Development of a repair inventory model for effective maintenance of modular electronic equipment

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to compare various features of modular repair inventory flow in large maintenance organizations such as the Indian army with those of basic multi‐echelon repair inventory model METRIC. Design/methodology/approach - Two models are selected and validated with user trials for a period of six months. A few performance measures for multi‐echelon repair inventory systems (MERIS) have also been identified using questionnaires. These two models are compared with the base model using developed performance measures and finally the most preferred model is identified which may replace the existing model. Finally, some recommendations are made for future researchers working in the area of multi‐echelon repair inventory systems. Findings - The action research (AR)‐based approach has been used to solve a problem which is interactive and aims at developing a holistic understanding. A crisp codification scheme has also been suggested for a multi‐echelon repair inventory environment. Originality/value - The paper demonstrates identification of inadequacies in the existing model of certain organizations and develops a number of alternate models with the prime objective of reducing the total number of echelons, using an AR‐based approach.