February 2023 Volume 5

MAINTENANCE

be detected in this simple way. An operator checklist will be an important part of a comprehensive TPM program for sure. Returning to the motor vehicle example, to change the oil filter on my first car, I had to drive it up some ramps, crawl underneath on my back, remove a pan, remove a bar that abutted the oil filter, and then use an oil filter wrench to remove it. Of course, everything had to be re-assembled. Three cars later, the oil filter is located on the top of the engine for easy access. The only tool needed is a rag. This is an example of Productive Maintenance. I asked Pete Campbell for examples he has seen. “Replacing large nuts with Nord-Lock ‘Superbolt’ tensioners or similar can make things easier particularly when working in tight spaces. Ring locks replacing keys is another example. You can spend 1 to 1-1/2 days fitting a key on a shaft. With ring locks this can be reduced to a fraction of the time.” He added that isolators for mounting presses is another option that OEMs offer. “They help keep the frame square and true over time and can help the surrounding equipment as well.” Such great examples of Productive Maintenance. Summary Reflect on your efforts to maintain and improve equipment reliability. What are you doing well? What are the challenges you face to improving equipment reliability in your facility? Do you believe you are doing all that you can in the four areas of Preventive

Maintenance, Autonomous Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance, Productive Maintenance? Is there focus to your current efforts and a means to assess the impact? Would the information gathered from an OEE study be useful in this effort? Most all organizations with which I have worked in this subject, and were successful, realized that it is a journey, an evolution. They build on what they are doing well and develop greater capability over several years. Successful companies invest in people development as it relates to this subject, as well as equipment capability. Creative solutions are often needed for machines that have been in service longer. With a firm understanding of current OEE and a grasp of the economic potential, any investment being considered can be properly assessed. So, how will you take your equipment reliability to the next level?

Drew Locher is managing director of Change Management Associates and can be reached at drewlocher@comcast.net

To reach those interviewed: Pete Campbell , President Campbell Press Repair Email: pc@campbellpress.com Phone: 517-371-1034 Jeff Fredline, Sales Engineer MECO Email: fredline.jeff@gmail.com

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