AMA: Core skills, 4.0 tech for M&R, and precision maintenance

Manufacturing Meet Up

Overview

Ed and Alvaro tackle 3 questions in this Ask Me Anything:

1. How has the average plant floor worker or operator’s core skill set (and/or toolbox) changed over the past 10 years?
2. What Industry 4.0 technologies do you consider table stakes for current M&R professionals?
3. What is precision maintenance, and what are its benefits?

Discussion

Core Skills Change Over the Past 10 Years

• Increased focus on safety, including personnel safety and food safety as defined by the Food Modernization Act (FSMA).
• The prevalence of mobile devices on shop floors which has made tech interaction commonplace.
• A shift towards quality awareness among operators regarding consumer needs.
• Rising importance of advanced technologies such as robotics and AI in manufacturing.

Industry 4.0 Technologies

• Transition from people-based condition monitoring to equipment-based condition monitoring.
• Utilize sensors for gathering data supported by AI to get insights on equipment performance and maintenance requirements.
• Change management is crucial as roles within plants evolve due to these technologies.
• Simplification of equipment processes with innovations in robotics.

Precision Maintenance Definition and Benefits

• Precision maintenance involves performing maintenance consistently and precisely through documented processes and the right tools.
• Importance of utilizing methods like torque settings to prevent common maintenance issues.
• Training and proper training metrics (KPIs) are essential for successful precision maintenance and continuous improvement.

Conclusion

• Consistent application of precision maintenance techniques results in enhanced equipment reliability and allows time for innovation and improvement in processes.