January 20, 2025

Achieving Success in Operations and Maintenance (O&M): Tips for Effective Management

What does it take to be a business success? When this discussion arises, we hear the term operations and maintenance (O&M). In this article, we will look at the following:

Defining Operations and Maintenance.

Operations and Maintenance Examples for O&M.

How Successful O&M Drives Business Success.

Best Practices for Operations and Maintenance.

Using a CMMS for Successful O&M Management.

 

Defining Operations and Maintenance for O&M Success

The day-to-day operations and maintenance required for the management, maintenance, and continual operation of an organization’s assets, systems, or facilities.

 

Operations and Maintenance Examples for O&M Success

Manufacturing Plant

Operation: In a manufacturing plant, the operation involves the actual production processes that transform raw materials into finished products. This includes activities such as machining, assembly, and quality control. The operations team ensures that production lines run smoothly, production meets their goals, and product quality continues.

Maintenance: On the maintenance side, activities focus on preserving the equipment and infrastructure used in the manufacturing process. This could involve routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and timely repairs to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

For example, regular lubrication of machinery, calibration of sensors, and replacing worn-out parts. These contribute to the overall maintenance efforts. Technicians conduct these to minimize downtime, extend the lifespan of equipment, and prevent costly disruptions to the production process.

Food Production Plant

Operation: In a food production plant, operations encompass activities related to the actual food processing, packaging, and distribution. This includes tasks such as cooking, mixing ingredients, filling containers, and labeling.

The operations team ensures that you adhere to food safety standards. You maintain production schedules. Products meet quality specifications.

Maintenance: Maintenance in a food production plant is crucial to uphold hygiene standards and prevent contamination. Regular cleaning and sanitation of equipment and production areas are essential components of maintenance. Additionally, the upkeep of refrigeration systems, conveyor belts, and other machinery helps prevent malfunctions that could compromise the safety and quality of the food products. Strict adherence to maintenance protocols helps meet regulatory requirements and ensures the production environment remains sanitary and efficient.

In both examples, you can see the importance of these activities for the overall success of the facilities. Effective maintenance practices support uninterrupted operations, enhance safety, and contribute to the longevity of equipment.

Discover how streamlined maintenance processes can elevate production. Learn more.

 

How Successful O&M Drives Business Success

I’ve listed some of these, but let’s highlight them a bit more.

1. Costs. Unplanned downtime incurs extra costs in the resources of time, materials, and labor.
• Time – Extra time to make repairs. Time in stalled productivity. Time, as in missed deadlines.
• Materials – If the maintenance department doesn’t have the inventory in stock, then it has to make emergency purchases. This means technicians wait extra for the materials to come. Then have to spend more time making the repairs.
• Labor – Will the company see overtime to complete the repairs?
2. Increased productivity – Fewer interruptions on the production line means operations run smoother. The aforementioned planning and scheduling help increase efficiency on the maintenance side.
3. Asset Lifespan – You want to keep assets at a baseline functionality. Proper PMs help ensure a longer asset lifespan.
4. Safety and Compliance – You might consider this a subcategory of the first point. Extra expenses come with safety hazards and fines for non-compliance. Proper O&M keeps these problems to a minimum.
5. Better communication – Between members of the maintenance team. Between maintenance and production.
6. Increased Morale – Successful operations mean happier employees.

 

Best Practices for Operations and Maintenance Success

1. Up your asset management game – Know all about your assets. Type. Location. Costs. Manufacturer information and maintenance recommendations. Know the PMs for each.
2. Optimize your PM – Companies understand the importance of regular preventive maintenance. Know which assets require it and how often. Plan, schedule, and execute it.
3. Understand resources – Inventory and labor.
• Having better oversight over inventory means fewer unnecessary purchases and reduces the risk of overstock or stockout. Understand which parts and supplies go with each asset.
• Know the skills of the maintenance team. Utilize individuals, crews, and specialized crafts.
4. Training – You hire skilled workers, however, make sure they have opportunities to increase and learn new skills. Never stop finding ways to improve.
5. Reports – For better decision-making, you need reports on assets, inventory, labor, and work orders. Take advantage of Key Performance Indicator reports (KPI) for better efficiency and improved operations.

 

Using a CMMS for Successful O&M Management

If you review the above material, consider CMMS software as the database for all of it. Asset management. Inventory management. PM overseer. Work order and report generator.

A CMMS helps you improve your existing O&M. You have easy access to so much data. You have better communication with team members through standardized work orders.

You’ll enjoy the versatility of a CMMS. It accommodates numerous types of industries. However, discuss with the system provider for any customization for your unique needs.

Achieve O&M Success with MAPCON CMMS Solutions

A robust O&M means better chances for company success. Review your current program. Where can you improve? If you feel an investment in a CMMS will start you on the right path, plan what you want from a system. Discuss with your team, production personnel, and management. Then call Mapcon Technologies to discuss those needs and schedule a free demonstration. 800-922-4336

 :