In industrial settings, specialty tools—lifting frames, custom carts, transport pallets, and piping inserts—are often used only once or twice a year. When managed correctly, they deliver significant time savings and safety improvements. Poor stewardship, however, forces repeated investments in measu

Middle- and top-level executives can now earn a TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) certification through a partnership between Productivity Inc. and the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University. The TPM Manager Certification Program is tailored for leaders who want to elevate process capa

Meltric Corporation now offers UL‑ and CSA‑certified Decontactor switch‑rated plugs and receptacles, enabling safe retrofits of outdated safety switches without costly interlocks. These devices are approved for motor‑circuit and branch‑circuit disconnect switching, featuring a dead‑front design that

Every few years, a public‑television documentary revisits the monumental construction of the Hoover Dam (originally known as the Boulder Dam) on the Colorado River in the early 1930s. It showcases the sheer scale of the project and the pioneering engineering, construction, and logistical strategies

While often overlooked, information management is a cornerstone of effective maintenance. It may lack the thrill of hands‑on repair, but its disciplined, ongoing effort prevents breakdowns and dramatically reduces downtime when incidents do occur. True maintenance leaders quietly tackle the heavy l

If your goal is to build a world‑class reliability and maintenance process, two sequential projects are essential. 1. Map the Current Reality Facilitate a cross‑functional workshop that includes maintenance staff, operations, and support functions. Document the actual “how, what, where, and when” o

During a recent maintenance‑management seminar, the debate over P‑cards almost sparked a heated discussion. The main complaint from maintenance teams? They simply need the right parts to keep equipment running smoothly. While P‑cards can expedite that, they often become a double‑edged sword. In many

Implementing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is only the first step. Without a structured training program, even the best software can fail. Three Pillars of CMMS Training Effective training covers: Basic computer and OS skills Core CMMS application use Internal process integrat

Starting a reliability program is rarely a single‑step decision. In most plants, a robust reliability strategy emerges only after foundational improvements in production, maintenance, quality, and safety are addressed. That said, the first and most decisive move is to identify the specific area tha

Training a new maintenance planner or scheduler starts with the right selection. The ideal candidate is not only a top craftsman but also possesses strong computer literacy, a collaborative mindset, and self‑motivation. Compensation should match or exceed that of a first‑level supervisor, factoring

Training forms the foundation of any role—no job can perform effectively without it. Over the years I’ve both attended and delivered a wide array of training programs, and the results have varied dramatically. So the real question is: What type of training is essential for this position? Understand

Do you ever wonder why some systems keep running smoothly while others falter? It’s not a trick of optics; it’s a measure of availability. Availability is the product of two key metrics: Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), expressed as Availability = MTBF / (MTBF + MTT

Surprises may add excitement to life, but in a manufacturing environment they are costly disruptions that erode customer trust and profitability. “One of the goals for manufacturing in our organization has to be to eliminate surprises,” a CFO of a U.S. manufacturing company recently stated. “We don

Imagine yourself in the engine room of the USS Lincoln, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. As an oiler, your job is to keep the steam turbines humming. You monitor the ship’s control panel, trusting that the bridge and all 2,000 sailors are synchronized for a safe voyage. The ship’s flawless per

SKF has announced a five‑year contract with Brazilian pulp and paper leader Fibria, one of the largest deals for its Integrated Maintenance Solutions.The agreement will see SKF supply bearings, predictive and lubrication services, training, engineering support, condition monitoring, operator‑driven

Enerpac recently unveiled the DLS Series Dozer Lift System, a purpose‑built solution for servicing 250,000‑lb dozers in mining and construction. Tailored for CAT D11 and D10 models, the system excels at track and side‑frame maintenance while enabling single‑operator lifting. The lift incorporates a

With global demand waning and more production shifting overseas, the resilience of existing manufacturing processes has never been more critical. While industry leaders champion green initiatives—streamlining energy use, reducing emissions, and embracing circular economies—there is a growing concern

During a routine midnight shift audit at a well‑run plant, the OEE displayed a sharp drop to roughly 40%. The dashboard’s alarming figure prompted a rapid response from plant leadership and a call to the maintenance manager. The ensuing investigation uncovered a systemic issue: operations had deleg

Sprayon Products and Krylon Industrial are proud to announce the “Real Men of Maintenance” contest, a new initiative that celebrates the dedication and expertise of industrial maintenance professionals. The promotion will accept nominations from July 2 to September 30. The top three winners—determin

Many organizations treat their computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) merely as a record‑keeping tool, a function that can often be satisfied with a simple spreadsheet. A properly deployed CMMS, however, is a strategic asset that unlocks predictive maintenance, real‑time data analysis, an