V-E-I-N Analysis

When certain components or spare parts are to be classified based on their criticality, it becomes very difficult to judge. For example, in an automobile, the engine is categorized as vital or critical item, while a seat cover is categorized under desirable or normal item.

But the brake liners, and a head lamp have their difference of criticality (Brake liners are more critical - we can run the automobile at least during daytime without head lights). Therefore, it is better to classify these into two categories such as Essential and Important. Thus this classification is a blend of VED and CIN analyses.

• V - Stands for Vital items. Vital equipment has high criticality
• E - Stands for Essential items. Essential equipment has less than high criticality
• I - Stands for Important items. Important equipment has more than (normal) low criticality
• N - Stands for Normal items. Normal equipment has low criticality

Further, the V-E-D or C-I-N or V-E-I-N analysis can be extended to maintenance system optimization. This is explained in section to follow.