Optimizing Maintenance Schedules: Developing an Information System for Real-Time Data

Question:

Hello! I'm excited to have discovered this informative forum and have recently become a member in order to gather insights for a project. I am a final year student currently working on the finishing phase of my project, which involves creating a maintenance plan for a machine building company. The company has been tasked with maintaining a customer's machines, despite lacking prior experience in maintenance. In order to fulfill this request, they have initiated a project to develop maintenance lists and schedules using the Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) method. The goal is to move beyond theoretical knowledge and obtain real-time data on the machine's performance at the customer's plant, including downtime and reasons for any interruptions. This valuable information will enable the optimization of maintenance schedules. My role is to establish a system for collecting and communicating this data within our company, utilizing various sources such as the machine's interface, machine operators, and technical staff, as well as potentially PLC data. My plan involves: 1. Identifying the necessary information for optimizing maintenance schedules 2. Identifying the sources of information available (e.g. machine interface, operators) 3. Developing a system for distributing information 4. Exploring the possibility of accessing real-time data and addressing potential challenges 5. Researching potential software programs, such as CMMS systems like Datastream or Maximo, to recommend for implementation. I would greatly appreciate your feedback on this plan. Should the order of the above points be rearranged? Any recommendations for books or resources to further enhance my understanding of this topic would be welcome. I look forward to engaging with this forum over the next few months as I delve deeper into this project. - Wouter from the Netherlands

Top Replies

Hello there, I am the MIS Manager for a Petrochemical plant located in Thailand. I am interested in learning more about effective information management and report generation for informed decision-making. With over 10 years of experience, I am constantly seeking opportunities for professional growth and development. I understand the challenges that come at the beginning of a project and am eager to hear from experts in the field. Your insights and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Best of luck!

As a newcomer with limited expertise in maintenance, CMMS, and RCM, I am eager to learn and improve. Any brief feedback on my research would be greatly appreciated as I delve into these topics.

Hello Woeter, I suggest segmenting the machine by locations to easily document downtime with assigned codes. This way, you can pinpoint the most troublesome areas of the machine. Utilizing this data will greatly benefit your Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) strategy. Regards, Mike.

Hello Woeter, it's important to have a well-organized template for service reports in which technicians can document their findings during preventive and corrective maintenance. This should include details such as the Failure Mode, Failed Parts, Failure Mechanism, Cause, Activities, and corresponding descriptions. By keeping detailed records like these, you can easily update your RCM in the future, regardless of the system you decide to use. It is also beneficial to attach this document to your invoices to clearly outline the work done for the customer. Check out this forum for a wealth of valuable information. Best of luck, Rogier.

Hi Wouter, welcome to the forum and congrats on reaching the final phase of your project! Your plan looks solid and well thought out. One suggestion might be to consider intertwining the development of your system for distributing information (step 3) with your identification process (steps 1 and 2). When you understand the sources of your information and what you need from them, you can develop a more efficient distribution system tailored to these specific needs. Also, rather than just focusing on software programs, consider exploring IoT approaches that leverage sensors, actuators and network communications to provide real-time data from machinery. For resources, try the book "Reliability-Centered Maintenance" by Moubray for a comprehensive look at RCM. All the best with your project!

More Replies →

Streamline Your Asset Management
See How Oxmaint Works!!

✅   Work Order Management

✅   Asset Tracking

✅   Preventive Maintenance

✅   Inspection Report

We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.

To add a comment, please sign in or register if you haven't already..   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What method is being used to develop maintenance lists and schedules for the machine building company?

Answer: - The company is utilizing the Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) method to create maintenance plans for the machines.

FAQ: 2. What is the goal of collecting real-time data on the machine's performance at the customer's plant?

Answer: - The goal is to optimize maintenance schedules based on valuable information such as downtime and reasons for interruptions.

FAQ: 3. What sources of information are being considered for collecting data on the machine's performance?

Answer: - Sources of information include the machine's interface, machine operators, technical staff, and potentially PLC data.

FAQ: 4. What steps are involved in establishing a system for collecting and communicating data within the company?

Answer: - The steps include identifying necessary information, sources of information, developing a communication system, exploring real-time data access, and researching software programs for implementation.

FAQ: 5. Are there any recommended software programs for implementing maintenance plans and schedules?

Answer: - Some potential software programs mentioned are CMMS systems like Datastream or Maximo, which can be considered for implementation in the project.

FAQ: 6. Should the order of the identified plan points be rearranged for better efficiency?

Answer: - This is a subjective decision, but it can be beneficial to review the plan and consider rearranging the points based on practicality and logical flow for optimal results.

Ready to Simplify Maintenance?

Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.

Request Demo  â†’