One way to extend repair time is to hover over the repair technician and keep talking about the urgency of getting the equipment running again. If you wish to reduce repair times, ensure this behavior does not occur. If you're the supervisor, run interference for the person trying to do that repair. If you're the person trying to perform that repair, set your tools down and explain the interference is going to make the job take longer or cause you to make a serious mistake.
Some other tips:
- Create repair kits for specific equipment. Try to stock the kit with whatever will reduce running for parts, fuses, disposables, etc. Often overlooked: a small tarp, parts can, and shop towels.
- Plan with operations. Work out a division of labor whereby the idled operator can do things to help the repair tech save time (e.g., obtain ladder, move materials out of the way, assist with certain tests, etc.).
- Where practical, install test points, infrared ports, quick disconnects, and other time-savers.
- Ensure the repair procedure lists the necessary test equipment for troubleshooting that equipment. Nobody likes to run to the shop for a different meter halfway through a troubleshooting process.