1. Assessment

To start a new Lubrication Reliability (LR) strategy (or just implement one or more of its components) it is crucial to assess the actual lubrication management situation. Evaluation and benchmarking will disclose actual flaws in the organisation and stress out the weak points in the fields of:

Strategies,
CMMS,
Cleanliness & contamination control,
Lube supply,
Expertise, etc.

Actual status is categorised from Basic Level evolving to Best in Class.

Starting point

A report will be initiated from an order to assess the current lubrication practices and will suggest a plan to overhaul these practices and bring them to global best standard levels.

Report

The report will cover the following points:

1. Findings on lubrication strategy

Findings on lubrication strategy as applied in the plant when compared to best practice standards:

a) Maintenance strategy

b) Lubrication processes.

2. Lubrication storage area

3. Recommendations

Recommendations to improve the lubrication strategy, bringing it closer to best practice standards and also a strategy that will have the effect of reducing maintenance cost.

1a. Maintenance strategy

For all lubrication assessments we conduct, we use a 6 question snapshot to gauge the effectiveness of one’s lubrication strategy.

Based on our experience and also how the client perceives and answers the questions, we can gain an impression of :

the importance of how the lubrication strategy is perceived within the plant
an indication of bearing usage, be it high, reducing or at the lowest level and
also the lubrication consumption, again be at high, reducing or at the lowest level.

The most important question in the assessment, which gauges the overall effectiveness of the program or strategy, is to define the degree of application of the six lubrication rights (6 R’s):

Can we claim for every machine:

Using the Right Lube
Adding the Lube at the Right time
In the Right quantity
In the Right way
In the right condition
Maintaining the right condition

Overall Findings Maintenance Strategy

From the feedback from the maintenance staff and also what was gained from the plant tour, our view covering the lubrication component of the maintenance strategy will be reported.

1b. Lubrication Processes

Also in all assessments we endeavor to define where a company is with their overall Lubrication strategy.

The 4 key areas of best practices cover:

the strategic part,
the controlling cleanliness and contamination part,
the data base management and reporting section and
the lubrication knowledge and its application.

Also we endeavor to determine how advanced the lubrication strategy is when considered to 4 evolutionary steps:

basic requirement,
lubrication processes,
proactive lubrication management and finally
if it is part of the overall plant asset efficiency culture.

Base examples of each level are shown in the following graphic along with some important fundamentals for each component and maturity level.

Lubrication Reliability - Base Examples

Base examples of each level along with some important fundamentals for each component and maturity level.

Another way to look at the development of the strategy is from the basic requirements as a foundation.

lubrication-reliability-basic-requirements-as-a-foundation

Lubrication Reliability basic requirements as a foundation

Overall Findings Lubrication Strategy

Based on the assessment findings, comments will be laid down

Recommendations

It is our opinion that an improvement in the management of the lubrication activity will have effect of lowering maintenance costs and prevent instances from occurring that may cause machine failure or damage. Based on above an overview will be given of recommended changes to improve the Lubrication Strategy.

Never underestimate the importance of an effective lubrication program. If you’re not using best practices lubrication, you’re experiencing unnecessary equipment downtime.

Enluse can help you understand your current lubrication practices and challenges, and determine what improvements can be made to improve your operational efficiency.

How good is your Lubrication Strategy?

The first step to "Best Practice in Lubrication Management" is easy. To find out how well your company scores lubrication strategy wise, just fill out the eight question assessment below. All it takes is 5 minutes of your time. Simply answer the 8 questions, fill in your name and email address and click submit. This assessment is designed to provide the respondent with a clear picture of how their lubrication program ranks in each 8 key areas of lubrication.

For more detailed information, please contact us - info@enluse.com.