by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 9, 2021 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Years ago, a reliability-engineer acquaintance wrestled with a possible cardiac problem. He decided to observe its development and progress on a portable blood-pressure monitoring machine. Toward the end of its usefulness, the device had been giving him readings that...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 2, 2021 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
As promised in my Dec. 19, 2020, article on delegation of responsibilities (see link below), here’s a proven, four-step approach for how to do it. The process consists of task definition, careful selection of the designee, provision of adequate resources, and...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Dec 19, 2020 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
In our book, ‘Machinery Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting’ (now in its 4th edition), Fred Geitner and I explore competing approaches to such troubleshooting. One of them is the “Mr. Machinery Approach,” whereby sole responsibility for a facility’s...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Dec 13, 2020 | Newsletter Column, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
There are plenty of unhappy people in this world, and not because of the pandemic. In fact, this short column is not at all related to the horrific COVID-19 environment in which so many of us are now living. I simply want to provide some perspective on special...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Dec 11, 2020 | Maintenance Management, Workforce Issues
To restate the overall message from previous installments of this article series, deployed properly, operators can provide the most efficient and effective form of preventive maintenance in a plant. The key is to change our thinking from the idea of operator...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Nov 29, 2020 | Maintenance Management, Newsletter Column, Workforce Issues
Let’s recap: As noted in Part I and II of this series of discussions (see links below), the concept of engaging operators in the maintenance of their machines has met with mixed reviews since it rolled out as part of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in the...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Nov 28, 2020 | RAM Tools & Methods, Workforce Issues
I’ve always been amazed and impressed by the knowledge and problem solving capability of plant-floor workers. Skilled and knowledgeable tradespersons and operators really know what’s going on at a site. And they’re an extremely valuable resource in our quest to run...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Nov 22, 2020 | Asset Management, Newsletter Column, Workforce Issues
This is the second in a series of discussions regarding tasks associated with operator-performed maintenance. As explained in Part I (Nov. 16, 2020), the use of operators for such tasks has met with mixed reviews ever since the concept rolled out as part of...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 21, 2020 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Perhaps the simplest definition of a tutor is a person, device, or other item that provides well-focused instruction. That type of instruction usually results in avoidance of costly mistakes, repeat failures, delays, anxieties, even loss of one’s job. BOOKS AS TUTORS...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Nov 15, 2020 | Asset Management, Newsletter Column, Workforce Issues
Engaging operators in the maintenance of their machines has been met with mixed reviews since its deployment as part of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in the 1980s. Proponents believe in it. Opponents don’t want operators touching their machines more than...
