{"id":7584,"date":"2022-04-05T05:16:43","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T11:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/?p=7584"},"modified":"2025-05-30T13:05:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T19:05:25","slug":"machine-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/machine-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"8 ways to improve machine maintenance"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row kd_background_image_position=&#8221;vc_row-bg-position-top&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effective machine maintenance leads to increased equipment availability, performance, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">utilization<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/strategies\/reliability-centered-maintenance\/\">Reliability-centered maintenance (RCM)<\/a> is the gold standard for organizations seeking to optimize maintenance. However, implementing RCM requires considerable administrative and financial investment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In case such an investment is not possible, here are eight core maintenance principles that you can implement at minimal cost to improve your machinery servicing process.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; kd_background_image_position=&#8221;vc_row-bg-position-bottom&#8221; kd_top_separator_style=&#8221;skew-left&#8221; kd_top_separator_height=&#8221;separator-height-small&#8221; kd_bottom_separator_style=&#8221;skew-left&#8221; kd_bottom_separator_height=&#8221;separator-height-small&#8221; kd_top_separator=&#8221;true&#8221; kd_bottom_separator=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1682969576554{margin-bottom: 40px !important;padding-top: 120px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background: #dde4e8 url(https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cta-laired-hex-4.webp?id=9077) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 0px !important;}&#8221; css_tablet_landscape=&#8221;.vc_custom_1682969576554{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}&#8221; css_tablet_portrait=&#8221;.vc_custom_1682969576555{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}&#8221; css_mobile=&#8221;.vc_custom_1682969576555{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner kd_background_image_position=&#8221;vc_row-bg-position-top&#8221;][vc_column_inner]<header class=\"kd-section-title col-lg-12 text-center  subtitle-below-title kd-animated fadeIn   vc_custom_1682969598832\" data-animation-delay=200><h2 class=\"separator_off\" style=\"font-size: 42px;font-weight: 500;margin-bottom:30px;\">Checklist for Creating a Preventive Maintenance Plan<\/h2><h6 class=\"subtitle\" style=\"color: #152232;\">Following a consistent Preventive Maintenance Plan can make life easier. Use this checklist to create your own!<\/h6><\/header>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=&#8221;top&#8221; kd_background_image_position=&#8221;vc_row-bg-position-top&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12&#8243; css_tablet_landscape=&#8221;.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 0px !important;}&#8221; css_tablet_portrait=&#8221;.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 0px !important;}&#8221; css_mobile=&#8221;.vc_custom_1631866454224{padding-right: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_raw_html]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image source=&#8221;external_link&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;fadeIn&#8221; custom_src=&#8221;https:\/\/3975608.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net\/hubfs\/3975608\/Content%20Downloads\/PM%20Checklist%20mockup.png&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row kd_background_image_position=&#8221;vc_row-bg-position-top&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1) Implement a simple condition-monitoring system<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catastrophic failures aside, most equipment will show signs of deterioration long before performance drops noticeably or product quality is affected. Condition monitoring consists of observing a specific condition on a machine to identify changes that might signal an emerging fault.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/machine-monitoring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Machine monitoring<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allows maintenance interventions to be scheduled to prevent failure and restore equipment health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a critical item of machinery, consider how to best monitor its ongoing health. What will be the one or maybe two conditions to monitor that will provide an early warning of distress?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-892 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions.jpg\" alt=\"CBM conditions to measure\" width=\"638\" height=\"203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions-300x95.jpg 300w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions-1024x326.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions-768x244.jpg 768w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions-451x144.jpg 451w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions-554x176.jpg 554w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions-93x30.jpg 93w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions-540x172.jpg 540w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/CBM-measuring-conditions-100x32.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common condition monitoring techniques focus on the following characteristics:<\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"equipment-logs\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/oil-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Oil analysis<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use a lab to regularly carry out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/spectro.in\/Spectrometric-Oil-Analysis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spectrometric analysis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on oil for fluid properties, contamination, and wear debris.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/vibration-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Vibration analysis<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Test for bearing failure, bent shafts, worn teeth, misalignment, and looseness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Thermography:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Identifies bearing overheating, mismatched belts, loose connections, and motor brush issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pressure\/Flow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Identify pump wear, clogged filters, and valve failure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement a set frequency &#8211; daily, weekly, or monthly machine monitoring. Track and graph the results to identify trends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This approach forms the basis of a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/strategies\/condition-based-maintenance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">condition-based maintenance program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2) Introduce equipment logs and training for operators<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your machine operators are the first line of defense against machine deterioration. They use the equipment every day and are tuned into the look and sound of correctly operating equipment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, we can\u2019t run away from the fact that operator errors are one of the more common causes of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/equipment-failure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">equipment failure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is paramount to ensure they all use the equipment in the proper manner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/standard-operating-procedure-sop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop a standard operating procedure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that all operators must follow to ensure safe and efficient machine operation, then train them to use it. Furthermore, teach them how to spot common faults, and use them to carry out minor daily tasks such as cleaning and lubrication. In other words, consider implementing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/autonomous-maintenance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">autonomous maintenance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"maintenance-task-kits\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make their life easier, introduce equipment logs that operators can use to record their concerns, observations, or faults. Have your maintenance personnel check the logs at least daily. Require all open items to be closed off in one of three ways:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The concern is not an issue and can be signed off.