Examining Craft Technicians

Assuming the controls and disciplines are in place, you can begin improving maintenance effectiveness by examining your craft technicians at your particular site.

• Do the craft technicians take pride in their work?

• Is the quality level of their work high?

High levels of pride and craftsmanship are common in organizations where management supports the craft technicians. However, when examining your particular plant, do you find that management provides the craft technicians with:

• The right tools for the job?

• The proper materials for the job?

• Materials properly located to eliminate lost travel time?

Equipment that is scheduled down so it can be repaired or serviced without a conflict with operations?

Clear job instructions detailing what is to be done and how it is to be performed?

Clear explanations as to the objectives and goals of the work assignment?

If these essentials are provided to the maintenance technicians, then they will take more pride in their assignments because they will feel like part of the team. Management will have provided the information necessary for the technicians to make logical decisions while performing the job. In this way, decision making is pushed to the lowest level. The job may...