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FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) is a systematic method used to identify potential failures in processes, equipment, or systems and assess their impact on a company’s operations. In the context of manufacturing companies, special attention is given to analyzing maintenance-related processes in order to prevent breakdowns, minimize downtime, and ensure production continuity.
In the context of maintenance, FMEA involves:
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Identifying potential failure modes of machines and equipment (e.g., component wear, mechanical damage, electronic failures).
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Analyzing the causes of these failures and their effects on production, product quality, and safety.
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Risk assessment by determining indicators such as RPN (Risk Priority Number), which help prioritize preventive and corrective actions.
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Developing actions to eliminate or reduce the risk of failure, such as preventive maintenance plans, modernization, or component replacement.
By applying FMEA in maintenance management, companies can more effectively manage the technical condition of machinery, increase reliability and efficiency, and thereby improve overall production performance.
Failure Report Form
A failure report form in a CMMS system is a tool that enables employees or users to report issues with equipment, machines, or infrastructure in a standardized way. Paradoxically, despite its simplicity, it offers many benefits:
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Process standardization – ensures a consistent method of reporting issues, reducing the risk of omitting important information.
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Efficient repair management – allows quick and accurate routing of reports to the appropriate departments or technicians.
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Creation of a technical event archive – enables logging of failures, which supports trend analysis and preventive planning.
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Resource optimization – helps manage time and resources more effectively by prioritizing reported issues.
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Gantt
A graphical module for EAM/CMMS systems that allows project planning and control using Gantt charts. It facilitates visualization of task sequences, identification of the critical path, and management of resources and deadlines.
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HxGN EAM
An advanced EAM system offered by Eurotronic, supporting the management of assets requiring investment in functionality. It helps improve equipment availability and reliability, optimize costs, and ensure compliance with regulations.
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Technical Inspection
A technical inspection is a systematic check of the condition of machines, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure proper functioning, safety, and minimize the risk of failure.
What does a technical inspection involve?
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Visual checks – identifying visible damage, corrosion, looseness, or deformations.
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Parameter measurements – e.g., temperature, pressure, vibration, wear level.
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Component condition assessment – evaluating bearings, belts, seals, or load-bearing elements.
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Documentation – recording results, preparing reports, and indicating the need for further action.
How does technical inspection differ from technical diagnostics?
Technical inspection is usually a routine, visual, or basic check aimed at early detection of problems and failure prevention. It is a preventive action, often based on schedules.
Technical diagnostics is a more advanced process involving detailed investigations and analyses to determine the cause of a problem or failure. Diagnostics use specialized tools and methods such as vibration analysis, ultrasound, thermography, and non-destructive testing to accurately assess technical condition and identify the root cause.
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Just in Time (JiT)
Just in Time (JiT) is an inventory and production management strategy focused on delivering materials, parts, or components exactly when they are needed in the production process, not earlier. The goal is to minimize inventory, reduce storage costs, and increase production efficiency.
Key principles of JiT:
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Delivery of materials and parts in short, precisely defined timeframes.
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Elimination of excess inventory and warehousing.
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Synchronization of production and supply processes.
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Use of advanced IT systems for planning and control.
How JiT is applied in the Maintenance Department:
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Precise planning and forecasting – Maintenance uses data on failures, parts usage, and forecasts to order exactly what is needed, just in time.
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Minimization of spare parts inventory – The Maintenance warehouse stores only essential parts; the rest are ordered as needed, reducing storage costs.
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IT systems – Implementing CMMS systems helps track machine status, repair history, and stock levels, making JiT delivery planning and execution easier.
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Supplier collaboration – Close cooperation with suppliers enables quick delivery of emergency or required repair parts when needed.