Roofing Material Failure
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the recent failure of his roofing tiles and the testing that should have been done for roofing materials that will be used in all geographical locations.
CR124: Unlocking the Power of Planning, Scheduling, and RCM in Maintenance Management with Erik Hupje
Unlocking the Power of Planning, Scheduling, and RCM in Maintenance Management with Erik Hupje
In this episode of CMMSradio, Greg Christensen welcomes Erik Hupje for an engaging conversation about maintenance management and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). The discussion begins with shout-outs to Metallica, the All Within My Hands foundation, and Mike Franz. The hosts explore key topics related to maintenance, including the challenges of effective planning and scheduling, the importance of Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), and the integration of these practices with CMMS. Hupje stresses the significance of structured frameworks, coaching, and training to overcome barriers and improve long-term adoption. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to optimize their maintenance operations.
Key Questions and Topics:
- Why is planning and scheduling often neglected in maintenance management despite its importance?
- What are the main barriers to successful planning and scheduling in maintenance operations?
- How does the lack of formal training and the confusion between planning and scheduling impact efficiency?
- What is Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), and how does it help optimize preventive maintenance?
- How can CMMS help in the implementation and tracking of RCM and overall maintenance strategies?
Connect with Reliability Academy here: https://reliabilityacademy.com/
SOR 1124 The Future of HALT
The Future of HALT
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the future of Highly Accelerated Limit Testing (HALT), which is not a life test, despite its initial designation. ᐅ Play Episode
CR123: Optimizing Processes for Sustainability with Derrick Mains on Maintenance Management
Optimizing Processes for Sustainability with Derrick Mains on Maintenance Management
In this episode of the podcast, Greg Christensen introduces Derek Mains, a process improvement expert with over 20 years of experience. The conversation, sparked by a recommendation from mutual friend Rob Kowalrowski, explores Derek’s journey from sustainability to applying his process optimization skills across various industries. Derek explains his approach to process improvement, focusing on mapping, measuring, managing, and mobilizing. Key topics include eliminating waste in maintenance, addressing deferred maintenance, and the importance of measuring ROI for maintenance investments. A case study is presented, illustrating how small process improvements can yield significant productivity gains.
Key Questions and Topics:
- How does Derek Mains’ process improvement approach (mapping, measuring, managing, and mobilizing) apply to maintenance management?
- What is the impact of deferred maintenance and short-term cost-cutting measures on operations?
- Why is measuring and calculating ROI for maintenance investments crucial?
- How can small process improvements, like upgrading tools, lead to large productivity gains?
- What role does process improvement play in reducing injuries and employee turnover in maintenance environments?
QDD 183: Confidence Is A Dial: Turn It With Evidence, Not Guesswork
Confidence Is A Dial: Turn It With Evidence, Not Guesswork
We turn late-stage design surprises into a strategic plan by assigning explicit confidence levels, stacking evidence, and using the three-dial model of time, cost, and confidence boost. We show how to work backward from a system test to cheaper steps that drive faster, clearer decisions.
• applying the three dials of time, cost, confidence
• sequencing with the work-backwards strategy
• avoiding overtesting, undertesting, wrong testing
• turning confidence into a team communication tool
• practical next steps to build the confidence muscle
CR122: Beyond the Hype – Overcoming FUD in CMMS and Maintenance Operations Decision-Making
Beyond the Hype – Overcoming FUD in CMMS and Maintenance Operations Decision-Making
Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt is real but is it helpful in your decision making?
We’re joined by Adam Napolitano, an expert in industrial IoT and digital transformation, discussing the intersection of CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and the challenges that arise when fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) impact decision-making in maintenance operations. It boils down to addressing real problems and building a robust ecosystem of solutions, rather than getting caught up in excessive hype surrounding digital transformation technologies.
Thank you, Adam, for an awesome conversation!!
