Standardizing maintenance operations and workflow processes is a principal objective for organizations with multiple plants and locations when adopting a computerized maintenance management system.
Recognizing the significance of establishing a structured approach to maintenance and task execution goes beyond initial expectations. The standardization of maintenance processes can enhance equipment reliability, elevate product and service quality, and prevent costly unplanned downtime. Furthermore, standardization offers numerous advantages to your business’s financial performance and overall business prosperity.
In this blog, we delve into standardization, highlighting the role of CMMS in maintenance process standardization.
Importance of standardization
Recognizing the significance of standardization, let’s begin by discussing its definition. In simple terms, standardization refers to the process of aligning something with a set standard or implementing a systematic approach to carrying out tasks.
Examples of standardization are prevalent in various aspects of our surroundings. There are globally recognized standards, such as those established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These ISO product standards are internationally acknowledged standards that are legally binding and agreed upon by experts.
Other industry-specific standards include those facilitated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which coordinates voluntary standards and conformity assessments within the United States. Additionally, there are location- and industry-specific standards for diverse areas like telecommunications and operating systems.
Several solutions are available for implementing a maintenance system, including.
Utilizing downtime reporting from production: Analyzing data from Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) provides clear insights to all stakeholders regarding downtime.
Ensuring maintenance adherence to work plans: Comparing the number of work orders created to the number of work orders completed offers valuable insights. It helps to assess the balance between planned and reactive work.
Addressing quality failures caused by equipment conditions: Effective collaboration between production and maintenance teams is essential. Ideally, both teams should establish a maintenance program with a shared commitment.
Labor and cost analysis as a metric for establishing maintenance performance standards: Asset leaders must exercise caution while selecting parameters for analysis. Maintenance leaders should focus on standards that they can directly control. An excellent starting point is work order compliance. Additionally, equipment downtime and line speed data are often accessible through most control systems.
Understanding the current conditions and goals: Matching an organization’s culture and communication is vital for comprehensive comprehension. When organizations embark on programs like predictive maintenance, it is common for equipment costs to increase due to unforeseen issues. Therefore, involving all parties in understanding equipment and its maintenance requirements is essential.
How to standardize the maintenance process with CMMS?
The absence of standardization can harm a business, often without its realization. So, how can a company enhance its standardization processes? First, let’s explore a few widely accepted approaches by CMMS to standardize productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
Implementing a CMMS is an effective way to streamline equipment maintenance standardization. Companies can optimize equipment performance and minimize unplanned downtime through planned maintenance scheduling in CMMS programs and digital standard operating procedures.
By capturing real-time data and generating cloud-based reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) like Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), a CMMS ensures compatibility, interoperability, and accountability among workers. In addition, the affordability and accessibility of cloud-based CMMS solutions make them even more advantageous, allowing data to be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
A CMMS program assists in organizing equipment maintenance workflows efficiently. As a result, businesses can implement various maintenance strategies such as condition-based maintenance, predictive maintenance, and reactive maintenance. Industry experts suggest that the most effective equipment maintenance strategy incorporates elements from multiple maintenance workflows, ensuring comprehensive coverage and optimized equipment performance.
Establishing standards is not enough; a business must continuously strive for improvement. Setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and focusing on continuous improvement is crucial to gaining a competitive advantage in the market. By consistently monitoring and evaluating performance against established standards, companies can identify areas for improvement and drive ongoing progress.
By adopting these approaches, businesses can enhance standardization, leading to improved productivity, efficiency, and, ultimately, tremendous success in the market.
Standardization plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity and efficiency for companies. In today’s competitive marketplace, a nimble Computerized Maintenance Management System software like FieldCircle is essential to the industrial maintenance process.
