Modern Machine Shop is focused on all aspects of metalworking technology - Providing the new product technologies; process solutions; supplier listings; business management; networking; and event information that companies need to be competitive.
Issue link: https://mms.epubxp.com/i/155490
competing ideas Columnist to surface once in a while, however, if you find this to be one of your regular Herbies, there is a p ro b l e m w i th yo u r m a n ag e m e nt of hu m a n resources. Perhaps your crosstraining is lacking, thereby restricting workforce flexibility. If you are fortunate enough to have long-term employees, paid time of f needs to be carefully managed through appropriate company-wide policies. Even unplanned time off needs to be reviewed and addressed with repeat offenders. Not having employees trained and available when needed will certainly hurt any company and, ultimately, its employees. The "I cannot run the job until I get approval Herbie." Many companies establish wrist-tying policies that hurt output and introduce unwarranted delays. Although there may be rationale for delaying production of a new job until someone approves the first piece made, this must be balanced against the cost of waiting. As a machine operator is ultimately responsible for part quality, and an inspector's role is to assist the operator 38 MMS September 2013 mmsonline.com in achieving and maintaining that quality, most qualified operators can be given the authority to run parts pending "first-piece approval." The key here is flexibility and reasonableness in trying to eliminate what may not have to be a Herbie. T h e " M a c h i n e ke e p s b r e a k i n g d ow n Herbie." There are times when we can justify postponing preventive maintenance and just making Band-Aid repairs. However, if this is the normal state of your machine maintenance program, you are incurring a great deal of risk. Preventive maintenance ignored is a breakdown waiting to happen. There is no perfect time to stop a machine that appears to be running well, but this is necessary to keep that machine running well for the long term. Thinking beyond today is a vital strategy for effective machine maintenance and productivity. Herbies like these can be obstacles to continuous improvement in any organization. Identify yours, then take the necessary steps to overcome them and reach your company-wide goals.