TABLE OF CONTENTS Staffing is an important component of any maintenance organization. Four methods are commonly used to staff the maintenance organization. These are pictured in Figure 1-14.
Having a complete in-house staff is the traditional approach in most U.S. companies. Under this approach, the craft technicians who perform maintenance are direct employees of the company. All administrative functions for each employee, as well as salary and benefits, are the responsibility of the company.
Combined in-house/contract staff became a more common approach to maintenance in the 1980s. The in-house staff performs most of the maintenance, but contractors perform certain maintenance tasks such as service on air conditioners, equipment rebuilds, and insulation. This method can reduce the amount of staff required for specific skill functions. If the contract personnel are not required full time, this approach can contribute even further savings.
Contract maintenance staffs combine the company's supervisors with contract employees. This method, common in Japan, is gaining popularity in the United States. The contractor provides properly-skilled individuals, removing the burden of training and personnel administration from the company. The downside of the approach is not having the same employees all of the time. Contract employees may have less familiarity with the equipment, but the interaction between the in-house supervision and the contract personnel can help to compensate.
Complete contracting maintenance staff includes all craftsmen, planners, and supervisors. Supervisors generally...
