Five Ways to Optimize Machine Performance with Maintenance
Effective maintenance is critical for the successful operation of automation systems. Maintenance is about far more than simply fixing problems when they occur. It is about being proactive. Maintenance is also about ensuring proper performance and protecting the longevity of sensitive equipment. Learning the five integral ways to perform automation system maintenance will improve performance and productivity.
Use Condition-Based Maintenance
Being proactive is vital in helping businesses Optimize Machine Performance with Maintenance. Condition-based maintenance is one of the most effective ways to be proactive with automation equipment. This type of maintenance involves a strategic schedule that monitors the system’s current performance and offers detailed real-time information. Condition-based maintenance systems inform maintenance teams of signs of potential system failure.
Detailed Maintenance Histories
Keeping a detailed record of all maintenance tasks helps optimize performance. These records help maintenance teams find recurring issues and track repairs in real time. The histories will also help maintenance teams predict when systems need part replacements or updates.
A well-documented maintenance history ensures timely repairs for the future. Technicians can easily access previous entries to help them with troubleshooting. These detailed histories also allow technicians to avoid redundant repairs and ensure they follow the most effective repair strategies.
Predictive Maintenance
Condition-based maintenance is highly beneficial, but there is also predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance uses system analysis to make predictions about future performance. Using machine learning, the automation system interprets real-time data to predict the components most likely to fail. This prediction gives maintenance teams a proactive advantage that can help them prevent costly downtimes. They can also address minor issues before they cause significant damage.
Cleanliness and Lubrication
Keeping automation systems clean and lubricated correctly helps drive their performance and protect longevity. Dirt and debris can clog components and reduce their function. Regular cleanings reduce the buildup and keep systems operating at peak performance. Businesses should schedule maintenance regularly to ensure their maintenance teams promptly handle cleaning and lubrication. Failure to keep these systems clean and lubricated can result in lost performance and eventual failure.
Ensure Employee Training
Although automation systems are primarily self-reliant, they need human intervention to keep their programs operating efficiently. A company’s employees must undergo extensive and ongoing training to stay abreast of changing technology in the automation field. Proper training ensures employees have the knowledge and skills to perform integral maintenance tasks and upgrades to protect productivity and reduce downtime.
The Right Practices Can Optimize Automation System Performance
Optimizing your automation system’s performance requires a careful plan of action. Your business will need highly trained employees who stay current with the latest advancements in automation technology. You must also ensure proper records and maintenance plans and maintain cleanliness and lubrication.
Condition-based and predictive maintenance can help your company avoid lengthy downtimes that spell disaster for your bottom line. Although these systems automate many manufacturing processes, you cannot remove the human equation.
An effective automation system requires human-machine partnerships. These machines can do what no human can without the safety risks, but they need humans to help them reach their greatest potential.
