Q.

We have implemented a variety of reliability improvement projects, but we just aren't seeing a return on investment. What are we doing wrong?

A.

There are many reasons for this. Most often this occurs when an organization (1) focuses on a single reliability improvement tool or method (e.g. RCM, root cause analysis) and (2) fails to achieve buy-in from different departments in the organization.

ABS Consulting believes that a wide range of reliability tools and methods are needed to ensure a holistic reliability program. Let our experts help you determine which reliability improvement tools and methods will help you achieve the best return on investment.

Q.

Our RCM analyses take way too long. It's a good process, but can't we make it more efficient?

A.

Yes. There are several techniques for improving the efficiency of an RCM analysis. These include (1) using screening techniques to focus the analysis on the most critical assets, (2) applying different FMEA approaches to achieve the necessary level of detail to make maintenance decisions, (3) using FMEA templates for common equipment items, and (4) developing task selection guides to reduce meeting time. ABS Consulting can show you how to apply these techniques to your analyses.

Q.

Our root cause analyses don't seem to solve the problems. We see the same failures over and over. What do we need to do differently?

A.

Most organizations don't analyze their problems to the root cause level. They stop at the human error and equipment failure level. This is a "fix the equipment and get it running again" approach that solves the immediate problem; but it's likely to crop up again because the underlying root causes weren't fixed. Our SOURCET root cause analysis technique will help you solve problems, large and small, the first time.

Q.

We don't have enough personnel to handle some of our short-term improvement projects like procedure rewrites. Can this type of task be effectively outsourced?

A.

Yes. Our customers' experience has been that using outside experts such as ABS Consulting can save time and money. Outsourcing is successful because (1) our personnel are experts so the learning curve is smaller, (2) we can focus on the task at hand without being distracted by daily issues, and (3) we have a variety of tools that allow us to develop work products more quickly.