Page 28 - An Introduction To Predictive Maintenance

18 An Introduction to Predictive Maintenance

throughout the entire workforce. Without a positive work environment that encour-
ages total employee involvement and continuous improvement, there is little chance
of success.

Sales and Marketing
The sales and marketing group must provide a volume of new business that can sustain
acceptable levels of production performance. Optimum equipment utilization cannot
be achieved without a backlog that permits full use of the manufacturing, production,
or process systems; however, volume is not the only criteria that must be satisfied by
the sales and marketing group. They must also provide (1) a product mix that permits
effective use of the production process, (2) order size that limits the number and
frequency of setups, (3) delivery schedules that permit effective scheduling of the
process, and (4) a sales price that provides a reasonable profit. The final requirement
of the sales group is an accurate production forecast that permits long-range produc-
tion and maintenance planning.

Production
Production management is the third criteria for acceptable plant performance. The pro-
duction department must plan and schedule the production process to gain maximum
use of their processes. Proper planning depends on several factors: good communi-
cation with the sales and marketing group, knowledge of unit production capabilities,
adequate material control, and good equipment reliability. Production planning and
effective use of production resources also depend on coordination with procurement,
human resources, and maintenance functions within the plant. Unless these functions
provide direct, coordinated support, the production planning function cannot achieve
acceptable levels of performance from the plant.

In addition, the production department must execute the production plan effectively.
Good operating procedures and practices are essential. Every manufacturing and pro-
duction function must have, and use, standard operating procedures that support effec-
tive use of the production systems. These procedures must be constantly evaluated
and upgraded to ensure proper use of critical plant equipment.

Equipment reliability is essential for acceptable production performance. Contrary to
popular opinion, maintenance does not control equipment reliability; the produc-
tion department has an equal responsibility. Operating practices and the skill level of
production employees have a direct impact on equipment reliability; therefore, all
facets of the production process, from planning to execution, must address this criti-
cal issue.

The final requirement of effective production is employee skills. All employees within
the production group must have adequate job skills. Human resources or the training
department must maintain an evaluation and training program that ensures that
employee skill levels are maintained at acceptable levels.