Developing a Reliability Strategy

     The process of periodically optimizing current maintenance strategies is designed for one purpose — to determine the right maintenance on the right equipment at the right time. To get two out of three is easy, but to achieve all three and get a truly worthwhile program takes a plan. All too often, plant staff members try to substitute the latest and greatest in technology for a solid maintenance plan. Although new technology is somewhat beneficial, if you have an ineffective maintenance strategy to begin with, technology just makes you more efficient at being ineffective (i.e., garbage-in, garbage-out).
     This article explains traditional approaches to reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and reviews maintenance fundamentals. Finally, it provides tools and strategies to revamp your plant’s maintenance plan.