9 Simple Hacks To Reduce Machine Downtime

Are you stressed about machine downtime in your manufacturing or other business processes? We are going to share nine useful tips that will enable you to reduce machine downtime and improve output.

For any business, machine downtime can be menacing. The phrase “time is money” is especially true for any manufacturer. A halt to production in one area can have snowball effects on other areas of the manufacturing process. In a manufacturing environment, multiple departments rely on each other, waiting for the completion of prior processes to get parts delivered to them.

Prolonging the time it takes to complete processes and finish products will cost you more money to get those products out the door. Minimizing machine downtime and idle people ultimately improves the business’s bottom line. So let’s see how you can reduce machine downtime in your business. 

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Storage

Practicing good storage management is essential to reducing machine downtime. Water, heat, and dirt can be detrimental to machine performance. Three key elements of proper storage are placing containers horizontally, indoors and at the right temperature.

Appropriate product

Not every type of lubricant is compatible with every piece of equipment. You should seek advice from the equipment manufacturer and lubricant experts to understand your equipment’s specifications and the type of lubricant that will help reduce machine downtime. 

Regular monitoring 

Unplanned halts rarely occur immediately. A lot of factors come into play when it comes to unplanned downtime. Regular monitoring, or even better, preventative maintenance, can help identify wear and tear or lose seals that currently do not pose major problems but will result in stoppage and lead to downtime in a machine if left unchecked. CloudApper’s CMMS can help you with documentation, fixes, and preventative maintenance even with mobile phones.

Use premium oil where possible

Premium lubricants have been shown to be effective in extending the lifecycle of machines as well as reducing the need for oil changes and invasive machinery maintenance. All these factors contribute to fewer halts, both unplanned and planned, ultimately reducing machine downtime. 

Keep the area neat

A good facility means most dirt and dust are avoided but it’s also essential to maintain general cleanliness standards around machinery. This stops machine lubricants from being contaminated with various types of oils or water. 

Steer clear of contamination

Contamination leads to machine failures faster than anticipated. For some machines, water reduces the oil’s ability to lubricate and oxidize quickly. An unclean environment is just one source of contamination. 

Monitor oil pressure and flow rates

Oil pressure and flow rates can have negative effects on machine components if either too quick or slow. To avoid spontaneous failure, it is essential to monitor both continuously. 

Training

If you have been in the business longer, make sure you teach whoever is new on board whatever you have learned. Educate them in the actions and processes required to keep machines running smoothly. You can also use other sources for advice such as service engineers or the machine manufacturer to use any kind of internally developed techniques.

Regular maintenance

There is no alternative to this. Without proactive and regular maintenance, your machines will show wear and tear earlier than anticipated. Machine malfunctions need to be prevented to reduce downtime of the entire process. Businesses that monitor, inspect, update, and repair their machinery create the right atmosphere for meeting goals to help reduce downtime.

The best way to schedule regular maintenance would be to make use of our CloudApper CMMS. The robust app can help you document, fix, and schedule preventive maintenance with ease from both the web and mobile platforms.