From Food Manufacturing to CMMS with Colin Morris on Client Solutions

Colin Morris, Director of Solution Consulting at MaintainX, discusses his background in the CMMS industry, focusing on his journey from food manufacturing to his current role, sharing insights into the challenges and best practices for helping clients successfully adopt CMMS solutions, emphasizing the importance of ease of use, effective training, and overcoming resistance to change. His experience highlights the value of on-site visits, the growing battery technology market, and the crucial role of internal champions in facilitating smooth transitions.

Main Questions/Topics:

• What were the key moments in Colin Morris’s journey into CMMS and solution consulting?
• How does MaintainX guide clients in selecting optimal CMMS solutions and best practices?
• What challenges do clients face in adopting CMMS, and how can they overcome them?
• How important is client training, and what methods are most effective for smooth adoption?
• What role do on-site visits and client documentation play in ensuring long-term success?

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Community First Streamline Asset Management User Conference 2025 with George Williams and Alex Bolan

Streamline Asset Management User Conference 2025!

It is all about community!!

We’re joined by George Williams of ReliabilityX and Alex Bolan of Digital Thinker to chop it up about the upcoming Streamline Asset Management User Conference happening February 24-27, 2025 in Greenville, SC.  This year it is wide-open and features a full team of Hexagon support organizations that are not here to sell you but instead help you learn, grow, and improve how you are leveraging the platform!  In fact, many of the strategies shared, on stage and throughout the event, apply to any asset and maintenance management environment.

There’s a lot on the journey story to how this AWESOME event came into existence!!  Tune in and hear from two experts that are making a difference for the entire maintenance and reliability space!!  

Thanks for supporting and following CMMSradio!

ReliabilityX here: https://reliabilityx.com/

Digital Thinker here:  https://digitalthinker.com/

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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/

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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?

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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

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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. 

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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.

DigitalThinker: https://digitalthinker.com/

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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/

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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.

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