Key Takeaways:
- Addressing Real Problems Over Hype – Stop getting caught up in buzzwords
- Understanding Customer Needs – Skip mimicking the successes of other brands
- Transitioning Maintenance Maturity – Misaligned sales approaches hinder progress
- Knowledge Transfer and Documentation – Crucial for training & maintaining a skilled workforce
- Fostering a Positive Work Culture – Essential to overcoming resistance to digital tools
SOR 1123 From MTBF to AI – Rapid Fire Reliability Questions
From MTBF to AI – Rapid Fire Reliability Questions
Abstract
Mojan and Fred discuss a range of topics in a rapid-fire fashion.
ᐅ Play Episode
CR121: 50 Years of Insights on Culture, Team Building, and Technological Advancements in Maintenance
50 Years of Insights on Culture, Team Building, and Technological Advancements in Maintenance
50+ Years in the Maintenance Game! A real pro sharing insights, stories, and strategies!!
We’re all lucky to hear from Cliff Williams CAMP CMRP MMP CRL AUTHOR in this episode of CMMSradio! We only scratched the surface but there are legit learnings throughout this awesome, and real, conversation with a bona fide expert like Cliff!
Tune in (watch/listen) as Cliff shares some of his 50 year journey in the world of maintenance management and helps us learn the importance of nuanced approaches to maintenance, and the technology (CMMS), yielding the best results while sharing the ever-present challenges throughout the industry.
SOR 1122 The Right to Repair
The Right to Repair
Abstract
Mojan and Fred discuss the Right to Repair and how the balance between reparability, reliability, and customer experience. ᐅ Play Episode
CR120: Building Legacy and Success in CMMS and EAM with Alex Bolan of Digital Thinker
Building Legacy and Success in CMMS and EAM with Alex Bolan of Digital Thinker
In this episode, Alex Bolan of Digital Thinker shares insights into his company’s work with Hexagon EAM solutions and his personal journey within the business. Digital Thinker was founded in 2003 by Alex’s father, a former maintenance manager who later transitioned to consulting and became a significant figure in Hexagon EAM.
Alex’s career path includes diverse roles in EMS, the Army Reserves, and corporate recruiting, which led him to join Digital Thinker a year ago to further the company’s legacy.
Key topics discussed include:
- Critical Questions for CMMS Vendors
- Support, Training, and Client Care
- Periodic Reviews and Organizational Changes
- Effective Communication for Successful CMMS Implementation
- CMMS vs. EAM
- Philosophy on work-life balance.
Fundamentals of Failure Analysis
Fundamentals of Failure Analysis
podcast episode with speaker Fred Schenkelberg
Failure analysis is not just about finding the root cause of a failure; it’s also about preventing future failures. Yet, the process starts much like a crime scene. Understanding some basic steps and approaches helps you fully grasp the failure and its impact or implications.
Sometimes, just identifying a failure is the difficult part. Sometimes, it’s the collection of clues or evidence. Sometimes, it’s the skills and tools needed to fully understand the root cause. The intent of any failure analysis is to understand the problem well enough to craft and implement short and long-term solutions.
Let’s explore the basics of failure analysis, the basic steps, and some ways to identify and avoid ways a failure analysis may fail. If you like, grab your Sherlock Holmes cap and magnifying glass and prepare to improve your ability to learn from every failure.
RH007: Navigating the Reliability Landscape: A Conversation with Dr. Bob Platfoot
Navigating the Reliability Landscape: A Conversation with Dr. Bob Platfoot
Dr. Bob Platfoot, the Principal of Covaris, an engineering advisory company, with over 30 years of experience in maintenance and asset management across various sectors. Bob shares insights into his journey from working in power stations to becoming a successful consultant and teacher. He emphasizes the importance of deep understanding, data-driven decision-making, and effective communication when dealing with the complexities of reliability engineering. The discussion also touches on the challenges of managing costs and convincing upper management of the significance of reliability efforts.
