SKF Integrated Maintenance Solutions: Boost Asset Reliability & Profitability

SKF’s Integrated Maintenance Solution (IMS) is designed to elevate plant reliability and profitability by integrating SKF as a core member of the operational team. Leveraging decades of expertise in mechanical and rotating equipment, SKF crafts and executes a bespoke asset‑management strategy that delivers measurable performance gains.

Sharing Risks and Rewards
When the cost of reliability initiatives is hard to justify, SKF develops a customized business case aligned with your objectives and its proven industry experience. In sectors such as power, oil & gas, metals & mining, and food & beverage, documented ROI results have been achieved, with payback periods of less than one year in many cases.

An IMS is a performance‑based contract featuring a clear cost structure and mutually agreed performance metrics. SKF shares the financial risk, enabling customers to pursue business goals with minimal upfront expense. If the solution surpasses the agreed performance targets, SKF shares in the rewards. Beyond engineering and training, SKF manages bearings, lubricants, seals, and inventory—freeing manufacturers to focus on core competencies while optimizing physical asset performance.

Assessment – An on‑site SKF team evaluates current maintenance practices and MRO part usage, uncovering improvement opportunities that form the basis for key performance indicators.

Trouble‑Free Supply – SKF controls purchasing, supply, and inventory management to reduce costs and ensure parts are available when needed.

Maintenance Strategy Review – We align maintenance efforts with business goals, focusing on critical areas to maximize impact.

Proactive Reliability Maintenance – Key performance indicators and operational reviews monitor progress, applying predictive maintenance best practices.

Technology Upgrades – Each IMS contract includes upgrades such as machine redesign for advanced lubrication or the deployment of online condition‑monitoring tools.

Machine Maintenance – SKF engineers perform or supervise precision laser alignment, expert bearing installation, and advanced lubrication systems based on proven techniques and industry best practices.

Training – Customized programs cover precision maintenance skills, bearing care, condition monitoring, lubrication practices, root‑cause failure analysis, and maintenance management.

Success in Pulp & Paper
After enduring over 100 hours of unplanned downtime in a single year, a large paper mill partnered with SKF. A mill‑wide assessment identified improvement opportunities, leading to a five‑year, performance‑based IMS contract that included on‑ and off‑line condition monitoring, engineering support, on‑site technical assistance, staff training, and inventory management of bearings, lubricants, and seals. The partnership delivered nearly 10,000 metric tons of incremental production—$5.8 million added to the bottom line in the first four years—and secured a contract extension.

Conclusion
Enterprises increasingly recognize the savings from asset performance management—reduced maintenance costs, higher production, extended asset life, and streamlined inventory. SKF’s objective, third‑party perspective helps organizations set priorities, refine strategies, and embed a culture of asset performance excellence.