Industrial organizations have large groups of maintenance teams working on various tasks. Following a set procedure for all maintenance tasks by all the workers needs a system. As teams switch between functions and perform simultaneously on many types of equipment, it could lead to inefficiency. Hence, standardizing the procedure for all teammates to follow in the form of checklists will give continuity and reduce confusion.
A paper-based preventive maintenance checklist does not work for today’s complex equipment, work schedules, and new-generation workers who learn on the job. Hence, adopting a digital system where checklists are mobile forms where workers have to enter data into sections for quick and accurate work processes.
A digital checklist standardizes performing a task by providing the necessary steps and information to simplify the process. A checklist is essential for preventive asset maintenance as it ensures that simple and complex tasks are completed in the correct order.
This procedure allows field workers to perform their job safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Why are preventive maintenance checklists essential in an organization?
Planning work orders is more systematic and recorded for further inspections and sharing. Technicians can plan out tasks for better execution to avoid losing time on unplanned repairs and inventory.
- Standardized tasks and outcomes
- Increased efficiency and productivity
- Easier analysis and reporting
- Standardized safety protocol
How to build a practical preventive maintenance checklist?
A poorly constructed list could be more problematic than not having one.
Organize resources:
Gathering the correct information and arranging it into a checklist is essential. Collecting operating manuals and equipment documents that go with the assets in the work order for easy access and analysis.
Choose the correct type of checklist for the task:
The two common types of checklists are pass/fail and step-by-step. Choosing the right type for the asset and work order is essential.
Keep it clear and concise with all the required information and details:
A checklist that clearly states the action and goals to achieve will maximize efficiency. Too much information and detail can be overwhelming. Providing enough details for even a newer technician to follow reduces confusion. Therefore, a mobile maintenance checklist is advantageous as it has pre-determined sections where technicians can quickly fill in data.
Add photos and other visual aids:
A visual representation of a photo makes it easier to follow instructions and conduct the task correctly.
Types of Checklists and their Uses:
Pass-or-Fail preventive maintenance checklist:
When inspecting equipment, monitoring the ideal condition of assets based on parameters like temperature and water pressure pass/fail checklists helps determine the state of the assets.
It helps schedule maintenance on time to prevent more significant issues.
Step-by-step preventive maintenance checklist:
The daily usage of assets determines the frequency of Maintenance. These maintenance tasks require performing repairs and replacements. A step-by-step checklist that lists down the process and all the instructions to follow ensures no failures.
Benefits of a Preventive Maintenance Checklist
Standardized Tasks
Checklists create a standard procedure for performing maintenance tasks and inspections. This way, the process is more reliable and efficient and reduces human error that affects these crucial tasks. Therefore, technicians can perform simple and complex tasks more effectively, ensuring continuity and collaboration between teams while improving safety.
Maximum Efficiency
With the increasing skill gap, industries should work to keep maintenance procedures consistent during turnovers. A checklist creates a standard process that is easy for new workers to follow and keep up to remain efficient and improve wrench time. This way, the organization follows a productive maintenance system.
Easy Reporting and Troubleshooting
Using digital checklists improves data collection and accuracy, which helps identify issues faster and report them in real-time through the mobile device. Regularity also reduces the chances of problems as a preventive maintenance process is in place.
Checklists are essential in industrial organizations striving to achieve a preventive maintenance system. It ensures safety, timeliness, and order.