TABLE OF CONTENTS Even though Maintenance Planning and Scheduling has not been around that long, it does not take long to make mistakes, and without mistakes, one cannot learn from them. This chapter has gathered together a smattering of lessons learned, often the hard way, from practioners of the fine arts of Maintenance Planning and Scheduling. Although it is human nature to at least try to avoid making errors, especially in one's chosen vocation, they are bound to make their way into your operation, often at the most inopportune time possible. Do not be discouraged, rather look on it as a necessary part of attaining perfection and above all, learn from what doesn't work. Oh yes, and don't forget to learn from what does work as well, because this chapter also contains many tips and tricks of the trade garnered from, sometimes unexpected, successes.
For a variety of reasons, some of which will be discussed in the paragraphs that follow, maintenance trades tend to mistrust maintenance planners. Unless planners can overcome this and win the trust of the maintenance trades, theirs will be a long and arduous journey toward having their work plans carried out effectively. There are, in fact, some proven methods to overcome many of the inherent reasons for mistrust and the planner, who applies common sense towards understanding the human condition will be able to win the hearts and minds of most, if not all,...
