by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | May 8, 2021 | Training & Qualification, Workforce Issues
This article is the second piece in a series of discussions on workforce development in the post-pandemic era. To re-cap the first installment: Since workforce issues have plagued many industry sectors for years, some for decades, our “new normal” must...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | May 2, 2021 | Newsletter Column, Plant Operations, Training & Qualification, Workforce Issues
This column kicks off a new series of discussions in The RAM Review on workforce development in the post-pandemic era. Because workforce issues have plagued many industry sectors for years, some for decades, the “new normal” we’re in must include a...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Apr 22, 2021 | Asset Management, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Most readers would hesitate to disagree with the saying: “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” I for one, however, don’t believe that all metrics presently used as key performance indicators (KPIs) make sense. As just one example, an oil refinery used...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Apr 22, 2021 | Training & Qualification, Workforce Issues
On-job training (OJT) is the most common approach to skills development in the industrial workplace. Unfortunately, OJT is often treated as a “follow me around and you’ll pick it up” method, also known as “helper” training. This form of unstructured OJT frequently...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Apr 17, 2021 | Training & Qualification, Workforce Issues
This article is a follow-up to my April 5, 2021, newsletter column, “Skills-Training Quick Start.” To recap, in the column, I noted, among other things, that maintenance training doesn’t t have to be complicated. It can be straightforward when focused on...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Mar 12, 2021 | RAM Tools & Methods, Workforce Issues
In my early years working as a tool designer, I had the opportunity to work alongside some traditional old-school tool and die makers. They all took great pride in their tools, i.e., the tools of their trade. They treated their tools with great care and respect, day...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Mar 6, 2021 | Lubrication Corner, Safety Matters, Workforce Issues
Safety in the workplace is paramount. Few people would disagree with this statement, especially working professionals in the maintenance and lubrication fields, who, for the most part, are well trained in this area. When it comes to the handling and transfer of...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Jan 24, 2021 | Plant Operations, Workforce Issues
These three words, “Made in China,” don’t have to foreshadow the downsizing or closing of plants, as they did in the past, but rather the reshoring of critical manufacturing. In fact, “Made in China” must be embraced as a wake-up call to our industries, our...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Jan 17, 2021 | RAM Tools & Methods, Workforce Issues
What do COVID-19 recovery, robots, integrated automation systems, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), RCM, re-shoring of jobs, and hiring talent have in common? Yes, they’re here, now, and they challenge many traditional ways of managing a business. But there’s...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 17, 2021 | Newsletter Column, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Lean times are here again. Travel is out, and for good reason. Training is on hold, as it has been on several occasions since 1950. We know this because tough times have descended upon us before. What’s different now is the driving public has become the shut-in public...
