nav.3800330102

12. Gordova, A. F., & Tverdynin, N. M. (2024). Technical Cannibalism as a Technical and Philosophical Phenomenon. Semiotic studies, 4(2), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.18287/2782-2966-2024-4-2-19-26

13. Investigation into equipment cannibalisation in the Royal Navy. (2017). National Audit Office, Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/investigation-into-equipment-cannibalisation-in-the-royal-navy/

14. Jacyna, M., & Semenov, I. (2020). Models of vehicle service system supply under information uncertainty. Eksploatacja i Niezawodnosc, 22, 694–704. https://doi.org/10.17531/ein.2020.4.13

15. Koçağa, Y. L., & Şen, A. (2007). Spare parts inventory management with demand lead times and rationing. IIE Transactions, 39(9), 879–898. https://doi.org/10.1080/07408170601013646

16. Mendes, D., Gaspar, P. D., Charrua-Santos, F., & Navas, H. (2023). Integrating TPM and Industry 4.0 to Increase the Availability of Industrial Assets: A Case Study on a Conveyor Belt. Processes, 11(7), 1956. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11071956

17. Migawa, K., Borowski, S., Neubauer, A., & Sołtysiak, A. (2021). Semi-Markov Model of the System of Repairs and Preventive Replacements by Age of City Buses. Applied Sciences, 11(21), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110411

18. Oszczypała, M., Ziółkowski, J., & Małachowski, J. (2022). Analysis of Light Utility Vehicle Readiness in Military Transportation Systems Using Markov and Semi-Markov Processes. Energies, 15(14), 5062. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15145062

19. Oszczypała, M., Ziółkowski, J., & Małachowski, J. (2023). Semi-Markov approach for reliability modelling of light utility vehicles. Eksploatacja i Niezawodność – Maintenance and Reliability, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.17531/ein/161859

20. Pham, H. (Ed.). (2003). Handbook of reliability engineering. Springer.

21. Rudyk, T., Szczepański, E., & Jacyna, M. (2019). Safety factor in the sustainable fleet management model. Archives of Transport, 49(1), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0013.2780

22. Rymarz, J., Niewczas, A., Hołyszko, P., & Dębicka, E. (2022). Application of Spearman’s Method for the Analysis of the Causes of Long-Term Post-Failure Downtime of City Buses. Applied Sciences, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/app12062921

23. Salman, S., Cassady, C. R., Pohl, E. A., & Ormon, S. W. (2007). Evaluating the impact of cannibalization on fleet performance. Quality and Reliability Engineering International, 23(4), 445–457. https://doi.org/10.1002/qre.826

24. Semenov, I., & Jacyna, M. (2022). The synthesis model as a planning tool for effective supply chains resistant to adverse events. Eksploatacja i Niezawodność – Maintenance and Reliability, 24(1), 140–152. https://doi.org/10.17531/ein.2022.1.16

25. Sheng, J., & Prescott, D. (2016). Optimising spare parts provision and inspection intervals for an aircraft fleet undergoing cannibalisation. Safety and Reliability, 36(2), 88–105. https://doi.org/10.1080/09617353.2016.1219935

26. Sheng, J., & Prescott, D. (2017). A hierarchical coloured Petri net model of fleet maintenance with cannibalisation. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 168, 290–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2017.05.043

27. Sheng, J., & Prescott, D. (2019). Using a novel hierarchical coloured Petri net to model and optimise fleet spare inventory, cannibalisation and preventive maintenance. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2019.106579

28. Sherbrooke, C. C. (1971). An Evaluator for the Number of Operationally Ready Aircraft in a Multilevel Supply System. Operations Research, 19(3), 618–635. https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.19.3.618

29. Sherbrooke, C. C. (2004). Optimal Inventory Modeling of Systems: Multi-Echelon Techniques (2nd ed). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/b109856

30. Siergiejczyk, M., Rosiński, A., & Szulc, W. (2017). Selected Issues of Reliability Analysis of Distributed Alarm Systems. Pomiary Automatyka Robotyka, 21(3), 75–80. https://doi.org/10.14313/par_225/75

31. Ullah, I., Hussain, I., Rehman, K., Wróblewski, P., Lewicki, W., & Kavin, B. P. (2022). Exploiting the Moth–Flame Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Load Management of the University Campus: A Viable Approach in the Academia Sector. Energies, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/en15103741

32. Wang, J., & Miao, Y. (2021). Optimal preventive maintenance policy of the balanced system under the semi-Markov model. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 213, 107690. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2021.107690

33. Wróblewski, P., & Niekurzak, M. (2022). Assessment of the Possibility of Using Various Types of Renewable Energy Sources Installations in Single‐Family Buildings as Part of Saving Final Energy Consumption in Polish Conditions. Energies, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041329

34. Ziółkowski, J., Małachowski, J., Oszczypała, M., Szkutnik-Rogoż, J., & Konwerski, J. (2022). Simulation model for analysis and evaluation of selected measures of the helicopter’s readiness. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 236(13), 2751–2762. https://doi.org/10.1177/09544100211069180

35. Ziółkowski, J., Oszczypała, M., Lęgas, A., Konwerski, J., & Małachowski, J. (2024). A method for calculating the technical readiness of aviation refuelling vehicles. Eksploatacja i Niezawodnosc, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.17531/ein/187888