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A listing in reverse chronological order of these article series:


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Reliability Software – Avoiding White Elephants

Reliability Software – Avoiding White Elephants

Introduction

Software packages and algorithms help speed up calculations in Reliability Engineering Analysis. And obviously in other specialties. They are known as Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Software. Preprogrammed formulas can be readily applied by the analyst to provide modeling results. Additionally, graphics and other informative visual representations can be obtained at a mouse click. This helps showcase issues in an operating environment. And lead to relevant action to address those issues.  Our human brain has cognitive limitations when analyzing highly complex systems such as Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) Models. Software helps to overcome those limitations.

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Changing an EAM System for Operational Excellence Success

Changing an EAM System for Operational Excellence Success

Any standard EAM system can be adapted to achieve Operational Excellence with the PWW EAM methodology.

Rather than going from policy to practice, Plant Wellness Way starts with how to create a healthy environment for parts microstructure when equipment is in-service. By focusing on creating healthy operating environments for components, machines, equipment, and plants, your operation will perform at world-class levels of reliability.

The standard range of Enterprise Asset Management models available will typically use an EAM Policy to decree the purposes of the EAM system. From this statement processes and practices necessary to achieve the EAM Policy aims are chosen. People will then aim to meet the policy requirements for their team or department without taking the flow on consequences into account. As a result, businesses will unintentionally create an EAM system that instils randomness and variability into the company. In this situation is it nearly impossible to create a system that achieves operational excellence success.

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Let’s get into Failure Modes and Failure Effects

Let’s get into Failure Modes and Failure Effects

RCM Case Study Part 2/4

In today’s video, we dive deep into the critical steps of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) by exploring Failure Modes and Failure Effects as part of our ongoing dentist-themed mini RCM case study. This is Part 2 of a four-part series designed to help you understand and apply RCM principles through relatable, real-world examples. What You’ll Learn:

  • Failure Modes: Discover why detailed Failure Modes are essential and how they guide us to the right proactive maintenance and default strategies.
  • Failure Effects: Learn how to write comprehensive Failure Effects that depict the worst-case scenarios if no action is taken to manage the Failure Mode.

Case Study Highlight: We’ll look at the specific Failure Mode of bacteria accumulation that leads to cavities and track the progression from the earliest signs of decay to severe health consequences if left untreated. This detailed look will help you see why writing Failure Effects is crucial for assessing failure consequences

Key Takeaways: How to identify and write precise Failure Modes that lead to effective maintenance strategies. The importance of documenting Failure Effects to understand the full impact of asset failures.

This is a must-watch for anyone looking to refine their RCM skills and apply them practically. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for Part 3, where we’ll explore Failure Consequences and Preventive Maintenance!

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Useful Key Performance Indicators for Maintenance 

Useful Key Performance Indicators for Maintenance 

A useful Maintenance Key Performance Indicator (KPI) drives reliability growth while guiding your choices for improving maintenance effectiveness and efficiency. A useful maintenance KPI lets you identify the issues causing your maintenance effects and helps you select the right strategy to either support or correct the actions producing the results. It is important that when you select a range of maintenance KPI you pick those that let you improve both equipment reliability and maintenance performance and not simply tell you that you have problems in your business.

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Today’s Gremlin – Follow me blindly

Today’s Gremlin – Follow me blindly

Today’s Gremlin – “follow me blindly”, is one of the big reasons your equipment isn’t reliable. Manufacturers tell you what maintenance to perform and how to do it, then insist you follow their guidance by voiding warranties if you don’t. Those recommendations are full of inspections and replacements if you find any flaw – even normal wear and tear! They ask you to overhaul equipment, replacing all sorts of parts that you must buy from them. If you are in the parts business, as your manufacturers are, you can make a real killing! So, if I’m a manufacturer of industrial equipment, you must follow me blindly.

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Business Acumen: Driving Success in Maintenance and Reliability

Business Acumen: Driving Success in Maintenance and Reliability

In this video, we delve into the importance of business acumen for leaders at all levels. Business acumen is the ability to understand how an organization adds value, whether through its industry, structure, or processes. It’s crucial for setting direction and making informed decisions.

Learn how business acumen helps leaders articulate the nuances of their organization, navigate political and economic landscapes, and drive value in maintenance, operations, sanitation, and security. Discover how understanding your organization’s operations can lead to better business decisions and support across all levels.

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Dive into the Operating Context and Functions

Dive into the Operating Context and Functions

RCM Case Study Part 1/4

Mini RCM Case Study: Creating a Reliability Strategy from My Trip to the Dentist

Welcome to Part 1 of our four-part mini-series, where we’ll create an RCM case study inspired by a relatable scenario: a trip to the dentist! In this series, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) and apply them in a practical, engaging way.

In this video, we’ll cover:

1. Operating Context – Learn what it is, why it’s important, and how to draft it.

2. Functions – Discover how to define the reliability you need from your equipment by writing specific and measurable functions.

Meet Johnny Chomper—a 30-year-old professional whose teeth need to perform well to support his lifestyle. From biting and chewing to maintaining a confident smile, Johnny’s teeth are put to the test daily. We’ll draft his operating context and write a Primary Function that clearly defines the reliability required from his teeth. What You’ll Learn:

  • How to set the stage for an RCM analysis with a detailed operating context.
  • The importance of defining functions to establish reliability goals for your assets.
  • Step-by-step guidance on how to write a function that captures the desired reliability.

