A recent piece in Plant Services lays out a compelling case for precision lubrication. Author Jason Kopschinsky, CMRP, provides a helpful, step by step breakdown of what should be done to ensure that lubricants are in proper condition and keeping machines running smoothly.

For ManagerPlus users, it might be a good idea to review your current lubrication practices for the “gaps” Kopschinsky identifies, including “incorrect amount,” “wrong lubricant type,” “inefficient contamination and storage control,” etc.

After a review of your current practices, you can implement his “10 key areas” of focus for improvement using ManagerPlus.

Here’s how (click here for Kopschinsky’s recommendations):

For: “Lubricant purchasing, selection, and quality assurance”

Use the Vendors module. Setting up a vendor account for your lubricant provider in a maintenance management software is a quick and easy way to ensure that the correct lubricant is purchased every time. All the contact information, notes, credit memos, etc. can be stored here for easy access.

Vendors-screen-shot1

For: “Lubricant storage, handling, and dispensing”

Use the Inventory Module. Once the correct lubricants have been selected, information about proper storage, handling, and dispensing can be added to the notes section within the inventory module. Here you will have an overview of inventory on hand for your different sites, as well as the ability to create purchase orders and adjust inventory levels.

Inventory-screen-shot

For: “Oil sampling practices,” “Oil analysis and basic inspections,” “lubrication PM optimization” etc.

Create a schedule group with individual Schedule IDs. Based on your review of lubrication practices, Schedule IDs can be created to address any of the gaps that have been identified. Lubrication PM optimization is largely a function of combining related tasks for maximum efficiency. Lubrication, as with many types of maintenance, can actually lead to problems if services are accidentally duplicated or performed more often than necessary, so it is especially important to ensure that schedules are strictly followed.

While creating the lubrication schedule group within ManagerPlus, be sure that accurate, detailed instructions are added to the notes section of each relevant service item, and don’t forget to attach helpful images. Documents or PDFs with more detailed instructions can also be easily attached.

Schedule-group-screen-shot

For: “lubrication scheduling, tracking, and reporting metrics”

Use the Logs Module. Lubrication scheduling should be covered now if you have followed the preceding steps. For routine checks of specific lubricant properties, you can also create log entries through the Logs Module. Simply select the assets that you are inspecting and enter the values you find.

Log-entry-screen-shot

Implementing these easy, straight-forward checks and inspections can dramatically increase lubricant function and useful life. Be sure to check back here regularly for all of the latest maintenance news, tips and tricks from ManagerPlus.

About the author

ManagerPlus

ManagerPlus is the preferred solution across the most asset-intensive industries, including Fortune 500 companies, to improve reliability and minimize downtime.
Share this post

Suggested

Subscribe to the ManagerPlus blog

Stay up-to-date with ManagerPlus’ news, tips, and product updates by subscribing to our weekly email notifications.