Book Description

Rising costs, domestic and international competition, more demanding customers, increasingly complex machines require safe, uninterrupted operation, consistent quality, competitive pricing and timely deliveries. Most effective operation and maintenance of machines and equipment assumes far greater importance in this situation. While it is true that no one, including various levels of management and workers, want conflict, loss of time due to breakdowns, poor quality and accidents, these continue to occur. Top Management sometimes takes some initiatives like inviting consultants or getting people trained in specified areas. However, by and large the situation remains the same. The reason, therefore, is not lack of desire to do well. The fundamental malice is in the system of management. It is this aspect that this book tries to address while also discussing some basic principles of maintenance. It focuses on need and measures for enhancing effectiveness of the organization by evolving and implementing fundamental changes in managerial philosophy and practices. Choice of the title of the book is very deliberate. The whole approach discussed in the book is directed towards building a system and climate that would enable ensuring most effective operation and maintenance of capital equipment while also developing a collaborative and co-ordinated functioning of various wings and levels in the organization. Far too often, people concerned want and try to achieve results like no breakdowns, no rejects and no accidents quickly. This book attempts to convey to them that quick fixes and quick results are not possible and that concentrated and committed effort is required over a long period of time to create conditions and environment for results. It is in this context that while the book discusses various approaches to maintenance and describes some elementary techniques for planning, it lays emphasis on the need for a change in management thinking and on involvement of all from top to the lowest for achieving desired results.