Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) is a systematic process used in maintenance and operations to determine where, when, and how an asset should be repaired or whether it should be replaced or discarded altogether. The core aim of LORA is to optimize repair processes to minimize total life cycle costs while maintaining asset availability and operational readiness. By evaluating factors like repair costs, skill requirements, and the impact of asset failure, LORA helps maintenance teams make informed, cost-effective repair decisions.
LORA typically categorizes repairs into three levels based on complexity, location, and required resources:
This level involves basic repairs conducted directly on-site to restore the asset to operational status rapidly. O-Level repairs are performed by on-site personnel using standard tools, typically without needing specialized expertise. This level is ideal for routine repairs or minor fixes that do not require extensive diagnostics.
Intermediate-level repairs are more specialized and are usually done in dedicated maintenance facilities that support multiple operational units. This level uses more advanced tools and diagnostic equipment to address issues beyond on-site repairs' scope but does not necessitate complete disassembly or overhaul. I-Level repairs balance efficiency with the capability to perform deeper, targeted maintenance.
Depot-level repairs involve extensive maintenance tasks, often requiring specialized skills, high-end diagnostic tools, and sometimes OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) facilities. D-Level repairs may include complete rebuilds or significant overhauls. Because of the resources required, D-Level repairs are performed only when essential and often as a last resort for highly valuable assets.
Executing LORA effectively involves a step-by-step analysis that examines both economic and non-economic factors.
This initial stage focuses on identifying the feasible repair options. It involves assessing the technical feasibility of each repair level (O, I, D), considering factors like available skills, tools, and parts. This stage establishes what can be done, regardless of cost.
This step assigns costs to each feasible repair option identified in the non-economic analysis. It includes all direct and indirect costs, such as labor, parts, transportation, downtime, and disposal. This stage determines the cost of each option.
This crucial step examines how changes in key cost factors (e.g., labor rates and parts prices) influence the optimal repair decision. It helps understand the robustness of the selected repair strategy against potential cost fluctuations.
This final step combines the results of the non-economic and economic analyses, considering the sensitivity analysis, to choose the most cost-effective repair option. The decision is based on minimizing the total lifecycle cost while maintaining acceptable operational performance.
LORA plays a critical role in achieving balanced, cost-effective maintenance strategies. Its benefits include:
Implementing LORA with a robust CMMS, like Cryotos, enhances decision-making and operational efficiency:
Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) is essential for making cost-effective, strategic repair decisions that enhance asset reliability while minimizing life cycle costs. Organizations can optimize maintenance operations and improve resource allocation by categorizing repairs into appropriate levels and supporting these decisions with data through a CMMS like Cryotos.
