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Cross-training policies in field services

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  • Colen, P.J.
  • Lambrecht, M.R.

Abstract

To evaluate the outcomes of deploying technicians dedicated to preventive maintenance, instead of fully cross-trained technicians, this simulation study assesses field service operations of a company selling maintenance services. Comprehensive service contracts render the maintenance demand experienced by the field service organization dependent on the cross-training decision. The optimal cross-training policy and the factors that influence this policy are determined, taking into account the effect on the demand for maintenance. Evidence shows that full cross-training might be especially beneficial in a field service setting. In many of the tested scenarios, full cross-training is optimal or the optimal fraction of the workforce being dedicated is low. The results reveal that, in general, a higher workload, more reliable machines, a higher maintenance frequency, and a higher contract coverage increase the benefits of deploying dedicated technicians.

Suggested Citation

  • Colen, P.J. & Lambrecht, M.R., 2012. "Cross-training policies in field services," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 138(1), pages 76-88.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:138:y:2012:i:1:p:76-88
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2012.03.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Olivella, Jordi & Nembhard, David, 2016. "Calibrating cross-training to meet demand mix variation and employee absence," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 248(2), pages 462-472.
    2. Sleptchenko, Andrei & Al Hanbali, Ahmad & Zijm, Henk, 2018. "Joint planning of service engineers and spare parts," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 271(1), pages 97-108.
    3. Gang Li & Joy M. Field & Hongxun Jiang & Tian He & Youming Pang, 2019. "Decision Models for Workforce and Technology Planning in Services," Papers 1909.12829, arXiv.org.

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