FMEA-Based Preventive Maintenance Strategy for Airlock Systems Material Handling at PT XYZ

Abstract

The continuous operation of airlock machines in wheat milling facilities plays a critical role in the material handling system, especially in the transfer of grain from ships to silo storage. At PT XYZ, the airlock machine has been identified as the equipment with the highest frequency of downtime over a three-month observation period, leading to significant disruptions in production flow and increased corrective maintenance costs. This study aims to analyze the failure modes of the airlock machine using the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method and to develop preventive maintenance recommendations based on the highest Risk Priority Number (RPN) values. The research adopts a quantitative descriptive approach, involving field observations, interviews with maintenance personnel, historical breakdown analysis, and machine technical documentation review. The FMEA results indicate that the seal, gear, and bearing are the most critical components, with RPN values of 224, 210, and 192, respectively. These components are prioritized for preventive actions such as regular seal replacement, scheduled lubrication, gear inspections, and motor monitoring. Simulation of the proposed maintenance strategy demonstrates a 66.7% reduction in downtime, from 18 hours to 6 hours per month, and a 43.7% reduction in total maintenance costs, from Rp 9,034,500 to Rp 5,087,500 monthly. These results validate the effectiveness of the FMEA method in identifying risk-prone components and optimizing maintenance planning. It is recommended that PT XYZ institutionalize periodic FMEA updates and establish a cross-functional analysis team to continuously monitor and improve equipment reliability.