
Risk Planning
Abstract
Greg and Fred discuss risk planning and why folks don’t do it. And, then they wonder what and why something happened.
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Your Reliability Engineering Professional Development Site
by Greg Hutchins Leave a Comment

Greg and Fred discuss risk planning and why folks don’t do it. And, then they wonder what and why something happened.
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

Thanks for tuning in to CMMSradio – Today we’re joined by the author of Facilitating with Finesse and Communicating to Decision Makers, JD Solomon, PE, CRE, CMRP. JD has an extensive background in the maintenance and reliability space, a Six Sigma Black belt, certified reliability engineer, certified maintenance and reliability professional (the coveted CMRP credential), with the education and experience to drive value – JD Solomon, welcome to CMMSradio!
***This episode is sponsored by UpKeep
***Schedule your custom discovery session here: https://upkeep.com/cmmsradio/
If you want to get in touch with JD Solomon he’s active on LinkedIn and you can visit JD Solomon, Inc. at https://www.jdsolomonsolutions.com to get help with your project.
JD’s technical background includes an undergraduate engineering degree, a masters degree in finance, and a professional certificate in risk & strategic decisions. He is a Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Engineer (CMRP), and Six Sigma Black Belt, and certified in Lean Management. JD has served and led numerous infrastructure, environmental, and economic development boards & commissions.
by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

Hold on to your hat – This is an episode loaded with truth when Matt Knuth of SPM Instrument joined #CMMSradio for a REAL AF discussion about technology in the maintenance and reliability space. He’s passionate about driving value for clients and is willing to do it right. He’s helping clients avoid the hype and get results while calling “hogwash” on the shiny new tech that fails to bridge the gap between technology, people, and the business as a whole, being oversold and mostly hype.
“Regulators, mount up!” The Knuth is on the loose telling the Truth!!
***This episode is sponsored by #UpKeep – Schedule your discovery session here: https://upkeep.com/cmmsradio/ and learn what UpKeep can do for you!!
Greg and Matt discuss the importance and complexities of working with technology such as IoT sensor monitoring and computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) in the maintenance industry. We consider the disconnect between different levels of an organization and stress the importance of having the right people involved in decision-making processes.
An interesting conversation revealing Matt’s position on the matter, suggesting a needed shift from tech-based to asset-based approach, taking into account the human and cultural element in implementing new technology.
If you want to get in touch with Matt, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn. It’s Matthew Knuth.
by Dianna Deeney Leave a Comment

Dianna and Fred discuss phantom test results in reliability testing.
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

In this episode, Corey Dickens, a seasoned Senior Solutions Consultant at Brightly (a Siemens company), returns to CMMSradio and shares practical insights into CMMS for manufacturing. As a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), Corey stresses the alignment of CMMS strategies with long-term business goals and realistic expectations during implementation. The episode explores Brightly’s evolution, showcasing its commitment to diverse industries. Part two highlights the upcoming Illuminate event, an annual conference fostering peer-to-peer support and real-world experiences. Corey’s expertise and the glimpse into Brightly’s trajectory make this episode a must-listen for those in manufacturing or intrigued by CMMS solutions. Don’t miss the Illuminate event, offering a discount for Brightly clients.
Connect with Corey on LinkedIn for more insights into Brightly’s offerings.
by Dianna Deeney Leave a Comment

Dianna and Fred discuss sample size considerations for reliability testing.
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

In this episode of CMMS Radio, host Greg Christensen engages in a dynamic conversation with Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment – Host of Blue is The New White podcast, author of Blue is the New White, and co-host of Behind the Burner – Diving into various aspects of business, leadership, and life. Josh shares insights from his experience in the service industry, touching on topics such as the significance of people in business, the balance between leadership and teams, and the importance of effective communication.
The discussion highlights Josh’s company’s participation in the FESA conference and the imminent hard launch in December. He emphasizes the value of being consistently intentional in business efforts and shares advice for service company startups, stressing the importance of consistency in drive and intentionality.
The conversation extends beyond business into personal insights, including Josh’s favorite music (country), favorite sport (football, with a strong allegiance to the Bears), and his unique perspective on work-life balance. Josh challenges traditional notions, viewing work and life as intertwined rather than separate entities, and discusses the natural evolution of individuals in their personal and professional journeys.
The episode wraps up with a bonus question addressing the skilled trades gap and a glimpse into the upcoming developments on Josh’s platform, bluesthenewwhite.com, where the focus is on supporting individuals in blue-collar skill trades with soft skills development. Overall, this episode provides a rich blend of business wisdom, personal anecdotes, and valuable advice for listeners navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship and leadership.
Windy City Equipment: https://www.windycityequip.com/
Blue is The New White: https://www.blueisthenewwhite.com/
Josh Zolin: / joshzolin
by Dianna Deeney Leave a Comment

Ever hit that wall where your creative tank feels bone dry? That moment when you’ve been grinding away at your projects, head down for so long that when someone asks for innovation, you come up empty? You’re not alone.
Creative slumps happen when we get too immersed in our specialized domains. As engineers and designers, we develop expertise through consistent application of familiar tools and techniques. But that same specialization creates mental echo chambers where we recycle the same ideas and follow habitual thought patterns. The result? When innovation is needed most, we feel frustratingly blocked.
The solution lies in cross-pollination – deliberately exposing ourselves to diverse inputs that spark unexpected connections.
by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

