How to Establish a Maintenance Standard Time Without Prior Benchmarks

Question:

When it comes to establishing a maintenance standard time without any prior benchmarks, how should we go about it? Should we base it on the actual time taken for each job and set it as the baseline or standard time? Any suggestions on the most effective approach for implementation?

Top Replies

I believe there is a comprehensive guide with standardized time estimates for construction projects, although I am unsure if it includes maintenance work. It's important to begin the estimating process somewhere, even if it's not perfect.

If you are unable to locate a suitable standard reference, such as the construction estimating guide mentioned by Josh, you may need to create your own. This can be done by utilizing the previous year's averages as a starting point and adjusting them as needed over time.

How are you utilizing standard time for maintenance tasks?

Another option is to conduct a Time Study to determine the standard, but this approach can be costly. This brings us back to the question posed by Don Jones: what is the purpose of establishing standards and is it worth investing in a Time Study to determine them?

Having a standardized job is essential before establishing a standard time for completion. In the realm of condition-based maintenance, not all tasks can be considered standard, as unexpected repairs may arise. It is more practical to start with a paper assessment and then assess the initial completion time of the work. We recommend using the computer-generated minimum time as a baseline, with the planner factoring in additional time for unforeseen circumstances. Overcomplicating standards can hinder progress and lead to negative cultural reactions, pushing us back to outdated work practices. Remember, these are just opinions, not concrete facts. - Steve

In my experience, establishing a maintenance standard time from scratch should ideally be a blend of both actual time taken and setting a baseline standard. You can start by measuring the time taken for each job, and then look for patterns or averages to set a baseline standard. Also, consider the skill level of the workforce. Higher skilled workers may require less time, so this needs to be part of the consideration. Having a Lean Six Sigma team in place could help to optimize this process as well. Remember, it's crucial to allow for flexibility and continuous improvement in the standards set to maximize productivity and efficiency.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. How can we establish a maintenance standard time without having any prior benchmarks to refer to? - One approach could be to base the standard time on the actual time taken for each job and use that as the baseline for future maintenance tasks.

FAQ: 2. What factors should be considered when determining the most effective approach for implementing a maintenance standard time?

Answer: - Factors to consider could include the complexity of the maintenance tasks, the skill level of the maintenance staff, and the resources available for conducting the tasks efficiently.

FAQ: 3. Is it recommended to involve maintenance staff in the process of establishing a maintenance standard time?

Answer: - Involving maintenance staff in the process can be beneficial as they have firsthand knowledge of the tasks involved and can provide valuable insights into realistic time estimates.

FAQ: 4. How frequently should maintenance standard times be reviewed and updated?

Answer: - It is advisable to regularly review and update maintenance standard times to ensure they remain accurate and reflect any changes in processes, equipment, or workforce capabilities.

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