Designing for Reliability

In manufacturing, reliability is the product of Maintenance. But there are many factors that can limit the degree of reliability that Maintenance can deliver. One of the most significant is the inherent ability of

Asset Identification and Numbering

This article covers the two main plant numbering systems that together form the framework on which all maintenance programmes are based and describes the value that can be created by integrating these identification systems.

Maintenance Database Design, from First Principles

In other articles on this site, we’ve discussed identifying the required outputs for a maintenance computer system as an early step toward database design. “Outputs” include all those documents or screens used by Maintenance

Controlling materials returned to Stores

An essential part of a complete business process for managing a maintenance storeroom is a robust and simple procedure for returning materials to Stores. The components of this procedure should meet the following requirements:

“FindIt” Stores Parts search tools

  FindIt uses standard Microsoft .Net technology to provide a “Google-like” search for Stores parts and equipment numbers. The inability of many maintenance computer systems to make these searches easy and fast have made

The “Zero-stock” catalogue and its power

Its often said that “Maintenance runs on its stores”, and it is largely true. However, while its not economical to stock everything that Maintenance uses (see “What parts should be in your Maintenance Stores?”) those

Spare parts lists – making them really work for you

  Related articles: – Asset ID and numbering – The “Zero-stock” catalogue and its power – What parts should be in your Maintenance Stores? – Naming parts – Equipment criticality ratings   I could easily argue that spare parts

Pareto Power in Maintenance

  Some of the most important activities in Maintenance require a very large commitment of time and effort. Examples include naming all stock items and all equipment, setting up PM programmes and developing spare parts lists.

Naming parts

  Related articles – What parts should be in Stores?  – FindIt – Stores search tool – The “zero-stock” catalogue and its power – Database management principles – Maintenance business processes – Spare parts lists   A catalogue of

Maintenance business processes and job descriptions

  This article covers the development of business processes for Maintenance followed by a discussion on the use of business processes as the basis for practical position descriptions. ___________________________________ When visiting institutions and industrial