Introduction Techniques don’t just stay in their lane. What works in one area often finds its way into another. Take Time Study Analysis (TSA), for example. It’s not rocket science. It’s the simple idea that time is valuable. Or, as the saying goes, “Time is money.” While plenty of experts have dived into time management over the years, one name stands out: Frederick Winslow Taylor, also known as the "father of scientific management." He didn’t just study time, he made it a key part of how businesses run efficiently today. In this post, we’re going to break down TSA -...

Introduction Industrial equipment is a significant capital investment. In addition to paying for the initial costs of equipment, there can be additional costs associated with insurance, licensing, repair, replacement, and maintenance (both planned and unplanned). Because costs quickly add up, regular maintenance is essential for budgeting, equipment longevity, and operational efficiency.  Beyond cost efficiency, industrial equipment maintenance is essential for ensuring workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Poorly maintained equipment can lead to operational hazards, environmental risks, and regulatory penalties. By investing in proactive maintenance strategies, companies can future-proof their assets and create a safer, more sustainable working environment. Proactive...

Introduction In modern maintenance and facility management, poorly tracked work orders, unplanned downtime, and chaotic communication often derail productivity. In fact, unplanned downtime is consistently reported as a top concern for maintenance managers, driving avoidable costs and frustration across teams. A Work Order Management System (WOMS) offers a streamlined approach to tackling these issues head-on. The primary goal of a modern WOMS is to centralize all maintenance-related information and workflows into one coherent platform. By doing so, it helps managers and technicians stay in sync, reduces the likelihood of errors, and provides real-time visibility into each stage of the work...

Introduction Maintenance technicians are busy individuals. They’re constantly assigned tasks, traveling around, procuring equipment, asking for permissions, and waiting for access to particular machines. So many tasks, yet none of them actually constitute Wrench Time, also known as Tool Time. That is perhaps the biggest hurdle in studying Wrench Time: the inability to clearly define it and, from there, analyze it. In this blog post, we’ll clarify what it really is and its relevance. What is Wrench Time? In the clearest of terms, Wrench Time refers to the amount of time a technician actually spends performing maintenance tasks on a...

Introduction When your maintenance or service team heads out to address a machine breakdown, how often do they resolve the issue in just one visit? That measure is called the First Time Fix Rate (FTFR), and it’s a critical performance metric for service-oriented operations.  But what does FTFR mean for your business? In this context, FTFR directly reflects your technicians’ effectiveness and preparedness. Understanding FTFR’s meaning and how it influences your bottom line is a foundational step in optimizing how you handle maintenance calls, service work orders, and equipment repairs. At its core, FTFR gauges the percentage of issues solved...

Introduction Work order management solves the confusion and inefficiency caused by scattered task assignments, missing tools, and unclear priorities in manufacturing.  Without it, workers often rely on verbal instructions, handwritten notes, or scattered communication, leading to delays, mistakes, and frustration. Tasks may stall because the necessary tools or materials aren’t ready, and managers waste time chasing updates instead of focusing on productivity. With work order management, everything is straightforward. Tasks are digitally assigned with clear instructions, priorities, and deadlines, ensuring workers know exactly what to do and when.  A software can track progress in real-time, to ensure materials and tools...

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 As technology advances, the automotive industry is challenged to grow and adapt to these changes. Specifically, networks of sensors, instruments, cameras, and fault detection systems require proactive maintenance, along with a vehicle's internal mechanics. A preventive maintenance approach can be a reliable solution to enhance vehicle performance and reduce unexpected downtime.  In this guide, we’ll discuss the importance of preventive maintenance in the automotive industry, best practices, and the benefits of using an advanced computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) like LLumin’s CMMS+ to help support your maintenance program and streamline maintenance processes.  What is Preventive Maintenance? Preventive maintenance (PM)...

Introduction The trucking industry has faced several challenges recently, including high fuel prices, strict regulations, and driver shortages along with the pressure to deliver goods on time. Implementing an effective maintenance program is an important practice for ensuring a fleet's safety, efficiency, and longevity. This article will discuss preventive maintenance in the trucking industry, how it can help trucking companies reduce downtime and operational costs, and how LLumin's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS+) can help you implement it and achieve the best results. Understanding Preventive Maintenance  Defining preventive maintenance is critical before delving into best practices. Preventive maintenance is a...

Introduction Heavy equipment is used in several industries and is commonly business-critical, meaning that when unexpected breakdowns occur, expenses can mount quickly. The costs associated with maintenance can be direct, such as emergency repairs and parts. However, costs can also be indirect, such as downtime, reduced productivity, and customer satisfaction.  Understanding how to decrease heavy equipment maintenance costs and implementing an effective maintenance strategy to keep them low will be essential to successful maintenance management and your company. It will also provide additional benefits, such as increased equipment reliability and lifespan.  This article will discuss the top strategies to decrease...