Example of classifications utilization in CMMS. Provides an overview of what classifications and attributes are and some of the places they can be utilized within the CMMS. [Read more…]
Classifications – Overview
Lessons Learned From Designing for Reliability
Reliability is a process. If the right process is followed, results can be great such as eliminating most of the warranty costs. The opposite is also true in the absence of the right process. There is a saying: “If we don’t know where we are going, that’s where we will go.” It is difficult enough to do the right things, but it is even more difficult to know
what the right things are!
Knowledge of the right things comes from practicing the use of lessons learned. One must utilize the accumulated knowledge for arriving at correct decisions. Theory is not enough. One must keep becoming better by practicing. Take the example of swimming. One cannot learn to swim from books alone; one must practice swimming. It is okay to fail as long as mistakes are the stepping stones to failure prevention. Thomas Edison was reminded that he failed 2000 times before the success of the light bulb. His answer, “I never failed. There were 2000 steps in this process.” We can use the following lessons learned. [Read more…]
Client testimonial – DOE and Problem Solving Training
Our training provides experience with practical application, including team building and economic considerations. This testimony captures those experiences. Would you benefit from this training approach? [Read more…]
Reliability of the Little Things, and a Good Fight
My wife (Beth) and I both train and compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It’s a grappling sport like wrestling. In Jiu Jitsu your Gi (the karate looking uniform) is a big part of the sport. It’s a very heavy fabric with very specific features that are inspected before each match. Many moves involve the GI, especially the jacket. I have wrapped my sleeve around someones neck for a choke, You can grab the end of both of the opponents sleeves and dig your feed into their elbows to lock up their arms and throw them, you can use an opponent’s own lapel and wrap it around their neck for a submission or simply to roll them any way you wish.
An apple, an avocado, and…inherent reliability???
Watch as I describe how maintenance can help us to achieve our equipment’s inherent reliability, but it can’t make a machine something that it isn’t. If we’re doing the right maintenance, and we still don’t have the reliability we want, we have two choices… [Read more…]
Sunil Part 1
Part 1 of our interview with Sunil Kamerkar of AssetAnalytix. In this session, we discuss what analytics is and challenges faced when looking to utilize data. [Read more…]
Easier is Not Always Better
Early in engineering, it seemed the purpose was to create products that made life easier. But eventually, I started to wonder – does that make life better? This video discusses that contradiction. [Read more…]
Failing Projects – A Sum of All Fears
Guest Post by Malcolm Peart (first posted on CERM ® RISK INSIGHTS – reposted here with permission)
What is ‘the sum of all fears‘…apart from a Hollywood movie? During WW2 Winston Churchill knew the risk of failure and he postulated that, even when courageous people amalgamate, they will know fear:
“…take the most gallant sailor, the most intrepid airman or the most audacious soldier, put them at a table together – what do you get? The sum of [all] their fears”. War is a much more serious endeavour than any civilian project but fear is fear. If a project teeters into trouble the Project Team will fear failure. They must then deal with this reaction and have the courage to overcome trouble and avoid failure. [Read more…]
CMMS Meters
Quick overview of CMMS meters and why you should use them. [Read more…]
TVs Are “Risky” Business
When it comes to managing risk, there are three elements to consider and RCM can help you define all three. Watch as I manage risk and change consequences all at once! [Read more…]
The Porsche Adventure Continues
It’s been a few years since I have had a Porsche 911 in the stable. It seemed like the right time since were down to only two 
sports cars in addition to the daily drivers. I think five cars is the bare minimum these days. “It’s only a problem if you want to stop but can’t.” I don’t want to. There are some less free spirited individuals in the house who have expressed differing opinions.
Black Swans or Just Wishful Thinking and Misinterpretation
Guest Post by Geary Sikich (first posted on CERM ® RISK INSIGHTS – reposted here with permission)
There seem to be a lot of sightings of “Black Swans” lately. Should we be concerned or are we wishfully thinking, caught up in media hype; or are we misinterpreting what a “Black Swan” event really is? The term “Black Swan” has become a popular buzzword for many; including, contingency planners, risk managers and consultants. However, are there really that many occurrences that qualify to meet the requirement of being termed a “Black Swan” or are we just caught up in the popularity of the moment? [Read more…]
A trip down memory lane with me…and RCM…
Whenever I’m at an airport, I always get nostalgic because RCM principles were first conceived in the commercial airline industry. It’s an exciting story. Join me as I recount the details! [Read more…]
Paul Crocker Interview
Interview of Paul Crocker from 04 May 2019. We discuss Paul’s involvement with KC SMRP chapter, his work in reliability, his journey, and his continued improvement in public speaking. [Read more…]
Using the “Five Whys”
Getting to Root Cause with “Five Whys”
There is no more important task in an FMEA than correctly identifying the “Cause.” Finding the root cause is the heart and soul of FMEA procedure. When you have the right cause, it opens the door to solutions. When you have the wrong cause, nothing gets accomplished.
By continuing to ask “why,” the team will be able to discover the progression of cause-and-effect relationships behind a problem and the root cause that is below the surface.
Wisdom begins in wonder – Socrates
