Facility Management Archives

Introduction Every potential machine or process failure has to have a root cause, or the reason why it occurred. The source of potential failure can stem from equipment malfunction, such as a loose electrical connection that could lead to unexpected overheating or human factors like operator errors resulting from inadequate training. Figuring out the root cause of a failure after it occurs matters less than knowing, anticipating, and potentially preventing it before it occurs. Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) is an analytical tool that helps with new process introduction, quality risk assessments, and process adaptations. With PFMEA, businesses...

Introduction We wrote this guide with healthcare facility managers in mind. Our goal is to provide a practical solution that helps alleviate the myriad daily challenges you face – from balancing patient care, staff satisfaction, and financial constraints to ensuring patient safety, upholding stringent compliance requirements, and controlling costs. In it, we'll explain what operations and maintenance (O&M) entails in the context of a healthcare setting, and why it is such a critical priority. We'll explore the different types of O&M strategies available, along with their key components and best practices for effective implementation. Ultimately, we aim to equip you...

Introduction Reactive maintenance represents one of the most commonly employed maintenance approaches in metal manufacturing, including preventive and predictive maintenance.  In this article, we will explore in more detail what reactive maintenance is, when and why it is used, how to best perform it, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the comparison between planned and reactive maintenance.  In addition, we will provide you with a number of real-life examples of effective reactive maintenance in metal manufacturing plants. What Is Reactive Maintenance? Unlike in prescriptive and preventive maintenance where equipment failure is addressed before it occurs, in reactive maintenance, the...

Introduction Idle time might seem like a harmless pause, but it’s actually a productivity killer that’s not talked about often. Machines sitting idle, employees waiting around, and projects stuck in limbo. That’s idle time in action. But what’s causing it? And why should you care? In this guide, we’ll break down everything about idle time—what it is, the common causes, and the types you need to know. Plus, we’ll share actionable strategies to minimize idle time and keep your operations running smoothly. Let’s jump right in. What is Idle Time?  In simple words, the term idle time refers to when...

Introduction A company’s success is surely defined by its driven employees and the quality of the products and services – but more so by how efficiently the company utilizes its resources to deliver exceptional results at reduced costs while maintaining quality.   This is what distinguishes a successful business from the ones struggling to make it to the top.   Competing in the fast-paced and competitive landscape, businesses today strive for agility and operational efficiency to drive growth and maximize sales and revenue.    In fact, statistics suggest that the Business Process Management (BPM) market size, currently valued at $15.4 billion, is...

Introduction Equipment malfunctions on a construction site can bring daily operations to a screeching halt. Construction project delays, whether big or small, can have drastic financial consequences in terms of emergency repair costs, delayed project deadlines, and damage to a company’s reputation. This is why construction asset management is critical for successful project outcomes. Asset management in construction has a very specific scope. Its purpose is to track, maintain, and optimize the distribution and use of assets, equipment, and other resources. This can encompass everything from heavy machinery to small tools, as well as intangible assets like data and licenses....

What is Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) and How to Calculate It? In a busy facility or manufacturing factory with ten thousand products handled every day, downtime can translate to significant financial losses. Equipment downtime is the period during which a machine, system, or piece of equipment is non-operational due to a failure, maintenance, repair, or other unplanned interruption.  This unproductive time can be caused by mechanical breakdowns, software malfunctions, power outages, human error, or scheduled maintenance. It is an important indicator for businesses seeking to optimize operations in food and beverage manufacturing (or other industries), reduce economic impact, and...

What Is Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis? Imagine launching a product that customers love for its reliability and performance, only to discover hidden flaws that lead to costly recalls or damaged trust. This scenario is every engineer’s nightmare - exactly what DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) aims to prevent. In this guide, you’ll learn what DFMEA is, how it works, and why it’s a step you can’t skip in your product development process. You’ll get actionable tips followed by industry-specific examples, and we’ll break down the DFMEA process that will help you design reliable products from the...

What is Fault Tree Analysis? Trying to figure out the root cause of a system failure or problem using just your intelligence can sometimes feel like solving a complicated math problem. However, it doesn’t have to, especially if you make use of something like Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). It’s a method that’s known to identify the exact problems within your system and notify you of potential failures before they happen. In this post, you’ll learn what Fault Tree Analysis is, how it works, and why it’s incredibly important. Let’s jump right in. To put it simply, Fault Tree Analysis is...

Introduction If engineers had a crystal ball to predict every potential failure during the design or manufacturing phase, they’d be over the moon (literally, in some cases). But reality isn’t quite so magical. That’s why, in the 1960s, NASA came up with a game-changing methodology: FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis). Why? Because when you're building spacecraft, there’s no room for error. A single failure could mean catastrophic consequences. FMEA was their way of identifying potential problems before they happened, ensuring every system was fail-proof. Fast forward to today, FMEA has evolved into two main areas: DFMEA (Design Failure Mode...