Sandy, maintenance manager, AL
Answer:
Hi, Sandy-
I was recently coaching a group of planners, and a similar question came up. Let me take you through how I answered the question for that group.
Realize that the CMMS contains many modules: the work-order module, the scheduling module, a task (or procedures or job-plan) module, and an inventory module, to name a few. When you create any procedure, such as a PM task procedure, you store that under a unique name in the task module, depending on how the CMMS labels it in the software.
PMs are listings of tasks pertaining to, for example, what to inspect or overhaul. When a PM is defined for scheduling purposes, the task procedure is linked to the scheduled event. When the PM triggers, a work order is created that incorporates that specific task list or procedure.
Maintenance planning is about eliminating the avoidable delays often found in work execution. Planners don’t plan PMs, as that work is already defined. Planners focus on addressing corrective work that is identified from PM inspections and other methods of work identification. That’s what planning is all about. In developing job plans, the planner-scheduler documents the task steps, materials required, special tools needed, necessary rental equipment, OEM cutsheets, and so on to reduce and ultimately eliminate those avoidable delays. In many ways, the document itself is just like a PM, and depending on the CMMS used, these job plans may be stored in the same task module. When the planner receives a corrective work order, that person will link the job plan from the task-list module to the work order.
Job plans are reusable. While time is required to develop a detailed job plan, having the plan on hand will make the planner’s job easier when the job comes up again. Maintenance work is repetitive. Change a pump today, and two months from now you may change the same model pump in a different functional location. The job plan enables us to plan once and reuse that plan many times. Also, job plans are an excellent way to capture knowledge specific to the job and to ensure the use of precision maintenance approaches. These approaches may include specifications pertaining to gaps, fits, torque, and belt tension, as examples. Following well-written job plans provides a method for driving standardized work, which I consider to be one of the best tools for improving reliability.
What other questions do you have about job planning and its potential impact on reliability? Email me, and I will respond or place your questions with my answers here on "Ask Jeff."
Talk soon,
Jeff Shiver, CMRP
