Optimizing maintenance to make good profitability

Having to repair or maintain equipment in your plant is time consuming and profit reducing. Optimizing the processes pays off.

Maintenance departments seem to mostly be working on unplanned or even emergency repairs. It would increase a plant’s profitability if the maintenance was more preventative; being proactive with equipment makes downtime more manageable. Implementing a Total Productive Maintenance system could be the answer.

TPM systems are not new, and there are many roads and methods that lead to total productivity in maintenance. Bottom line is making sure you’ve got the equipment online, running efficiently and effectively during that timeframe through an improved, systematic way of maintaining the equipment.

What makes TPM special?
The difference between TPM and traditional maintenance strategies is that the people who operate the equipment get involved. Involving the operators on the front line helps with simpler maintenance activities because they know the equipment, and can predict when things are going to happen. TPM was invented during World War II, in the 80’s it was widely married into a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). To be able to implement a TPM, a CMMS has to be in place.

The five steps to start your TPM system
• Select the equipment to work on.
• Do what is called a PUSH (process, utilization, safety and housekeeping) event.
• Define machine operator maintenance tasks and modify equipment to facilitate those tasks.
• Define maintenance staff tasks and provide informative tools to assist.
• Make the system sustainable.