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The technician can fix it immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The issue is raised as a planned maintenance (PM) task for the next maintenance period but is signed off in the equipment log showing the PM task number for traceability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3) Develop planned maintenance task kits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When carrying out regular planned maintenance on equipment, these recurring tasks will often require the same components and consumables.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rather than leave the maintenance technician to assemble all the items needed before each PM task, <\/span><b>develop a set of pre-packaged kits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and give each a dedicated part number. Record the kit part number on the planned maintenance task to improve traceability and minimize potential confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7586 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Preventive-maintenance-kit.jpg\" alt=\"Preventive maintenance kit\" width=\"702\" height=\"678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Preventive-maintenance-kit.jpg 702w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Preventive-maintenance-kit-300x290.jpg 300w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Preventive-maintenance-kit-246x238.jpg 246w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Preventive-maintenance-kit-302x292.jpg 302w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Preventive-maintenance-kit-62x60.jpg 62w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Preventive-maintenance-kit-419x405.jpg 419w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Preventive-maintenance-kit-100x97.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 702px) 100vw, 702px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventive maintenance kit for FS 8000H OEM Air-Compressor. Source: <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alibaba.com\/product-detail\/2901197200-PREVENTIVE-MAINTENANCE-KIT-FS-8000H_60729516225.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alibaba.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"track-performance-metrics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a regular maintenance task is scheduled, a store person can draw the kit associated with each planned task from stock. On scheduled maintenance day, the technicians will receive a pallet of all the kits relevant to the tasks planned for that maintenance shut.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitting ensures all required resources are available before the planned maintenance event. It allows technician time to be used effectively. It also supports small but important tasks like lubrication or gasket replacement that might otherwise be omitted if a technician had to leave the shop floor and look for parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4) Track performance metrics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assuming your maintenance program is effective, a failure to carry out planned maintenance tasks will adversely <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/equipment-reliability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">impact machine reliability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> over time, as well as its lifecycle. In a perfect world, we carry out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/strategies\/preventive-maintenance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preventive maintenance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and get only one or two breakdowns requiring emergency attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you&#8217;re trying to get on top of unreliable equipment, more frequent breakdowns are bound to tie up your resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tracking maintenance performance is a useful gauge of whether planned maintenance tasks are <\/span><b>being completed on time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>at the required frequencies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It also shows whether <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/what-is-deferred-maintenance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maintenance backlog items<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are being cleared and how much equipment downtime was incurred.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, tracking failures will help identify high-frequency failures. Using that information, you can increase PM frequency or schedule additional tasks to improve reliability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tracking these five key measures is a good start:<\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"machine-maintenance-with-a-CMMS\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of PM tasks completed per month versus tasks planned<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of breakdowns per month<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes of breakdowns by equipment type or location<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of <a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/maintenance-definitions\/maintenance-backlog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maintenance backlog<\/a> items cleared versus added per month<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/metrics\/mean-time-to-repair\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MTTR<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/metrics\/mean-time-between-failure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MTBF<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3998 aligncenter\" style=\"border: black; border-width: 2px; border-style: solid;\" src=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-track-maintenance-expenses.png\" alt=\"custom monthly report\" width=\"540\" height=\"363\" data-darkreader-inline-border-top=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-border-right=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-border-bottom=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-border-left=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-track-maintenance-expenses.png 540w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-track-maintenance-expenses-300x202.png 300w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-track-maintenance-expenses-354x238.png 354w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-track-maintenance-expenses-434x292.png 434w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-track-maintenance-expenses-89x60.png 89w, https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-track-maintenance-expenses-100x67.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limble can automatically track your predefined metrics<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can see whether your maintenance is improving or sliding backwards by following these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/maintenance-kpi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maintenance metrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, allowing you to identify systematic issues that might require specific workflow adjustments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5) Streamline machine maintenance with a modern CMMS<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can&#8217;t capture data on your equipment performance and maintenance procedures, you&#8217;re basically flying blind, and you&#8217;ll struggle to optimize your operation. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/5-steps-to-implementing-preventive-maintenance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementing a computerized maintenance management system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is far easier than it was just a few years ago, and the value you receive from gaining insight into your maintenance performance is immense.