ASSET PERFORMANCE STRATEGIES
Management teams have, unfortunately, been known to make some mistakes when attempting to implement successful condition-monitoring programs. Understanding those mistakes is key to a site capturing the returns that it seeks from its CM efforts. Thus, it’s important to beware of the following situations. Mistake #1: Failure to plan and execute correctly Proper planning is critical for any aspect of business. What is not well planned cannot be well implemented. This holds true for the implementation of a CM program or related technology—for which a detailed, accurate, concise plan should be completed and executed. At a minimum, the plan should address: Funding requirements CM technology selection Seeking advice from internal and external resources Training requirements IT requirements
technology’s use and interpretation of results. Training should always be included in funding for CM technology—and provided for on a continuing basis. Lack of training is one of the primary reasons for CM-program failures. There are two main categories of CM training. Both are equally important to the success of a condition-monitoring program: 1. Technology Training covers how to use the hardware and software that collects and presents the data to be analyzed. Don’t assume that because personnel may have been using a similar CM technology that training isn’t required for a new one. Different methodologies can be applied to the same basic CM technology—and different vendors may implement the same technology differently. It is critical that your employees understand how to use the specific technology they are required to apply. Otherwise, they will not be able to utilize the technology in the ways that will provide the best results. 2. Analytical Training helps employees fully understand what specific data provided by the technology is of value and how to interpret it. The technology could provide crucial information that provides little value, because no one understands how to interpret it and draw meaningful conclusions.
A detailed list of what equipment will be monitored A criticality assessment of the equipment to be monitored Database implementation Linking to other business critical applications (CMMS, etc) Standards Mistake #2: Failure to support adequate training One of the biggest mistakes in implementing CM is not allocating enough time or resources for training (i.e., increasing the skills, capabilities and knowledge of employees). Training should be a continuous process. If done correctly—and continually—employee morale improves, less supervision is required, fewer mistakes are made, productivity increases and quality improves. Yet, training is usually one of the first things cut when budgets are tightened. While management will typically fund the implementation or updating of a technology, it frequently won’t provide necessary funding and resources to train employees in the NOVEMBER 2013
Clear training and technology certification criteria should be established for your enterprise, facilities and employees. This will ensure that your employees are trained to standards that will provide the optimal results from the CM technologies being utilized and help you determine what funding is required for training efforts. Mistake #3: Failure to use technology appropriately Having the “right tool for the job” is especially relevant when it comes to CM efforts. Selecting a “low-tech” or “lowestpriced” device often generates limited or no value in return. Such devices may not provide the capabilities to properly identify equipment defects, manage results and identify opportunities for continual improvements. Nor will they necessarily provide root cause analysis capabilities. Don’t become over-dependent upon a single CM technology. While it’s important to identify the failures that occur in your equipment, it’s also important to identify the CM technology best suited for the identification of those failures. A good condition-monitoring program will utilize a combination of technologies to correctly detect, diagnose, confirm and report equipment issues. MT-ONLINE.COM | 21