Intersection of corrosion prevention strategy and practice

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to objectively evaluate the cost benefit of applying corrosion prevention coatings throughout a mid-life logistics fleet supporting the Canadian Army. Design/methodology/approach A database of maintenance records for an Army logistics vehicle throughout a four-year study period is mined. Statistical analysis (primarily ANOVA) accounting for the frequency of treatment and geographic region is executed. Findings Statistical analysis indicates counter-intuitive results. Vehicles that are most frequently treated to prevent corrosion incur the highest maintenance costs. Consultation with operational units suggests that a strategic approach to corrosion prevention is largely absent. Instead, vehicles are treated on an ad hoc basis, or – equivalently – on an as available basis. Practical implications Among high tempo organizations, vehicles most readily available to maintenance support are those that are in the greatest state of disrepair. Vehicles that are in better condition are preferred by operators for daily operations and are not available. Consequently, the vehicles that are subject to preventative maintenance most often are those near their end-of-life or are in disrepair and therefore gain little through further investments in corrosion prevention initiatives. Originality/value Clearly, having corrosion prevention compounds applied to a fleet on an ad hoc basis suffers from the natural bias occurring among operators to retain vehicles in best condition for operational purposes. Corrosion prevention requires a more strategic approach including disciplined maintenance operations in order to provide dividends on a fleet-wide basis.