Stay tuned as we build this case study step-by-step, bringing RCM concepts to life in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Don’t miss the next video, where we’ll dive into Failure Modes and Failure Effects!

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ACE 3T Procedure Plummer Block Example 

ACE 3T Procedure Plummer Block Example 

An example of an Accuracy Controlled Enterprise ACE 3T (Target – Tolerance – Test) Procedure with reliability standards to install taper spherical roller bearings on adaptor sleeves in Plummer blocks with taconite seals for 30mm-250mm diameter conveyor shafts 



 Machine performance is totally dependent on human beings. To address the problem of human error causing equipment failure, an Accuracy Controlled Enterprise sets best practice quality standards and uses 3T Target-Tolerance-Test work task quality control that assures high quality workmanship for high reliability results. Their work procedures are standardised so everyone follows the same methods to produce the same results, their training teaches people how to do craftsmanship work that creates outstandingly reliable plant and machinery. They create the reliability they want and as a result achieve operational excellence.

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How to Set CBM Task Intervals

How to Set CBM Task Intervals

Understanding the P-F Interval

How do you determine the right interval for a Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) task? It all comes down to the P-F Interval—the time between when a Potential Failure Condition is detectable to when the failure occurs.

In this video, I break down how to set CBM task intervals correctly using a simple example. The Failure Mode is: “Filter clogs due to normal use.” I’ll explain that CBM task intervals aren’t based on Criticality, MTBF, or the Useful Life, but instead on how quickly failure occurs once a Potential Failure Condition is detectable.

Learn how to properly identify and set your CBM task intervals to keep your equipment running reliably

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Evaluating Equipment Repair Effectiveness

Evaluating Equipment Repair Effectiveness

Introduction

How effective are the repair tasks you conduct on your equipment?

This article looks at quantifying the effectiveness of corrective maintenance, typically an unplanned repair on an asset. Unplanned repairs are undesirable because the asset loses its function and cannot produce what is required often leading to loss of revenue. Yet, this advent is inevitable because assets are subject to degradation over time.

The effectiveness of a repair relates to the condition in which the asset is restored to after a repair. But also how long it will operate until the next repair, Evaluating the effectiveness of the repair will provide the asset operator with a decision making tool. Can we do something different if the repair effectiveness is unsatisfactory? Or do we have to replace the asset as it is failing too frequently?

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Today’s Gremlin – Lube it wrong

Today’s Gremlin – Lube it wrong

Today’s Gremlin – “lube it wrong”, is a leading cause of machinery breakdown. 60% to 80% of all bearing failures are due to lubrication related problems. Wrong lube, too much lube, too little lube, contaminated lube, degraded lube, overheated lube and even poor lube selection can all lead to premature failures of bearings. Put a tiny bit of dirt into a hydraulic system and watch it fail quickly.

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Raise the ‘R’ 

Raise the ‘R’ 

Getting extraordinary equipment reliability



 This paper is primarily on understanding how to get extraordinary equipment reliability. The paper explains where equipment failures start in organisations. It clarifies the need to recognise the effect, and to control the influence, of interacting processes across the life cycle. It explains the successful philosophies and practices used in high reliability organisations and it introduces a reliability-causing methodology to help companies find what to do to become high-reliability organisations.

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The Necessity of True Change Management in Maintenance

The Necessity of True Change Management in Maintenance

Change is an inevitable part of every industry, and maintenance is no exception. Whether it’s the introduction of new technologies, processes, or leadership, how an organization handles change can significantly impact its operational efficiency and overall success. However, when it comes to maintenance, true change management goes beyond simply implementing new systems—it’s about transforming the culture, mindset, and approach of the entire organization to ensure lasting improvement.

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Inherent Reliability Explained

Inherent Reliability Explained

Why Inherent Reliability is About More Than Just How Long Equipment Lasts 🌟

In this video, filmed at the iconic Kukulcan Temple in Chichen Itza, Mexico, I explore one of the most important concepts in Reliability: Inherent Reliability. Inherent Reliability isn’t just about how long something will last without failing—it’s about how long it will last when we “feed” it with the right proactive maintenance and appropriate default strategies.

Just as the ancient Mayans offered blood sacrifices to feed their gods, we need to feed our equipment with the right maintenance tasks at the right intervals to keep it performing as needed. Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) helps us identify the precise tasks and timing to protect our assets, ensuring that we get the Reliability we need.

In this video, you’ll learn:

The true meaning of Inherent Reliability
How Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) helps define what failure means to you
The importance of performing the right maintenance tasks at the right intervals

Equip your team with the knowledge to “feed” your assets and achieve the Reliability you’re aiming for. Watch now to learn more!

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How to Design Operational Excellence into Your Company the Plant Wellness Way

How to Design Operational Excellence into Your Company the Plant Wellness Way

ENSURING YOUR MANAGEMENT DESIGN-IN OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE TO GUARANTEE THE LASTING SURVIVAL OF YOUR COMPANY IS WHY QUALITY GURU W. EDWARDS DEMING ASKED HIS FAMOUS “WHAT?” AND “HOW?” QUESTIONS.

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Deming would expect that managers had a solid answer to the question: “If you want your company to reach Operational Excellence in the next five years, then explain to us all, EXACTLY HOW will you do it?”

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