Maintenance, Repair & Operations

Reducing Repair Time

April 17, 2018

Check out these three time-saving solutions

In the typical repair scenario, a significant portion of the repair time is spent on activities other than the repair. Move those activities out of the repair window or eliminate them entirely, and you cut repair time significantly. Check out these three time-saving solutions:

Part-chasing. Try to distribute commonly-used spare parts throughout the plant, rather than just in the central store-room. For each machine, keep a list of spare parts in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and (where practical) at the machine or accessible via wireless device.
Preliminary troubleshooting steps. The machine goes down and operators wait. While they are waiting, why can’t they go through a preliminary checklist? For example, the operator would check e-stops and power lights against a list PASS/FAIL style and note any FAILs.
Training. When the person responding to the trouble call is unfamiliar with the machine, the repair turns into a training session. For critical equipment (at least), ensure a minimum of two repair techs on each shift are already trained on that equipment. Theory of operation, troubleshooting steps, and other important information should be learned while equipment is running, not while it’s down.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.