Factory maintenance shutdowns are a team game where there are usually several different contractors involved in the process. And if it isn’t well planned in advance, they will inevitably end up getting each other’s way. Not only is that frustrating for everyone, but it can also extend the length of the shutdown and result in higher costs. With decades of maintenance experience under our belts, we know there is a better way.
Work as a team
To keep your shutdown running smoothly and minimise end costs, the first step is a planning meeting with all contractors present. With everyone together in one room talking to each other, coordination is much easier, and it sets up everything to run smoothly and efficiently. At this forum, everyone can lay out in detail what they need to do and what working conditions they require to do it most efficiently. When all contractors have a complete picture of the project and a direct line of communication with each other, everyone wins. At BTS Engineering and our sister company, Modular Ducting Systems, we specialise in managing maintenance shutdowns and work across the South Island.
Consider parts lead times
Often new parts either need to be fabricated locally or ordered from overseas. Having a clear plan, made well in advance, allows lead times to be factored into the shutdown schedule, so there are no holdups due to essential components not being to hand when they’re needed.
Prioritise your tasks
To optimise the management of the maintenance shutdown, we recommend prioritising the different jobs to be done in two ways:
- Start with the higher jobs and proceed downwards towards floor level in layers.
- Do the most difficult and complicated jobs in each layer first.
Start with the higher jobs
Starting high and working your way down helps solve access problems, and obviously it’s safer when you don’t have people working below on other tasks. It also helps make future maintenance easier and more efficient when accessibility is properly planned for.
Do the most difficult jobs first
Tricky, complicated jobs that are labour- and equipment-intensive don’t tend to play well with other tasks. Contractors who must work around them simultaneously can often be forced into making less than optimal decisions, which can lead to the need for costly rework.
Optimise placement of machinery
A shutdown can also be an ideal time to alter the position of machinery in your factory or warehouse to optimise workflow. We have years of experience of working with South Island businesses to make their factories, workshops, and warehouses hum.
A well-planned maintenance shutdown starts with a call to BTS Engineering. Get in touch now.