How good is your maintenance program? What are your first thoughts when someone asks you this question? We are all too proud to believe our maintenance programs are lacking quality; therefore, our belief is we are as good as or better than others. With a not-so-clear answer, we start to talk ourselves in a circle and then unwind, realizing we said nothing of any importance to convince anyone we are doing the right things or are better than the next. Let’s stop talking and start performing a new way of working. Let the equipment do the talking with an asset performance management (APM) program. This isn’t exactly a new topic! Change has happened in a way that constantly surprises people and leaves us wondering, “Why are we surprised again?”. This same theory of change happens in the way we perform maintenance and manage our assets.
If we align ourselves with smart systems, smart people and lean processes, we might be onto something not so surprising. One can look at the standards that exist and continue to wonder, “Why all these standards?” Why all this talk about alignment to something that a body of knowledge has created? It is the why part that drives you silly! Remember the simple saying, “Two heads are better than one.” There are many societies with information available and various, but yet similar, ways of managing your assets. Don’t be afraid to extend your learning and take advantage of your resources. APM is an evolution in its own sense, allowing you to visit many organizations that provide you guidance. Visit www.smrp.org, www.maintenance.org or www.theiam.org for quick references on APM.
In this illustration, you will find a model framework for an APM roadmap and alignment. Through following a roadmap/model and development of a strategy, you will be on your way to the inception of your APM program. Don’t let distraction get in your way or you will be blinded by the impossible. Persevere to the bottom line without jeopardizing HSE, which is where your vision should be focused.
The takeaway from this article is to get you thinking about how you manage your assets. The key to success is to align your systems, processes and people in a “structured discipline approach.” The structure and approach are quick wins; however, the discipline requires a robust change management program.
For more information, visit www.nexusglobal.com/asset-performance-management, or contact Larry Olson at (855) 488-0068 or l.olson@nexusglobal.com.
