Efficient Plant December 2017 - 29

feature | maintenance efficiency
Where parts are stored is
just as critical as which
parts are kept on hand.
Place the most frequently
used and critical parts
close to their applicable
machines. Less-important
parts can be stored in a
more remote location or
even off site.

parts from wearing out on the factory shelf. For
example, motors that sit in the storeroom for months
on end can develop flat spots in windings that will
compromise performance. If such motors aren't
needed routinely, it's better to allow vendors to hold
the item where turnover is more frequent.
Some suppliers offer vending machines for common and/or routine parts. These machines issue parts
by smart-card activation. By placing parts-vending
machines throughout plants where they're most
needed, technicians get parts faster and storeroom
clerks reduce their workload.

DATA ISSUES
In virtually all aspects of inventory management, the
most important prerequisite is collecting high-quality internal data. With up-to-date information on
performance, downtime, and parts consumption, it's
possible to better manage all kinds of initiatives from
mean time between failure analysis (MTBF) and
root-cause failure analyses to Six Sigma programs, all
supporting cost-reduction programs.
A computerized maintenance-management system
(CMMS) is the primary tool for analyzing parts
data. CMMS software can track asset performance,
schedule work orders, and help make reactive vs.
preventive maintenance decisions. Some systems will

DECEMBER 2017

interface with accounting/financial systems as well.
On the parts front, barcode and RFID readers can
be used to scan parts as they make their way through
the usage lifecycle; once tagged, information is
uploaded to the CMMS, and the system can automatically generate reports on parts usage and deployment, making management decisions much easier.

BOTTOM LINE
It's difficult to overemphasize the powerfully positive impact that inventory management can have
on maintenance efficiency. Technician labor costs
continue to rise; moreover, the lack of skilled talent
is expected to last for at least another 15 years. While
technology continues to evolve, technicians can't be
efficient without ready access to supplies of needed
parts. Keep in mind that when parts are planned,
purchased, and deployed with TCO in mind, the
highest value is derived from equipment and personnel alike. Take the time to carefully consider inventory management. The benefits will accrue today-and
well into the future. EP
This information was provided by Brad McCully,
director of customer accounts for Advanced Technology
Services Inc. (advancedtech.com, Peoria, IL). He can be
reached at BMcCully@advancedtech.com.
EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM |

29


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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Efficient Plant December 2017

Efficient Plant December 2017 - 1
Efficient Plant December 2017 - Cover1
Efficient Plant December 2017 - Cover2
Efficient Plant December 2017 - 1
Efficient Plant December 2017 - 2
Efficient Plant December 2017 - 3
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