Efficient supply chains are the lifeblood of global commerce. The global supply chain management market itself ballooned to a staggering USD$ 16 billion in 2020. It drives the seamless movement of goods, so that doesn’t come as a surprise. But what keeps this complex network running smoothly? It’s preventive maintenance (PM). (1)
What’s preventive maintenance? It’s a proactive approach. What it does is ensure the machines and systems powering the supply chain function optimally. It addresses potential issues before they snowball into full-blown disruptions.
PM offers a range of benefits. It can boost your bottom line. It can also improve customer satisfaction. Ready to unlock more advantages of a robust PM program in your supply chain strategy? Continue reading!
Benefits of preventative maintenance
Here’s a closer look at the advantages of putting a preventive maintenance program in your supply chain:
- It reduces downtime and increases efficiency
Imagine a factory floor humming with activity. Then, suddenly, a grinding halt occurs. A critical piece of machinery malfunctions.
You’re in the middle of whipping up a cake batter, excitement building for a delicious treat, when you hit a snag – you’re missing a key ingredient! That’s what unexpected equipment failure can do to your production. It throws your whole production schedule out of whack, causing delays and headaches all along the supply chain.
- Enter preventive maintenance
PM acts as a shield against such scenarios. Regular inspections and servicing identify potential equipment issues before they develop into major problems. This proactive approach translates to minimized downtime.
- Incorporating predictive maintenance
Think of your regular maintenance as a good foundation, but to reach peak performance, you can add a predictive maintenance program like the icing on the cake. It leverages data on your unique operations and machines to target resources even more effectively. Picture your maintenance crew having a genius assistant at their side. It analyzes mountains of data to predict when parts might fail, saving your crew time and letting them focus on what truly needs fixing.
Of course, reduced downtime isn’t just about plugging leaks; it unlocks significant efficiency gains. Say goodbye to unexpected hiccups. With optimized resources, you’ll be like a perfectly stocked toolbox, ready for anything. Plus, a predictable supply chain means no more scrambling for parts – all leading to a healthier bottom line.
- It extends equipment lifespan
Just like regular oil changes extend the life of your car, PM ensures your supply chain’s equipment operates efficiently for a longer period. These crucial assets, the workhorses that keep the goods flowing, benefit from PM through regular practices like lubrication, cleaning, and timely part replacements. In fact, PM paired with predictive analysis may lead to 75% fewer breakdowns! (2)
Imagine the hefty price tag of replacing a malfunctioning conveyor belt compared to the relatively minor expense of routine maintenance. PM safeguards not only your equipment but also your wallet.
- It improves inventory management
The unpredictable nature of equipment failures can wreak havoc on inventory management. With preventive maintenance, however, you gain the power of foresight. It allows for proactive management of spare parts. You’ll know when specific components need replacing. You can ensure the necessary parts are readily available as a result. That eliminates the scramble associated with reactive repairs.
No more tying up valuable resources in excess parts ‘just in case.’ Instead, you can keep a lean inventory that keeps things efficient and supports your maintenance program perfectly.
- It enhances safety in the workplace
A malfunctioning forklift with faulty brakes or a conveyor belt with a loose guard rail – these are just a few examples of safety hazards that can lurk within a reactive maintenance environment. Did you know that an estimated 1.8 million individuals sustained work-related injuries in 2020? (3)
Preventive maintenance plays a crucial role in safeguarding your workforce. Regular inspections allow technicians to identify potential safety hazards. They can then fix them before anyone gets hurt.
- It improves customer satisfaction
A reliable supply chain is the backbone of keeping your promises to your customers. Preventive maintenance plays a vital role here. It minimizes disruptions. It also ensures on-time deliveries.
PM, basically, directly contributes to a more dependable supply chain. That translates to happier customers who consistently receive their orders without delays in today’s customer-centric world.
Implementing critical equipment: parting thoughts
Remember that reaping the rewards of preventive maintenance requires a well-defined plan. Start by prioritizing the equipment crucial to your supply chain’s flow. Then, craft a detailed maintenance schedule based on manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices. Consider leveraging a computerized maintenance management system to streamline tasks and data collection, too.
Finally, bridge the gap between strategy and execution by empowering your team. Invest in training programs that equip them with the necessary skills.
Do these things, and you can transform PM into a strategic advantage for your supply chain. You’ll enjoy smooth operations and achieve long-term success.
References:
- “Global supply chain management – statistics & facts”, Source: Global supply chain management – statistics & facts | Statista
- “Predictive Maintenance Industry Statistics [Fresh Research]”, Source: Predictive Maintenance Industry Statistics [Fresh Research] • Gitnux
- “Traumatic Occupational Injuries”, Source: Fast Facts- Traumatic Occupational Injuries | NIOSH | CDC
The 2024 virtual Men’s Round Table will be held Q4, 2024, date TBD.
