TORBJÖRN IDHAMMAR, IDCON INC. Why do we need an Operations Maintenance Coordinator? Maintaining a good Reliability and Maintenance program requires sharpening existing skills and reminding ourselves of what we already know: that improving production reliability largely depends on the commitment and involvement of operations. To achieve this, assigning the role of an Operations Maintenance Coordinator (OMC) is critical. It is ...
Read More »Reliability and Maintenance
IDCON Reliability Tip: The Gemba of Reliability and Maintenance Management
"Gemba" is a Japanese word meaning the actual place where value is created, or where actions are executed. It includes Gemba walks to the actual place to observe, learn and improve work.
Read More »IDCON Reliability Tip: What’s That Noise in the Gear Reducer?
A key inspection for gear reducers is to listen for noise. The inspection should focus on a change in the sound.
Read More »OEMS Can Help Navigate Supply Chain Disruptions
Whether it’s parts shortages or equipment delays, working with equipment manufacturers can help mills untangle disrupted supply chains.
Read More »R&M Tips for Installing Motor Test Access Panels
Tips from the field to validate your installation.
Read More »Small Jobs in Maintenance
Small jobs are managed instead of planned; they do not need to go through the formal planning process. However, there are some controls that must be followed to prevent this job category from being abused.
Read More »Keeping it Simple – Some Principles of Successful Reliability and Maintenance Management
On April 20th at 10:30-11:00 AM (EST) in his second webinar in the “Keeping it Simple” series, Reliability and Maintenance Management expert Christer Idhammar gives you a glimpse into why “knowing why” is important in managing maintenance and how knocking bolts became the catalyst behind Christer’s philosophy. You’ll also learn some forgotten truths about managing maintenance processes. Join us through ...
Read More »How to Document Cost-Effective Maintenance Tasks Part 9: Preventive Maintenance Example
Catch up with Tor's latest installment in the series "How to Document Cost-Effective Preventive Maintenance" here.
Read More »Selecting the Right Preventive Maintenance Tasks
When it comes to existing PMs, the first thought is usually to search in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Of course, this is a valuable resource, but we may be missing other activity happening in departments of the plant, mill, or mine. It is very common that different crafts/departments have set up their own Preventive Maintenance Systems for components and equipment.
Read More »Choosing a Maintenance Method
In terms of Maintenance Methods, there are three choices for existing equipment. They are Operate to Breakdown, Fixed Time Maintenance, and Condition Based Maintenance. Operate to Breakdown: The equipment is run until it breaks down. Fixed Time Maintenance: The replacement of parts or equipment on a fixed/scheduled frequency. Condition Based Maintenance: The problem is found and fixed at the time when it is discovered. It is a common assumption that Condition Based Maintenance is always the most cost effective. While this is commonly the case, it is not always true.
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