Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) Tip
It takes a certain type of person to train for software use, and part of the selection process should include the evaluation of the vendor's training personnel. Again, reviewing the training programs of Companies already using the software will ensure the program produces satisfactory results. Training and documentation also suffer when Companies try to reduce the cost of system implementation. One of the first areas they reduce is the amount of training or the number of sets of documentation. This practice results in poor utilization of the system.
Many companies will still purchase software and try to "learn by the manual." This is a very costly and time-consuming way to learn how the software functions. It is best to have the vendor's training personnel train your people. If you allow your people to flounder or to let the vendor's programmers train your people will spell sure disaster.
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Maintenance Planning & Inventory Tip
As you work toward reducing storeroom inventory, and as you eliminate parts that are not for the most critical equipment, you are also helping the maintenance planning effort. Once the parts are gone, planning is the only way to get jobs done. You win!
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Motor Testing Tip
Low Load and High Current Imbalance
An unloaded motor can create a 10-15% current imbalance yet be perfectly healthy. This is a normal design response caused by unbalanced flux in the core iron between phases at low loads. When performing power or current analysis on three-phase induction motors, verify the percent loading at which the motor is operating. If possible, increase the load on the motor to determine the validity of a high current imbalance. A normal current imbalance for healthy motors operating at or near design load is 3% or less.
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Maintenance Tip
When an Allen Head screw seems to have the head stripped out, it is almost impossible to remove. Use a new standard Allen wrench, lightly tap the wrench into the head with a hammer. This will seat the wrench in the undamaged portion of the socket head for easy removal.
