by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Nov 8, 2020 | Newsletter Column, RAM's Human Factor, Workforce Issues
In North America, the primary written language used in maintenance and asset management is English. Unfortunately, the English language tolerates the use of many imprecise words that can cast doubt on their intended meaning and lead to poor interpretation and results....
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Oct 25, 2020 | Newsletter Column, Workforce Issues
The National STEM Consortium (nationalstem.org) reports that there are now over 2.6 million hybrid and electric vehicles on the road in the United States. According to a World Bank study, by the end of 2020, the world-wide electric-vehicle value chain will likely be...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Oct 10, 2020 | RAM's Human Factor, Workforce Issues
Detailed work instructions are the most important equipment-reliability-improvement tool we have: They explain the meaning of checklists. Such instructions list WHAT, HOW, and HOW WELL to perform a task, as opposed to checklists that typically just list WHAT to do....
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Oct 4, 2020 | Newsletter Column, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Failure analysis of fluid machinery often focuses on the part that failed. If the bearing failed, it must be because “the bearing is bad.” Mechanics and machinists then often react by doing the obvious: Replace the bearing. However, if we replace parts without first...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Oct 3, 2020 | Plant Operations, RAM Tools & Methods, RAM's Human Factor, Workforce Issues
I have written extensively in The RAM Review about the importance of precision-work instructions to ensure high-quality maintenance work. Such instructions are particularly valuable for bringing in a successful shutdown, turnaround, or outage (STO) event. The...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Sep 27, 2020 | Newsletter Column, Workforce Issues
As I’ve said and written for decades, “Maintenance is the least defined of all industrial activities.” There is no common set of standards that defines maintenance standards, practices, methods, or job descriptions. Yet, there are some industry-specific standards and...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Aug 17, 2020 | Newsletter Column, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
This opinion just happens to focus on one of my favorite topics: lubrication issues. The points I bring up emphasize the importance of learning through disciplined reading and researching, not simply guessing. That type of disciplined approach certainly applies to...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Aug 15, 2020 | RAM Tools & Methods, Workforce Issues
How time flies. It was another place and another time. I first wrote about the following stories over 16 years ago. Given the timeless nature of their reliability angles, I’m hoping my re-telling of them here will be of interest to newer members of the...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Aug 9, 2020 | The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
People have always had anxieties. But if you thought, by some coincidence, that I was going to use this space to simply express my opinion about the primary anxiety people have been dealing with over the past few months, you would be wrong. While the pandemic may have...
by Randall Noon, P.E. | Aug 1, 2020 | Learning from Mistakes, Workforce Issues
The following account is a “think piece” (as my editor would say), concerning a management initiative. While the overall facts are genuine, the story posted here is based on several organizations that have gone through similar experiences. Once you read it, please...
