Avoiding equipment-related losses is the only way to ensure bottom-line success in an industrial setting. While shutdowns are inevitable, we need to minimize the number and duration of these episodes to stay on schedule and stand out in our industry. Are you looking to increase valuable equipment uptime? Here are five key points to make a top priority at your plant.
1. Use the right equipment maintained with the right parts.
Is this machine the right one for the task at hand? Is it set up in the right spot, and do conditions in the plant support its safe and efficient operation? Similarly, are you under great time restraints and attempting to shorten the task by operating it incorrectly? All of this can lead to downtime. Furthermore, using authentic manufacturer parts to upgrade and maintain equipment is ideal for increasing uptime. Don’t cut corners; you’ll end up paying for it elsewhere.
2. Measure.
In certain industries, consistently measuring product levels and density is critical to keeping operations flowing. Using your density measurement device is necessary for an industrial setting. In the end, accurate measuring is the best way to get insight into plant performance, and we’re not just talking about product measurement. The key to manufacturing success is identifying – measuring – where every loss originates and the loss amount caused by each source.
3. Have equipment checked and maintained by those with the right training.
Is your equipment being checked by an actual technician or just the best option currently clocked in? There are many good reasons to rely on an equipment expert for repair, maintenance, and other essential tasks. The biggest one is expertise – it’s easier and more cost-effective for an expert to identify problems and assess overall conditions. Additionally, such technicians possess the right tools dedicated to adjusting and repairing those particular machines.
4.Reduce human error.
It cannot be ignored that a great deal of downtime isn’t the machine’s fault – it’s the human responsible for that machine that made it happen. Now is the right time to engage your staff in comprehensive training, encourage continuing education, and institute ways that they can remain up to date and refresh on proper protocols.
5.Manage and track your assets.
For all of the above to come together, you need a strategy. After all, it’s highly improbable that it would all change overnight simply because you decided it should. That’s why we must use schedules to stay on top of training and maintenance and keep track of progress for each milestone we set. Implement a system that clarifies what type of maintenance is required and when and how operations are going, and you have a much better chance of turning it all around.
Are you keeping good records concerning downtime? If so, then you’re definitely ready to start keeping a record of when and how to keep machinery in top operating condition. Bring your staff in closer to ensure they’re up to date on operation protocol, use machinery the right way, and keep an eye on variables like product measurement. When you proactively address downtime head-on, it automatically begins to shrink.