Real asset management is about more than simply putting maintenance records and work order generation on a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Like any computer system, garbage in equals garbage out. The CMMS system is only as good as the data you serve it. Taken a step further, maintenance programs don't track production floor data. You could be missing a key indicator to slowing processes and potential equipment failure. To win in modern manufacturing, you need more than a software tool, you need a tool box with carefully chosen programs that work together. You need real-time visibility into operational performance.

SKF® large-diameter radial shaft seals for heavy-duty rotating machinery create effective barriers to retain lubricant and protect bearings from harsh contaminants and resulting potential damage. These seals, with diameters larger than 8 in. (203 mm), can operate in a wide range of speed, temperature, and environmental...

More about SKF products.

Advertisement includes:
  50 words of text, including bold heading
  One image (product or logo); 100 x 100 pixels (file size no
    larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    —  One link to the company's own Web site
    —  One link to the company's representation on the
          GlobalSpec site
    —  Link on product image will go to the detailed product
          page

Asset management programs can help prioritize maintenance efforts, but what if equipment energy consumption far outweighed the cost of replacement? This software program displays equipment health and history, as well as its energy consumption. Do you know how much that $10,000 motor is costing your company?

Convincing management that preventive and predictive maintenance programs and tools improve the company's bottom line is difficult. You need objective metrics to prove it. Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) can prove that your programs are making money by keeping equipment up and running, and quality high.

Sparks and flying debris are just two of the ways workers are injured during electrical repairs, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Make sure your employees' eye protection is the right type for the job by following this checklist. Start with side shields and continue to the right goggles for working around lasers and welders. [A short registration may be required.]

Vibration has always been a challenge for centrifugal fans, but active balancing can help. Start the repair by looking at shaft alignment, resonance, mechanical connections, shafts and rotors, and rotor mass. When you have the readings, follow this Maintenance Technology guide to actively balance that noisy fan.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's DirectU2 The world of Shock, Vibration & Noise.

DELMIA allows manufacturers in any industry to virtually define, plan, create, monitor, and control all production processes. It provides an array of dedicated applications for industries, combined with an environment for knowledge-sharing, process, and resource management, to capture and implement best practices for manufacturing.

More about RAND North America.

Advertisement includes:
  50 words of text, including bold heading
  One image (product or logo); 100 x 100 pixels (file size no
   larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    —  One link to the company's own Web site
    —  One link to the company's representation on the
          GlobalSpec site
    —  Link on product image will go to the detailed product
          page

Waukesha Engine makes gas engines for generators, so they take energy consumption seriously. By replacing nearly 1700 high-intensity discharge (HID) fixtures, the company saves $230,000 per year in electrical bills by moving to high-intensity fluorescent (HIF) lamps. Light levels as well are improved by 30 to 60%.

Two entry level programmable automation controllers (PACs) lets the user pick the bells and whistles, including digital and analog I/O, servo motion, network connectivity, and PC/C language control. This small form factor controller offers lower acquisition costs and power consumption for process and manufacturing industries.

For many, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) would be more attractive without the need to purchase, manage, and maintain servers. Using the Internet, you don't have to face hardware headaches. You can rent the program from a managed service provider (MSP) and not worry about where the software resides.

'Be realistic' is the advice from this CMMS consultant's lessons from last year. If you plan a nine month project, don't peter-out after four. Realize that production owns the equipment and is your customer. To achieve uptime and productivity improvements, do the work, get the data, and follow the analysis.

Since 1962, Bayou City Bolt & Supply has provided quality fasteners to the MRO industry. We carry full lines of both U.S. Inch Standard and Metric fasteners. With over 40,000 sf of warehouse space and 35,000 line items, we have the fasteners you need to keep your operation running successfully. Learn more.

Advertisement includes:
  50 words of text, including bold heading
  One image (product or logo); 100 x 100 pixels (file size no
   larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    —  One link to the company's own Web site
    —  One link to the company's representation on the
          GlobalSpec site
    —  Link on product image will go to the detailed product
          page

Gain the Latest Project Management Credentials Online!

Be among the first to receive PMBOK® Guide — Fourth Edition-based training. Learn 100% online from acclaimed Villanova University. Save up to $1,540 now!

Advertisement includes:
  30 words of text, including bold
   heading
  One image (product or logo); 100 x
   100 pixels (file size no larger than
   8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    —  One link to the company's own
          Web site
    —  One link to the company's
          representation on the GlobalSpec
          site
    —  Link on logo or image will go to
          one of the two links above