My training and experience are based on finding the root cause(s) of a problem and then implementing tactics to solve the problem. I believe one root cause of some of today's issues in manufacturing, especially the lack of success in implementing improvement programs, is caused by a lack of communication. This in turn will affect direction and accountability. The answer may be in relying less on email and so called instant communications (although they have their place, they have been proven…

  The maintenance department in any manufacturing environment is a service department. As a service department they have customers, and traditionally the main customer that gets much of the focus (and resources) is the production or manufacturing department.

  Keep in mind that for any manufacturing facility to operate smoothly and efficiently there are many other departments that also play an important part in getting quality product out the door. Maintenance must also provide service to…

  Basic Care #1 covered keeping your machinery components tightened, clean, and lubricated on a regular basis. Done properly, your breakdowns should be greatly reduced (results of up to 80% have been achieved). The next step in further reducing breakdowns and increasing plant capacity involves using Predictive Maintenance (PdM), technology that detects when machinery is beginning or about to fail (potential failure).

  With PdM you are able to plan and repair machinery before it actually…

  General Motors latest mission statement reads; "General Motors is a multinational corporation engaged in socially responsible operations, worldwide. It is dedicated to provide products and services of such quality that our customers will receive superior value while our employees and business partners will share in our success and our stock-holders will receive a sustained superior return on their investment."

  General Motors latest vision statements read; "GM's vision is to be the world…

  Quality. This term is not frequently used in most Maintenance departments. Quality in Maintenance is in fact two fold; the service it provides to Operations (based on the premise that maintenance quality is measured by customer (production) satisfaction through improved OEE, uptime, safety), and the contribution to overall quality of the product (assets producing quality material in spec when needed, with minimal scrap or waste).

  For those in the quality circle (no pun intended) Dr. W.…

  If we are going to improve and/or lean our manufacturing processes, Maintenance must also be included. Any new initiatives will definitely include change, and being change starts at the top, this post is about the Maintenance Manager. Today's Manager must understand the changes that need to be made and must know how to successfully implement them.

  The following are the main duties and qualifications you might find in a job description for a Maintenance Manager:

Main Duties

• Direct the…

  Many companies, along with their maintenance department, start the off the new year with new goals in mind. They may focus on being leaner, greener, or may want to concentrate on improving mechanical integrity, just to name a few possible initiatives.

  To ensure successful implementation of any new program use the full PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT (PDCA) cycle. This effective tactic has been around a while, but due to downsizing or other reasons (organizational issues, lack of time etc) many…

  In todays increasingly technology driven manufacturing environment machines can alert operators when problems arise or service is needed through onboard built in predictive (PdM) systems. For those of us without brand new manufacturing equipment and facilities (most of us) who have slightly (or much) older equipment we must rely on the next best thing, Preventative Maintenance (PM) to help keep things operating smoothly.

  Preventative Maintenance systems are put in place to extend the life…

  Taking proper care of your plant facilities and equipment can be approached somewhat the same as taking care of your car. You keep it clean, check levels and pressures regularly, change the oil and filters based on mileage (and/or severity of use), follow recommended servicing guidelines, and if you hear noises or notice a lack of performance you get it checked out and repaired. We all have seen people who ignore these basic car care essentials on the side of the road with their hoods open.

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