Reliability is Still Important
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss how to keep reliability a priority when dealing with changing suppliers.
CR196: Process Before Platform Lessons from the CMMS Frontlines
Process Before Platform Lessons from the CMMS Frontlines
In this episode, CMMSradio welcomes Easton Snyder, Senior Sales Engineer at Traction, who shares his career journey from mechanical engineering to process consulting. Easton dives into how Traction supports manufacturers with CMMS implementation, the importance of process understanding, and how to maintain momentum post-sale. He offers insights into data integration, AI, and sustaining operational continuity despite workforce turnover.
Key Points:
- Emphasizes defining current vs. future state to drive process improvement.
- Highlights post-sale support and the risks of losing momentum after handoff.
- Champions a “train-the-trainer” model to retain tribal knowledge.
- Advocates for foundational process clarity before relying on AI tools.
CR195: From Military to Oilfields to Interfaces in Industrial CMMS Technology
From Military to Oilfields to Interfaces in Industrial CMMS Technology
CMMSradio interviews Tyler Hufstetler, Director of Partnerships at MaintainX, about his transition from military service and field operations to tech leadership. Tyler shares how battlefield strategy, hands-on oil & gas work, and a focus on team dynamics have shaped his approach to building meaningful partnerships that drive customer value and innovation at MaintainX.
Key Takeaways:
- Military background taught him to think strategically and tactically under pressure.
- Real-world ops experience helps translate frontline needs into tech solutions.
- Emphasizes humility, teamwork, and clear communication in leadership.
- MaintainX prioritizes partnerships that improve customer experience.
- Recent funding enables faster delivery of better features and usability.
SOR 1172 Tradeoffs and Right to Repair
Tradeoffs and Right to Repair
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss right-to-repair laws and the trade-offs for design and manufacturing.
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CR194: Why RCM Fails How to Fix it Plus Wrench Time in Maintenance with Erik Hupje on CMMSradio
Why RCM Fails How to Fix it Plus Wrench Time in Maintenance with Erik Hupje on CMMSradio
Erik Hupje explores Winston Ledet’s findings on human error in maintenance and emphasizes the strategic execution of RCM, RCA, and productivity processes.
Key Takeaways:
- 84% of failures in DuPont’s study were due to work not done to standard—i.e., human error.
- RCM and RCA often fail from poor execution, not poor analysis.
- Processes like RCM should be business-owned, not department-owned.
- Wrench time is a key productivity metric—low values signal planning and system flaws.
Connect with Reliability Academy: https://reliabilityacademy.com/
R40.004: Reliability in Hospitality and Multifamily Housing with Justin Thomas from Premier
Reliability in Hospitality and Multifamily Housing with Justin Thomas from Premier
Bringing you another Reliability 4.0 episode featuring Justin Thomas, Director of Corporate Engineering at Premier! Premier is an award-winning company specializing in project management for hospitality, multifamily, and student housing sectors.
Justin talks about Premier’s multifaceted approach to project management, emphasizing the critical role of reliability in ensuring the success of their projects. Justin shares how Premier was able to enhance operational efficiency and prolong asset lifespan by being intentional with reliability and proactively addressing issues.
SOR 1171 Changing Conditions and Challenges
Changing Conditions and Challenges
Abstract
Enrico and Fred discuss the many ways working on creating a reliable product is difficult.
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CR193: Big CMMS News Ultimo Acquires FSI with Zach Seely and Steven Elsham
Big CMMS News Ultimo Acquires FSI with Zach Seely and Steven Elsham
CMMSradio interviews Steve Elsham (Ultimo) and Zach Seeley (FSI) about Ultimo’s acquisition of FSI, combining Ultimo’s broad EAM expertise with FSI’s deep healthcare CMMS knowledge. Both brands will stay independent but share resources under IFS, accelerating AI-driven innovation and enhancing solutions. Clients gain stronger support and better tools to manage complex, safety-critical healthcare maintenance.
- Ultimo expands rapidly in US healthcare by acquiring FSI’s trusted platform and expertise.
