It's More Than Just The Details

Ultraprobe Tip

Comments & Contributions

Training Schedule

On-Line Training/Tutorials Now Available

The commitment to excellence among these NASCAR teams has led to thinking about the possibility of zero defects during a race. Imagine, a race where no failure occurs. Period! Imagine that! Now, let’s look at what we do in terms of how our equipment is maintained. Granted, the typical plant has much more equipment, components and sub components and personnel than a race team, but the analogy is there and the potential for unheralded success is there as well.

Why not look for a goal of zero defects or zero downtime? How is this achievable or how is it possible to get close to this? For one, take an objective view of what you and your group are doing. Don’t get married to a procedure simply because “it’s always been done this way”. Look at things that are not always obvious such as stocking spare parts. Do you stock parts? If not, how do you maintain an assurance of quality and on-time delivery from a vender? If you do stock, how are the parts stored? Are they assigned stocking numbers/part numbers and stored in logical spots? Is the storage area clean & organized? If rotating equipment or bearings are stored, is the stock rotated to prevent microscopic flattening or potential corrosion? Do you have a procedure for inspecting, for repair or for maintaining specific equipment? Who is responsible? Is there a written procedure or “check-off” list that must be followed? Have you considered putting one in place? How are changes in equipment condition or changes in the way specific equipment operates followed up?

It's not just the details of operation and maintenance of equipment; it's the organization of the details into a workable, effective plan that can help achieve your goal. If you take the time to analyze the details required to effectively maintain every system, subsystem and individual component in your plant and then review maintenance procedures with your group, it is possible to produce an organized approach for each and every member of your maintenance organization to achieve the impossible: close to zero unplanned downtime.