CR119: Unlocking RCA, User Friendly CMMS, and Leadership in Maintenance with Bob Latino
Unlocking RCA, User Friendly CMMS, and Leadership in Maintenance with Bob Latino
In this episode of CMMSradio, Bob Latino from Prelical Solutions joins Greg Christensen to discuss his role as an upkeep ambassador, where he works to bridge the gap between industry practices and digital solutions. Bob emphasizes the importance of user-friendly CMMS products and highlights the need for integrating real-world insights into systems to improve efficiency. He also touches on the value of root cause analysis (RCA) to identify discrepancies between procedures and actual practice, stressing the importance of understanding human decision-making in the context of failures. The conversation underscores the need for leadership accountability and a shift away from blame culture to foster continuous improvement.
Takeaways:
- The difference between “work is imagined” (procedures) and “work is done” (actual practice) is key to identifying inefficiencies.
- User-friendly CMMS interfaces, like Ryan’s UI, enhance practical use and improve operational efficiency.
- Root cause analysis (RCA) should be integrated into CMMS to identify gaps in procedures and training rather than just analyzing failures.
- Leadership accountability in acknowledging failures is crucial for fostering a culture of improvement.
- Moving away from a blame culture and understanding human decision-making helps prevent catastrophic outcomes, like the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
Find Prelical Solutions here: https://prelical.com/
RM 180: Cooler Connections: Low Temp Soldering for a High-Reliability World with Indium’s Dr. Hongwen Zhang
Cooler Connections: Low Temp Soldering for a High-Reliability World with Indium’s Dr. Hongwen Zhang
This is the fourth of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials.
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s reshaping how we think about thermal management, energy efficiency, and long-term performance in electronics manufacturing—low temperature soldering.
Joining me is Dr. HongWen Zhang, Principal Metallurgist and R&D Manager of the Alloy Group at Indium Corporation.
Dr. Zhang is not only a seasoned materials scientist with a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, a Master’s degree in materials science and engineering and in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical physical chemistry he’s also the co-inventor of Durafuse, a groundbreaking family of solder alloys that are redefining what’s possible at low reflow temperatures—which, reportedly, does not compromise reliability.
In this episode, we’ll explore how low temperature solders are helping manufacturers lower energy consumption, protect heat-sensitive components, and still meet the rigorous mechanical and environmental demands of today’s electronics—from wearables to wafer-level packaging.
We’ll also talk about the challenges of brittleness, drop shock resistance, activation and encapsulation of no clean activators, and how cutting-edge materials research is solving problems that used to be considered trade-offs.
Whether you’re a reliability engineer, a process expert, or just solder-curious, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Indium’s Website:
https://www.indium.com
Durafuse ®:
https://www.indium.com/products/alloys/solder-alloys/durafuse-lt/
CR118: Skilled Trades Education and Certification for the Future Workforce with SkillCat
Skilled Trades Education and Certification for the Future Workforce with SkillCat
In this episode, Ruchir Shah, founder and CEO of SkillCat, discusses the platform’s role in providing affordable and accredited online training for skilled trades certifications. SkillCat has made significant strides in offering over 1500 hours of training across various trades like HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, and appliance repair, reaching nearly 300,000 individuals. Ruchir shares his journey, which began with creating online courses for oil and gas workers, evolving into SkillCat due to the economic impact of COVID-19 on blue-collar industries. The platform not only addresses the decline in blue-collar income but also taps into a growing interest among Gen Z in hands-on trades. SkillCat’s approach focuses on affordability, accessible reskilling, and the long-term development of talent pipelines for companies.
Key Takeaways:
- SkillCat’s Impact: Offering over 1500 hours of online training for skilled trades, SkillCat has served nearly 300,000 individuals, helping to revitalize blue-collar careers.
- Affordability and Accessibility: The platform provides high-quality training for only $10 per month, making it an affordable resource for reskilling and career growth.
- Appeal of Skilled Trades to Gen Z: Trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work are increasingly attracting Gen Z due to social interaction, meaningful work, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Future Expansion Plans: Shah aims to expand SkillCat’s offerings to include more trades like welding and to serve as a comprehensive apprenticeship solution for both large corporations and smaller companies.
