Conclusion

In this chapter, we have defined maintenance and maintenance management in modern enterprises. In order to face complexities of current productive environments, maintenance management requires a set of technical and related organizational competencies. We have characterized the maintenance management framework in the form of a process and its required basic supporting structure. Finally, we have suggested useful practices to keep this framework responsive to an organization's needs over time. To be productive in intelligent enterprises of the 21^st century requires a well managed and responsible maintenance function at all levels of business activities. Our proposed framework will enable the organizations to enhance their productivity and customer responsiveness. Therefore, we suggest that modern maintenance management be considered an integral part of the knowledge creation and management activities in intelligent organizations.