- Combined strengths drive faster innovation and AI capabilities across both products.
- The partnership improves healthcare asset management with enhanced safety and efficiency.
Thank you, Steven and Zachary, for joining us! Congratulations!
SOR 1170 Lifecycle Target Misalignment
Lifecycle Target Misalignment
Abstract
Dianna and Fred discuss the dangers of lifecycle target misalignment and how they impact product engineering and customer satisfaction.
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CR192: From Roman Aqueducts to CMMS What Hasn’t Changed in Maintenance Christer Idhammar on CMMSradio
From Roman Aqueducts to CMMS What Hasn’t Changed in Maintenance Christer Idhammar on CMMSradio
Christer Idhammar, Founder of IDCON, Inc., reflects on the success of Mainstream events and the enduring importance of maintenance fundamentals, regardless of technological evolution.
- What would you pick, skills or technology?
- Why is Mainstream the best conference?
- Fundamental principles like planning/scheduling over flashy tech.
- Technology should support—not replace—core maintenance practices.
- Leadership, visibility, and adapting to generational shifts are vital.
Join Mainstream Community: https://www.mainstreamcommunity.com/
RG008: Why we Do What We Do – Reliability Passion – Infinite Goals
Why we Do What We Do – Reliability Passion – Infinite Goals
Hello #reliabilitygang i hope everyone is having a great day! Todays podcast is a little different to our usual talking points however i feel everyone listening to this can relate if you are in reliability. I feel that in the reliability community a lot of my connections and listeners care for the culture and practice. I personally wake up every morning with purpose and passion. The reason i can approach my job in this way is because i have a strong WHY and just cause that supports my motivations. We talk about this today and why it is important to have a WHY to our daily practices and how it can change the life you live.
RH019: Tomas Jajesnica: Meditating for Maintenance
Tomas Jajesnica: Meditating for Maintenance
Andrew Daddo hosts the Reliability Hero podcast, discussing mental health and stress management with Tomas Jajesnica, the Chief Meditation Officer of Mr. Meditate. Tomas shares his journey from a successful legal career to teaching meditation, emphasizing its benefits for stress reduction, mental fitness, and overall well-being. They highlight how meditation can prevent, maintain, and improve mental health, and address misconceptions about it being merely a relaxation tool. The conversation covers practical steps for incorporating meditation into daily life and the importance of understanding one’s ‘why’ for practicing it.
CR191: SMRP 2025 and Back to Basics with George Williams ReliabilityX on CMMSradio
SMRP 2025 and Back to Basics with George Williams ReliabilityX on CMMSradio
George Williams joins CMMSradio to discuss the upcoming SMRP conference, trends in maintenance and reliability, and the critical role of CMMS systems in operational excellence. They explore the tension between new technologies like AI and the often-neglected fundamentals of reliability.
Key Takaways:
- SMRP 2025 will spotlight AI, workforce gaps, and reinforcing reliability fundamentals.
- Reliability X is deeply engaged in SMRP, offering workshops and advocating real-world improvement.
- Basic principles like proper operation and structured maintenance still matter—even as tech evolves.
- CMMS systems must be used with purpose: structured data, ownership clarity, and accountability are key.
R40.003: Embracing Change in Material Production with Charles Mborah from Heidelberg Materials
Embracing Change in Material Production with Charles Mborah from Heidelberg Materials
This week, I got to speak with Charles Mborah from Heidelberg Materials, one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of building materials.
Our conversation focused on the challenges of implementing new technologies and changes in the workplace, the difficulty of attracting qualified personnel to the industry, and the importance of certain tools like oil analysis and condition-based monitoring in reliability engineering.
Charles also highlighted the importance of mean time between failures (MTBF) as a key performance indicator and how demonstrating the cost benefits of new approaches can help overcome resistance to change. Finally, we touched upon the need for a maintenance culture that involves everyone on the team.
I hope you find this interview as helpful as I did. Please tune in to future episodes as we continue to make the world a more reliable place!
