Can’t get your PM program working? Pay attention to the program lifecycle!

Implementing a New Program:

Changing the way you do maintenance in a plant is one of the greatest cultural changes an organization can undergo. The work force has usually seen programs come and go with no lasting change. There is no reason for them to expect anything different this time. It will take time and unwavering focus to overcome the cynicism and distrust built up by past programs and failures.

By developing, publishing and following a program development plan, you can go a long way toward overcoming cynicism and increasing buy-in. This plan should effectively use the four phases in the lifecycle of a new program. Knowing what to concentrate on and when to concentrate on it increases your chances for success.

A successful PM program usually goes through four phases.

• Phase 1: Installation
• Phase 2: Stabilization
• Phase 3: Fine Tuning
• Phase 4: Systematic Improvement

The Life Cycle

A successful PM program usually goes through four phases. First, there is the initial Installation phase, when information is collected and basic procedures are developed. Following a kick-off training session, the Stabilization phase starts. During this period, the emphasis is on learning to use the system correctly and developing the habit of reporting.

As use of the system becomes routine, the Fine Tuning phase starts. The emphasis shifts to finding and removing weaknesses in the system. The quality of the reporting receives much attention. Once good history is being collected and the daily and weekly routines have become habit, an ongoing Systematic Improvement phase starts.

During the Systematic Improvement phase, maintenance reduction programs are put in place. In these history is used to identify areas where the program can be improved. These systems identify and correct problems with the machinery, training and logistic support. These improvements increase reliability and availability and reduce costs, leading to increased production and lowered operating expenses

Using the Lifecycle

At each stage in the program lifecycle, you should be working towards specific objectives. To do this, you should know:

• What questions to ask
• What to inspect
• What to test
• What to emphasize
• What to talk about

• If you’d like to learn more about the program lifecycle, please see our white paper;