Has anyone had experience using a planner/scheduler while also serving as a supervisor? Have you tried juggling both roles simultaneously?
It is acceptable to have a small facility with around a couple hundred monitored assets and a team of 6-8 skilled technicians. However, if the facility is disorganized and lacks proper knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) and training, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. I gained valuable leadership experience in a similar challenging environment, which was not enjoyable. If you find yourself in this situation, ensure that the planner/supervisor is supported by an outstanding lead man or assistant supervisor. They essentially serve the same role and are crucial for success in managing such a facility.
During this challenging period, maintenance professionals are faced with the task of achieving the impossible with limited resources. We understand the struggles and challenges you are going through.
Business processes such as planning, scheduling, and maintenance are essential elements for efficient operations. Any individual with the skills and availability can perform these tasks. While a supervisor may excel in technical aspects, they may require additional training in planning and scheduling. It is crucial to assess whether they have the necessary time to dedicate to these activities. Empowering craft workers to organize and prepare their tasks, especially for simpler, short-duration projects, can lead to increased job satisfaction and motivation. Delegating some work preparation responsibilities to workers can free up time for supervisors to focus on planning and scheduling, ultimately improving overall efficiency.
While it is possible to manage scheduling in a small facility without a separate planner, competing priorities may diminish the benefits. Separate planners and schedulers offer distinct skill sets that may not be present in one individual. Consider utilizing a skilled craftsperson part-time for scheduling if feasible, although ideally, tasks should be delegated to specialized roles. I have successfully implemented this approach in the past for scheduling. It is advisable to avoid overburdening supervisors with these tasks.
This small facility is on the brink of expansion, with over 500 identified assets and plans to add another 200 or more. Despite receiving around 350 work requests monthly, the team is struggling to keep up. As the maintenance manager, I am considering hiring a Planner/Scheduler who can also take on supervisory responsibilities. While a CMMS coordinator has been hired for inventory and purchasing duties, there is a pressing need for someone to focus on planning and scheduling work. Since taking on this role a couple of months ago, maintenance costs have increased by 50%. Progress has been made in various areas, such as organizing work orders and PMs in spreadsheets, but challenges still exist with asset numbering and the disorderly po system. Moving forward, the goal is to streamline processes by centralizing inventory and creating a system for asset tracking. Additionally, there are plans to eventually bring PDM routes in-house and establish metrics for technician efficiency. Any insights or suggestions from the community would be highly appreciated as we navigate these changes and strive to identify key benchmarks for success.
Absolutely, I've been in this situation before where I also had to play the role of a planner while supervising. Although challenging, it enhanced my multitasking abilities and pushed me to improve my time-management skills. One thing that really helped me was digital tools like Google Calendar and Asana to make scheduling and task management more digestible. The key is to stay organized and ensure transparent communication with the team. It's definitely a learning curve, but also an opportunity for growth.
Absolutely, wearing both hats of being a supervisor and a planner can be quite a challenge but it's definitely doable. Having a solid organizational system is imperative. By utilizing both digital and physical planners, I've been able to manage tasks efficiently. One thing I've noticed is that taking some time out at the end of each day to plan for the next day has been tremendously helpful in juggling both roles. Remember, it's equally important to not overwork yourself so take time off when needed. After all, effective supervision is about quality, not quantity!
✅ Work Order Management
✅ Asset Tracking
✅ Preventive Maintenance
✅ Inspection Report
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Answer: - Yes, it is possible to juggle both roles simultaneously, but it largely depends on effective time management and delegation of tasks.
Answer: - Challenges may include conflicting priorities, time constraints, and the need to switch between detailed planning and broader supervisory tasks.
Answer: - Strategies such as setting clear priorities, establishing boundaries, utilizing technology for organization, and effective communication with team members can help maintain efficiency.
Answer: - Some tips may include creating a structured schedule, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance, seeking support from colleagues, and continuous self-assessment for improvement.
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