Every company out there should put into consideration the best maintenance practices. No matter the stage an organization is in, industrial maintenance is crucial, and no company should sit back and fail to embrace such a practice. This is an important process that helps keep machines that make day-to-day operations successful in good condition.
In the manufacturing industry, machines are essential assets that are in constant use in the production of diverse types of products. For the maximum efficiency and increased productivity, equipment should be kept in the best operating condition. Machines in faulty condition will lead to quality-related problems, increased cost of production, excessive downtime, and interruption of daily operations.
Many machines or equipment become obsolete with continued use over the years. Not many machines will last a lifetime, and there will come a time to replace them. And for any company to stay competitive, it has to decide whether to replace it or keep the aging machine by incurring the cost of operation and maintenance.
With a clear understanding of what is industrial maintenance, no company would wish to spend more money on outdated equipment. Technology is also growing on a daily basis, and better machines are hitting the market. Industrial maintenance involves carrying out activities or interventions that help promote the equipment's good functioning and lifespan.
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The processes involved in an industrial maintenance process make it easy to increase uptime, promote the reliability of the machinery, and reduce breakdowns. When a piece of equipment keeps running in an industry as expected or to full capacity, production remains consistent, and profitability increases. But then again, the team running the industrial maintenance department has to do everything possible to make sure these machines are in good shape.
The Different Types of Industrial Maintenance to Know
The frequency and quality of maintenance activities will depend on the strategy an organization employs. Industries must take suitable measures to slow equipment deterioration and downtime as it reaches the breakdown stage. The industrial maintenance activity strategies to make use of include:
Preventive Maintenance (PM)
Preventive maintenance is the routine and regular care of equipment and assets in an organization. It is an activity that helps keep them running as expected and without costly downtime due to unexpected failure or breakdown of the equipment. Workers don't have to stress about the machine breaking unexpectedly, causing decreased productivity and accidents. A preventive maintenance schedule can be complex as there is a lot to be done. The good news is that it's easy to organize the likely tasks of the day with preventive maintenance software. Other benefits of preventive maintenance and using the right software include:
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Reduce safety and health risks
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Few mistakes in operation if the machine is not working correctly
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Improved reliability and life of the equipment
Reactive Maintenance
Reactive maintenance is a strategy that involves undertaking repairs when a piece of equipment has already broken down. This type of maintenance is done to restore the machine's operating conditions close to its standard capacity. The who process can be costly because breakdowns usually happen during the peak work periods, and you have to depend on outside maintenance services.
Reactive maintenance matters because there is no planning needed. The maintenance mechanic will just undertake repairs when the machine breaks down. A company will also save money on the upfront cost of the equipment. But then again, you may focus on this type of industrial maintenance, but general machine care is not sustainable in the long term.
(Photo by Mike Newbry via Unsplash)
Hire the Service of Maintenance Mechanic-Why Its Rewarding
Industrial maintenance may involve embracing the philosophy of fixing things and keeping equipment running. However, these two processes are not easy to undertake if you don't have the skillsets and training. That's why many industries will put maintenance mechanic job description into consideration when hiring.
A maintenance mechanic is an excellent addition to the team of workers in an industry. A mechanic is responsible for the upkeep of machinery and equipment. The key roles will include installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment.
The mechanic job brief will entail several things. These are chiefly the duties and responsibilities this professional has to undertake. They include:
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Install, assemble and test new equipment
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Conducting preventive maintenance to industrial equipment
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Detect machine malfunction via diverse techniques like visual and sound inspections
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Run diagnostic test to make sure the machine is functioning as expected
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Repair faulty or broken machine parts and necessary part replacements
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Undertake emergency equipment repairs
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Work effectively with other workers and ensure all duties are properly undertaken
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Monitor and report the progress of each project
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Undertake and complete written record of undertaken maintenance projects
Besides hiring the best maintenance mechanic and other workers, a company should also embrace different practices to improve industrial maintenance. These are actionable solutions that will help maximize the positive effects of industrial maintenance. Have a look:
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Running a proactive maintenance program
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Utilize a mobile maintenance software
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Have and define clear maintenance procedures
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Have to define maintenance key performance indicators, performance metrics and make the right changes to meet their goals
Final Thoughts
Implementing industrial maintenance in your company is essential, but you have to learn what the whole process entails. The practice generally helps improve and maintain the condition of industrial equipment. At all times, professionals should undertake equipment maintenance, and it's worthwhile to hire the best maintenance mechanic in the market.
