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MRO Pro Tip 2

Preparing for Industrial 4.0

BY STAN SHANTZ

Most asset and maintenance operation areas have historical work orders, spare par ts procurement, MRO human resources, financial budget, and asset engineering data in one or multiple CMMS/EAM/ERP/AMP systems. When we talk to senior asset and maintenance operation leaders about the quality of CMMS/EAM/ ERP/AMP data residing in these systems, there is a trending belief that the data could be better and is of little value to drive AI and ML technology.

This reasoning refers to a long-standing concern with software end-users only sometimes providing the correct information in free-text fields, or consistently linking purchase orders or spare parts usage to work orders. This concern is a challenge for some organizations, and it can affect the quality of data for root cause analysis (RCA) or failure mode effect analysis (FMEA).

Tip: The data inconstancy concern mentioned above can be resolved in less than a year for most asset and maintenance operations organizations.

Does this inconsistent or limited data in free-text fields stop an organization from reaping the benefits of AI or ML technologies? The shor t answer is no.

Even with anomalies in data quality within CMMS/EAM/ERP/ AMP systems, AI and ML technologies can drive high value to organizations. How? In addition, there is more valuable data in your CMMS/ EAM/ERP/AMP system than just the free text fields. This additional data is high quality and used by AI and ML technologies to identify improvements in equipment reliability, financials, human resource efficiency, business process, inventory, and procurement. This precious data can feed predictive and descriptive AI/ML technology categories. Only AI and ML technology can see these “gold nuggets” of historical data.

Tip: Do not delete your data history when changing or upgrading your CMMS/EAM/ERP/AMP system. Carry it over to the new system. If the historical data does not match your new asset hierarchy or value lists, there is an inexpensive way of merging the old historical data with the new CMMS/ EAM/ERP/AMP system.

MRO Pro Tip 3 Customer centric maintenance

BY SHAWN CASEMORE

Early in my career, during a meeting between maintenance and production, Charlie, a long-time maintenance manager, said he felt a lot like a mushroom, kept in the dark and fed...

After being criticized for not having a piece of equipment back in service, Charlie voiced his frustration that no one had shared the desired return-to-service date with him. This issue Charlie faced is common and wasn’t a lack of information, but communication, and communication is a two-way street.

Charlie shouldn’t wait for information. Instead, he should create an environment where the information he needs is proactively shared

By laying out, proactively, the critical information needed to be successful in repairing or maintaining your customer’s equipment, you engage your customer as a partner in your success.

This customer-centric approach to communication reduces the likelihood of unforeseen issues or circumstances arising.

Create a customer-centric approach to communication using the following steps:

1. Identify before beginning work what information is required and when it is required for you to be successful.

2. Discuss typical issues encountered and communicate possible delays or risks to completing work on time.

3. Have your customer acknowledge understanding and request support to meet your scheduled time and budget.

Proactively communicating increases the likelihood you’ll meet deadlines and reduce unnecessar y costs. Best of all, you won’t ever feel like a mushroom.