It’s common to use a CMMS for asset management. Each asset has a unique asset number, and you assign maintenance tasks (predictive, preventive, etc.) to that asset to keep it in good shape.
With this mindset, you don’t choose between assets and perhaps misallocate resources. Consider two production lines, A and B. Each is composed of assets. Is a 20-hp motor on Line A as valuable as a 20-hp motor on Line B? To answer that, you need to know the revenue produced by each line. Operations has that information. A more accurate analysis would use the profit per line, but operations probably does not have that information.
If Line A produces $200 of revenue per hour and Line B produces $50,000 of revenue per hour, then the comparison leaves no doubt. Prioritize the allocation of limited maintenance resources to where they produce the most revenue. If the controller says to cut costs by 10%, turn to your CMMS to see the value figures and cut costs on assets of lower value.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.