CMMS SUPPORT SERVICES

Where do we start??? Implementing a Computerized Maintenance Management System can be an absolutely daunting task if you have limited to no formal background.  Many CMMS programs end up on the shelf because implementation resources were not adequately defined up front or because the task just seems too overwhelming.

• Do we need an implementation plan?
• How do we prioritize work and how many level should we define?
• Do we need to define a work order system?
• Should we get organized in the Plant before we start to populate the database?
• What about supporting documentation/information such as drawing, bills of material, vendor manuals?
• What about PM’s and PdMs?
• What about metrics and reports?
• What kind of cutomization do we need?

One can quickly see that the response to each contains a significant amount of work and possibly significant resources to get them accomplished.  Also, keep in mind that the decisions made for each of these questions will likely have a spill over effect on other aspects of an implementation.

Underestimating resources can quickly place you behind on your implementation schedule and create other potential issues.  Limited resources can make a implementation a seemingly endless task resulting in discontent for all level of users from mechanics trying to do their PMs to managers trying to prepare a monthly report.  Slow or poor progress will undermine the credibility of the initiative causing the implementation to stall or fail entirely.  

Smith & Associates, Inc. can provide the implementation assistance that will ensure a successful project.  We have expertise with several significant software packages including SAP, Maximo, and DataStream.  More importantly, we’ve seen the pitfalls and can direct you away from these costly implementation mis-steps.  We can help you to stay on track.

STORES AND INVENTORY SUPPORT

Does it seem like you’re spending a small fortune on “just-in-time” shipping costs to acquire parts that you thought you had in stores?  The answer to this question can provide you with insight on the health of your stores and inventory function.  Needless to say, high costs are a strong indicator of a poorly managed function. 

How then, should the stores and inventory function be set up?  S & A, Inc. can help you define and implement best practices that deal with barcoding, inventory/stocking levels, overall store organization, critical spares, receiving, and kitting.  An efficiently run store will allow you to realize proper stocking levels (minimizing excess inventory carrying cost) and efficient support for your maintenance function.

MENTORING AND TRAINING

With any improvement initiative, training and working with those who will eventually assume final responsbility for the various activities is absolutely critical.  Acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to successfully run the store facility, perform the planning/scheduling function, or directing a technical training department are essential for any company.  The objective of our training and mentoring services is to ensure that your personnel are enabled to do just that.  Also visit the Workforce Development page.

PM PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

The cornerstone of any maintenance program is Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Predictive (PdM).  The type, quality, and frequency of your interventions are a direct indicator of your true commitment to a PROACTIVE maintenance program.

It speaks to your understanding of, and obligation to, a culture where management, operation, and maintenance, all recognize the importance of truly maintaining the health and longevity of  the plant assets.  Establishing proper asset PMs ensures that maintenance is performed when required, not convenient. 

Run-to-failure occurrences and un-scheduled downtime are the manifestations of a reactive culture.  In a proactive environment, scheduled maintenance interventions are dictated by machines and not management.