When senior leaders ask what a truly effective reliability program looks like, the answer is a blend of leadership commitment, data‑driven processes, and a culture that rewards resilience. This article distills the essential dimensions of a high‑performance reliability program into 12 actionable el

“It takes many people, doing things right, to keep the stacks smoking, morning through night. ... The hot strip, cold strip and the mills that run plate. Need the deliveries on time, can’t afford to be late. Keep those flatbeds rolling, get them out of the gate. ... “Hey, the mill just went down, go

When a new component is slated for commissioning, the first critical decision is selecting the correct lubricant. OEM guidance often reads, “Use a high‑quality turbine oil with a viscosity of ISO VG 32.” That statement is a starting point, not a final prescription. What Is “High Quality”? The term “

Roller Chain Drives The popularity of chain drives stems from their ability to transmit high torque levels in a small package, at relatively low cost, while utilizing readily available stock components. While initial costs of standard roller chain drives can be quite low, the cost of maintaining the

On August 6, British Petroleum ordered the shutdown of the Alaska Pipeline, which delivers roughly 8% of the United States’ crude oil supply. The timing could not have been worse, as oil prices were above $75 per barrel. The interruption is expensive for producers, consumers and for BP’s reputation.

“We have to give up our beef bowls?” Many Japanese citizens lamented when their government imposed a ban on U.S. beef products last year. The public outcry stemmed from the fact that American beef was considered the most suitable and flavorful for the popular light‑meal dish known as “beef bowls.”Th

In many plants, maintenance teams blame operations for equipment failures, while operators attribute reliability issues to idle maintenance staff. This tug‑of‑war hides a deeper truth: robust operating procedures are the foundation of dependable equipment. Maintenance staff often sit idle because pl

A few weeks ago, I was asked, “How many hours should a maintenance planner schedule each week?” The answer isn’t a simple number, but a blend of quantitative insight and practical experience. I’m cautious about prescribing a hard quota for planners. Still, let’s examine the numbers first

A growing trend in industry is to outsource activities that are considered non‑core to a company’s core business. These can include security, facilities maintenance, sanitation, and fluid management. When it comes to lubrication, however, the question is whether contracting out this function deliv

Choosing the right metrics is critical to the success of a predictive maintenance program. What gets measured gets improved; what isn’t tracked rarely sees change. By capturing and reporting on the most relevant data points, you focus on the behaviors that matter and illuminate hidden issues for eve

One of the first responsibilities of leadership—whether it’s guiding an organization, company, team, or nation—is to articulate a simple, clear vision of the future. Visionary leaders throughout history have accomplished this in diverse ways, often distilling their aspirations into concise statement

United States Steel Corporation announced on August 24 that Raymond R. Terza will serve as Managing Director of Coke Battery Assessment, Reliability and Rehabilitation. In this newly created role, Terza will hold global responsibility for evaluating and maintaining all coke facilities—including new

In every manufacturing operation, selecting the right cutting tool is as vital as the skill of the operator. A sharp, well‑maintained tool not only delivers precision but also drives throughput, directly impacting profitability. Sharpening by grinding remains the most effective method for restoring

Choosing the right industrial sealant is critical—incorrect selection or application can lead to costly failures.Here are five key factors to guide your choice:Wide‑temperature stability – High‑quality sealants must perform across a broad range, typically from –85 °F (–65 °C) to 599 °F (315 °C). Sel

André Navarri, president of Bombardier Transportation, announced the global launch of Bombardier ORBITA—a groundbreaking predictive maintenance solution designed to transform rail operations. Dubbed The Future of Maintenance, ORBITA helps operators boost fleet utilisation, enhance reliability and av

Made in America is no longer a quaint slogan; it’s a reality check in a globalized economy. Yet the spirit that built our nation—innovation, grit, and determination—remains alive. Century Furniture, a Hickory, N.C. company, exemplifies this ethos by keeping its U.S. factories open against the odds.

Allied Reliability has reinforced its position in the predictive maintenance sector by adding seasoned reliability specialist Jack Nicholas to its leadership team. “Jack holds tremendous respect within the maintenance and reliability community,” says Allied partner John Schultz. “His accomplishments

Located between Denver and Grand Junction, Colo., American Gypsum’s Eagle Plant operates around the clock to produce more than 113 miles of wallboard each day. One small hiccup in a continuous production line that includes well over 1,500 pieces of equipment can spell disaster from both a financial

As autumn deepens, the focus on plant reliability should be as decisive as a championship game. While fans cheer their teams, industry professionals can champion their operations through rigorous Root Cause Analysis (RCA). Reliable Plant magazine recently surveyed nearly 600 reliability practitioner

In 2006, Standard Aero was honored with the SAE Department of Defense (DoD) Maintenance Symposium & Exhibition’s prestigious Great Ideas Award. The competition celebrates innovative technologies, processes, or business practices that can transform the DoD maintenance landscape. Standard Aero eme