What is the primary goal of Defect Elimination in asset reliability practices?

The primary goal of Defect Elimination in asset reliability practices is to increase the plant's production and minimize life cycle costs. This approach focuses on identifying and eliminating defects that lead to equipment failures or inefficiencies. By proactively addressing these issues, organizations can improve the reliability and availability of their assets, which ultimately enhances production output.

When defects are eliminated, downtime is reduced, leading to increased operational efficiency and streamlined processes. This efficiency not only boosts production rates but also reduces costs associated with maintenance and repairs, as less frequent interventions are needed. Furthermore, consistently reliable equipment typically means lower overall life cycle costs, as the investment in maintenance, downtime, and repair efforts diminishes.

While other objectives such as reducing equipment size and complexity, improving employee satisfaction, or enhancing safety compliance can be beneficial outcomes within an organization, the cornerstone of Defect Elimination remains its direct impact on increasing production capabilities and reducing life cycle expenses. This is why option B encapsulates the essence of the defect elimination goal within reliability-focused practices.