Howard Penrose, A.K.A “MotorDoc” of MotorDoc LLC, engages in a conversation with Greg (host of CMMSradio) covering a range of topics related to maintenance programs, reliability engineering, and the challenges of integrating business goals with maintenance strategies in organizations. Howard emphasizes the significance of understanding the purpose of maintenance, optimizing equipment lifespan, and making design trade-offs to achieve cost-effective solutions.
We explore Howard’s experiences in designing electric motors, considering factors such as temperature rise and failure rates. The challenges of communication between different levels of management are highlighted, focusing on the need to align key performance indicators (KPIs) between maintenance departments and upper management.
Howard shares his personal interests, revealing a love for heavy metal and old folk music. He discusses his involvement in strength sports, particularly powerlifting, and how his work is intertwined with his hobbies. The concept of work-life balance is explored, with Howard expressing a strong alignment between his work and personal interests.
The episode concludes with insights into Howard’s activities outside of work, including his passion for writing, exploration of historical sites during travels, and experimentation with technology in his lab. The conversation provides a comprehensive view of Howard’s professional journey, insights into reliability engineering, and a glimpse into his personal interests and pursuits.
Contact MotorDoc LLC: https://motordoc.com/
by Christopher Jackson Leave a Comment

Chris and Fred discuss the basics and uses of fault tree analysis. Chances are that if you have been taught about fault trees, it was for only one of the many ways you could use them.
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

We’ve got a great episode for you with Ryan Chan, Founder and CEO of UpKeep, returning to CMMSradio to discuss the 2023 State of The Maintenance Community Report. Ryan just got back from SMRP 2023 in Florida where he presented on this very topic. Tune in and hear all about it.
This report is something Ryan does every year so we can all benefit from the learning and to be a net-contributor as a CMRP. What a privilege to have Ryan share the many insights from this important annual report.
Ryan made some big changes to the way this report came together for 2023. Tune in to learn all about how the 2023 report was compiled and some of the major impacts and learnings from the report. Such as…
*This episode is sponsored by UpKeep – Visit https://upkeep.com/cmmsradio to schedule your dedicated custom discovery session!!
by Christopher Jackson Leave a Comment

Weibull probability plotting is perhaps the most widespread data analysis tool used in reliability and quality engineering. Some of you might have used it. Some of you might know that it ‘magically’ creates straight lines out of failure data, and the slope and location of that straight line … sort of means something. Good reliability engineers know what these straight lines mean, what it means if the lines aren’t straight, can do things like look at these lines to optimize maintenance regimes, work out if we quality control issues (or not), and lots of other things. And the good news is … if you know how to use Weibull probability plotting – you don’t need to use complex equations!
[Read more…]
by Christopher Jackson Leave a Comment

Chris and Fred discuss a common problem of dismissing or ignoring failures, especially when they don’t fit your ‘profile.’
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

In this episode, Paul Lachance, an industry veteran, takes us on a journey through the evolution of CMMS solutions. From the early days of Bigfoot to insights into the dynamics of startup culture and the critical importance of customer-centricity, to reflections on the ever-changing landscape of the #CMMS market. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of transformation and success in the world of maintenance management.
Thank you, Paul, for joining Greg to record this episode on CMMSradio! It was an honor to have you on to share your journey story, insights, and observations about the CMMS space as a whole.
Startup vs. Enterprise Dynamics:
Paul discusses the distinctions between startup and enterprise environments in the CMMS space, emphasizing the entrepreneurial spirit and challenges faced during the startup phase.
Smartware Group’s Journey:
The narrative follows the evolution from Bigfoot to Smartware Group, exploring the introduction of cloud technology and the strategic decision to extend CMMS applications beyond industrial settings.
Acquisition and Transformation:
Software Equity Group’s role in Smartware Group’s acquisition by Dude Solutions is highlighted, shedding light on the subsequent transformation of Bigfoot into Asset Essentials and its expansion into government and education sectors.
Customer-Centric Philosophy:
The importance of treating customers and employees well, coupled with robust support and services, is emphasized as a key factor in the success and sustainability of CMMS solutions.
Reflections on the CMMS Market and Future Trends:
Paul shares insights on the saturated CMMS market, the cyclical nature of the industry, and anticipates future trends, particularly in Industry 4.0 technologies, smart manufacturing, and the evolving landscape of CMMS solutions.
by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

This episode is dedicated to ALL VETERANS of our United States Military.
When two Sea Dogs, like Bryan Bieschke of Align Machine Company and Howard Penrose of MotorDoc, LLC get rolling on these Maintenance Sea Stories you just sit back and enjoy. The maintenance mindsight insights from these heavy hitters in the maintenance and reliability are real, RAW, and practical. Pack a lunch and tune in for a no nonsense 85-minute ride along filled with unique perspectives, interesting and funny terms (Puddle Pirate) and a tribute to Veterans where we get to learn what Veteran’s Day means to these Salty Sailors (LOL) – Let us know what you think of the episode!!
Bryan Bieschke, CMRP – https://www.alignmachinecompany.com
Howard Penrose , CMRP, PhD – https://motordoc.com
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