By Ariel Santamaria
Leaders in manufacturing can keep their operations running smoothly in the face of unexpected challenges by initiating proactive maintenance strategies to build resilient supply chains. These strategies minimize equipment downtime, reduce disruptions, and ensure business continuity.
Supply Chain Vulnerability
Senior managers and business continuity professionals know the security of their business depends on maintaining secure and stable supply chains. The global coronavirus pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in building, storing, and transporting vital equipment, parts, and other resources.
The prospect of further disruptions, whether from disease outbreaks, natural disasters, recessions, or war, is prompting forward-thinking manufacturers to develop better strategies to minimize the impact of supply chain problems on their operations.
A Proactive Approach To Maintenance Strategies
In manufacturing facilities, too many managers adopt a reactive approach to maintenance. They tend only to consider maintenance when equipment breaks down and they need to fix it or upgrade it with a replacement. The most crippling problem with the reactive approach to maintenance is that companies will be subject to unpredictable, prolonged downtime.
In most cases, it is less expensive and takes less time to proactively resolve maintenance problems before asset failure occurs, rather than waiting to address issues after equipment completely shuts down from problems that have grown more severe.
Identify Vulnerabilities
Analyze the facility’s equipment for potential failure points and vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Then, contingency plans should be created to minimize any potential risks.
To address vulnerabilities, educate staff on supply chain risks that could impact a manufacturing facility. For example, an organization may opt to work with a vendor that charges more for items but is in a strategic location; rather than a less expensive vendor that’s farther away.
When uninterrupted supply access is the main priority, organizations will want to diversify vendors so they’re not dependent on one entity. One vendor may exhibit product inconsistencies, necessitating a switch to a different supplier as soon as possible.
Companies can also ride out disruptions and avoid downtime when working with multiple vendors, such as those they depend on to deliver replacements for broken equipment that cannot be repaired during maintenance.
Use The Latest Technology
Experts in enterprise resource planning know adopting the latest software and technology solutions is crucial for keeping tabs on their manufacturing facilities. One of the most beneficial IT solutions for manufacturing facilities is to rely on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices. Organizations can deploy IIoT devices as part of an Industry 4.0-based strategy that includes proactive maintenance. They help manufacturing facilities avoid unexpected failures.
With IIoT devices, such as sensors and actuators installed on the factory floor, managers can automatically monitor and control equipment 24/7 remotely. Use IIoT devices to monitor machinery for key performance indicators, such as when humidity, temperature, current, pressure, or vibration deviate from any given specifications.
Taking this step will help alert managers about potential problems earlier on. The IIoT devices can transmit a treasure trove of data to a central computing platform (such as a cloud-based solution). Machine learning and artificial intelligence can also be used on the same platform to generate advanced analytics. This data helps managers predict potential equipment failures and address them head-on.
Proactive Maintenance For Safeguarding Storage Facilities
Performing preventative maintenance tasks regularly will help keep items moving smoothly through the supply chain. For manufacturing facilities, maintaining vital equipment such as machinery, is paramount.
The building structure also needs to be maintained, including repairing unstable shelving, replacing broken lightbulbs (ideally, upgrading conventional lights with energy-saving LED lights) and ensuring that floors are kept clean.
When handling cold storage items, it’s best to conduct preventative maintenance on HVAC and refrigeration equipment to maintain operations.
Moving items through your supply chain may include forklifts, vans and trucks that all require preventative maintenance to improve their reliability.
Future-Proofing Factories Against Disruptions To The Supply Chain
With ongoing, preventative maintenance, organizations can avoid unnecessary and prolonged downtime from supply chain disruptions. During shortages, production will not be forced to idle while managers address the challenges of fixing or replacing malfunctioning equipment after it breaks down unexpectedly.
Santamaria is the General Manager of the MRO and Industrial Parts business unit at Advanced Technology Services, Inc. He oversees strategic direction and operational execution, ensuring high-quality service delivery. With a strong background in driving business growth, streamlining supply chain processes, and fostering long-term partnerships, Ariel leads innovative solutions to optimize performance and meet the evolving needs of ATS customers.
References:
https://www.advancedtech.com/
https://continuityinsights.com/
https://supplychainminded.com/the-impact-of-maintenance-operations-on-supply-chain-management/
https://www.cin7.com/guide-to-supply-chain-resilience/
https://www.advancedtech.com/industrial-technology/
