Good, Fast, and Cheap Is Possible
You may have heard the saying: “Good, fast, and cheap. Pick two, you can’t have all three.” This dynamic can be altered with technology. For example:
- Vibration monitoring. Before inexpensive wireless vibration sensors, this meant designing and installing a wired system if you could get management approval. The solution to not getting that sign-off was costly manual testing.
- Power monitoring. Your first indication of voltage imbalance will be an alarm instead of the fourth motor replacement this week.
- Industrial power tools. Long battery life, high torque, sturdy construction, and precision design increase productivity.
- Instructional videos. Almost anyone can use an inexpensive 4K camera to make a short instructional video and post it on a free online video platform. There’s no need to pay for professional production and video hosting.
- Upgraded test equipment. Using a new DMM 10 years ago, Robert was able to take all of the voltage and current measurements his PM calls for in just over 2 hr. Using the latest generation DMM, he does that in under 30 min.
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.