The process of planning and scheduling work orders is fundemental to the success of a well functioning maintenance department.
In order for this to work many other systems need to work well.
Important amongst these are :

1. Effective maintenance schedules
2. Technical database such as bill of materials, work order history, and standard job plans.
3. Correct manning levels
4. Plant availability

STANTON CONSULTING can help you to optimise your maintenance department through education, training and implementation of best planning and scheduling practices.
We would start by ensuring basics are in place such as process flow regarding work orders – their planning, prioritisation and remidial actions, and a functioning scheduling system between operations and maintenance.

We would also carry out comprehensive GAP Analysis based upon your current maintenance departments capabilities against your aspirations.
Typically this will take into account plant and labour availability and also the level – and type of maintenance – that would be considered most effective for your particular site.
When basics are in place we focus on working towards more “advanced” methods.
Advanced methods usually involve focusing on simplifying the planning and scheduling process to make it as effective as possible.
For example :

1. Visual standard job plans
2. Precision planning and scheduling (e.g. SMED).

Benefits to the business include :

1. Comprehensive Reporting & Analysis methods which in turn will help facilitate root cause analysis and when followed up REDUCED PLANT DOWNTIME

2. Increased OEE Performance

3. Cost Comparison & Justification – the GAP analysis reports can be used as a powerful tool for justification in departmental re-structures

4. Continuous Improvement Methodology – the root cause analysis will in turn require CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT teams to follow up on actions leading to a pro-active culture within the business.