Key aspects to ensure the correct operation of industrial installations

Proper management and planning can ensure the smooth running of industrial facilities. Whether you maintain a small factory or are in charge of a large food production plant, an efficient maintenance manager can make the facility even more productive.

1. Take advantage of checklists. The first is the most basic: take advantage of pre-made checklists, or, where necessary, develop your own. Your facility can be very active. Between your team asking questions and working on projects, it can be easy to let something slip through the cracks. However, you don't want to discover that a task wasn't completed and has caused a system failure. For this, you can use a maintenance checklist and thus avoid any absent-mindedness. Whether you are inspecting the equipment, completing the preventive maintenance or seasonal. If you have additional tasks that are not explicitly addressed, write them down and create your own list. When the next month, quarter or year arrives, you will have a list of easy-to-do tasks.
2. Take the time to keep track of inventory. Make sure you have an accurate inventory of their equipment, tools and hardware, among others. Now, this may seem tedious, but an excellent facilities manager will keep up with this inventory list. Disruption of production at your facility will cost you a lot of money, so avoid it at all costs. Instead, keep on hand those parts that are most common and often replaced to avoid unnecessary breakdowns. By tracking your inventory, you'll know when it's time to send out a supply order.
3. Adheres to a set timetable. When you manage a team with many moving parts, operations can be complicated. By making a schedule and sticking to it, you will set high expectations that your team will strive to achieve. In addition, when you can give your team assigned tasks and due dates for the day, week, month or even quarter, they will feel that you trust them to complete their tasks. Pro tip: be sure to schedule some extra hours into each team member's week in case problems arise.
4. Keep a record of your maintenance team. While no one likes their boss to be on top of tasks all the time, an efficient facilities manager must monitor their team to make sure tasks are going according to plan. Don't wait until the due date to find out that your team has postponed a massive project. Make sure your team knows you are there to help them complete their tasks successfully. Allow them easy access to contact you when they need help, recommendations or parts between records.
5. Keep records in the workplace. Either you have replaced the filters in one of the HVAC systems hether you have repaired your boiler, each and every task that you and your team complete should be documented. If you keep a record of the work performed, you will be able to identify recurring problems. In addition, when you look at new installations or technical services, you will be able to take advantage of product warranties and company guarantees.
6. You must be prepared for any disaster. It sounds far-fetched, but it is. Being prepared for the day-to-day is one thing, but what about when the unexpected happens - are you ready for a breakdown? One way to prevent equipment failure from becoming a major disaster is to plan ahead. If you look for rental companies and contingency piping before you have a problem, for example, you can save valuable time. Now, when a machine breaks down, you'll have the confidence to say you have a plan to get it back up and running in no time.

If you are interested in finding out more about how to ensure the correct functioning of industrial installations, we invite you to learn more about the reasons not to delay the digitisation of your manufacturing plant any longeras well as to subscribe to our Newslettera newsletter that provides you with technical content about the best technological solutions for industrial plants, focused on automation and maintenance.