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subscribing to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/cmms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">modern CMMS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a low-cost and effective way to begin capturing operational data and managing maintenance activities. Most maintenance software is cloud-based (can be accessed on a mobile device) with core features like:<\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"optimize-PM-tasks\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/cmms\/preventive-maintenance-software\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventive maintenance calendar and scheduling<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/cmms\/spare-parts-inventory-software\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spare parts inventory management<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/cmms\/asset-maintenance-management-software\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asset management<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/cmms\/work-order-software\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work order management<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/cmms\/reports-dashboards\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reporting<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can also link to other existing business solutions such as finance and human resources. As technology has advanced, a modern <a href=\"\/cmms\/cmms-software\/\">CMMS software<\/a> allows connection to wi-fi systems to collect data from machine sensors in real-time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6) Optimize PM tasks<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planned maintenance tasks can often be treated as set-and-forget &#8211; once written, they are rarely revisited. Carrying out an ongoing, rolling review of all planned maintenance tasks is a vital part of you maintenance strategy. It allows each task to be checked for the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Continued relevance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Do you still need it? If not, delete it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Effectiveness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If needed, is the described task the most effective way to proceed? Does it need more or less information or steps?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Efficiency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While the task may accomplish what you need, can you streamline it to make it more efficient?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accuracy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Does the task reference the correct manual references and spare parts kits?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Planning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Is the time allowance sufficient or overestimated? And are the human resources required for the task still relevant and accurate?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Duplication:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Are there some overlapping tasks? Maybe it\u2019s time to combine them into one.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lack of a task:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Does your data suggest a new PM task might be appropriate, or does the review identify neglected equipment?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the optimization, identify those tasks that could benefit from additional standardization. Streamline them by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/preventive-maintenance-checklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">creating specific preventive maintenance checklists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and then integrate those into your maintenance plans.\u00a0<\/span><span id=\"lubrication-schedule\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementing a culture of continuous improvement allows for small ongoing adjustments to your maintenance program, ensuring maximum return on your maintenance dollar.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7) Create a lubrication schedule<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of burying lubrication into planned maintenance tasks, create a stand-alone lubrication schedule to ensure each item is lubricated when it is due.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating standalone, routine maintenance schedules for lubrication ensures you will:<\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"soft-foot-analysis\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Search for, find, and record all lubrication points. Often a difficult task on older machines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about operating hours or cycle times. Lubrication is a dynamic task that alters depending on machine use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Include every oil change in the schedule and capture the results of every oil sampling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify the correct lubricant to be used, its quantity, and the procedure that must be followed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perform corrective maintenance tasks if lubrication points are found blocked, broken, or obscured.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Achieving maximum asset design life depends on several variables, but a fundamental action to assist reliability is a comprehensive lubrication schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8) Do soft foot analysis and shaft alignment on pumps and gearboxes<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shaft misalignment on rotating machinery contributes to increased maintenance costs and premature failure due to the following issues:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased vibration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive seal and bearing wear<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shaft or coupling failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased friction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased energy consumption<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased lubricant leakage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mounting bolt failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Belt wear and failure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before or during shaft alignment, you should perform <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reliableplant.com\/Read\/920\/soft-foot-vibration-analysis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soft foot analysis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Soft foot refers to one or more of the feet of the rotating equipment not making good contact with its mounting plate. Left unshimmed, mounting castings can crack during operation, leading to misalignment and excessive vibration.<\/span><br \/>\n<span id=\"getting-machinery-maintenance-to-the-next-level\"><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using laser alignment systems during pump or gearbox installation will ensure the rectification of soft-foot problems and correct shaft alignment. Correct alignment helps rotating equipment last as long as possible, reducing premature failure and downtime. This example illustrates how different types of machine maintenance can all contribute to the end goal of effective equipment maintenance, as well as keeping industry machines and other pieces of equipment away from unplanned downtime.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting machinery maintenance to the next level<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementing a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/strategies\/reliability-centered-maintenance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comprehensive reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will pay dividends in operations uptime, equipment reliability, and reduced maintenance spending.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if RCM is outside your financial ability, you can work according to the 80\/20 principle. The idea is that 80% of your maintenance gains will come from 20% of the preventative actions you perform daily. We outlined some fundamental things that you can implement in isolation, which form the core of all effective maintenance programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limble CMMS is designed to organize, automate, and streamline maintenance management. To learn how, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/demo-request\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">request a demo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/pricing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">start a free trial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or simply <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">send us your questions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row kd_background_image_position=&#8221;vc_row-bg-position-top&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]Effective machine maintenance leads to increased equipment availability, performance, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[737],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-equipment-facility-maintenance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.7.1 (Yoast SEO v25.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>8 ways to improve machine maintenance<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We discuss eight core maintenance principles that you can implement at minimal cost to improve machine maintenance and servicing.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/learn\/equipment-facility-maintenance\/machine-maintenance\/\" 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