In a manufacturing facility “downtime” can be a problem. Downtime means lost productivity and revenue along with increased stress. On a small scale, some downtime is to be expected, and may even be planned for. However, it’s best to keep it at a minimum.
Are you looking to minimize downtime? Here are 4 steps to take to do so:
Routine Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance shouldn’t occur only when a machine stops working properly. Instead, manufacturers should create a preventative maintenance schedule. Preventive maintenance is an equipment maintenance strategy based on replacing, overhauling or remanufacturing an item at a fixed interval, regardless of its condition at the time.
Preventative maintenance can be minor, which is simply the act of performing the most fundamental equipment service (lubrication, cleaning, routine adjustments, etc.), that is essential to assuring the continued operation of the equipment. Or it can be major, which not only includes minor preventative maintenance but also begins to address potential failures. (Source)
Invest in Modern Equipment
Older equipment is more prone to failures and has a higher need for repairs. Every time older equipment fails, you’re losing money. While new equipment may require a substantial upfront investment, there’s a good chance that it will be less expensive than constantly paying the costs associated with maintaining old equipment over the long term.
Integrate Modern Technology
Manufacturers have access to more information than ever before. In the connected factory, production data can be retrieved in real time. When downtime occurs, the source of the issue can be spotted and fixed quickly and far less time needs to be spent on troubleshooting.
Ongoing Employee Training
While robotics is becoming more prevalent in manufacturing, most machinery still requires human involvement in order to run properly and in some cases, downtime can be attributed to human error. To reduce the chances of this happening, ongoing training and cross training is essential. Managers must ensure that all employees who handle equipment are properly trained. In some cases, testing to evaluate an employee’s level of knowledge may be necessary. You never want an employee operating equipment who shouldn’t be.
Manufacturers shouldn’t underestimate downtime or what is causing it. A process that minimizes downtime improves productivity and the bottom line.