8.5 Tools & Equipment Management

This case study will show how we used an analysis of standard work management metrics and a systematic approach to identify opportunities to improve our plant. We'll provide specific examples of how we developed and implemented the approach and the results we achieved. We'll also describe the fundamental understanding and steps that could be taken to implement a similar approach at any plant, or for any particular metric. Topics will include cultural recognition of KPIs as an improvement tool, not a personnel measurement stick; understanding all the various causes and influences on any particular metric; analysis and categorization of deviations; identifying losses as acute one-offs vs. chronic systemic issues; behavioural vs. procedural issues; understanding change/improvement requirements, what can be directly controlled and what can be only influenced; determining corrective actions; and tracking the resulting improvements. Specific examples will be derived from our site's application of this methodology to schedule compliance, PM/PdM compliance, and emergency work metrics.  

Based on past experiences where over 50% of mechanical failures on Toronto Transit subway rail vehicles were related to misapplication of fasteners, this presentation is an overview of training currently provided to rail mechanics. Beginning with an explanation on application of fasteners emphasizing terminology, preload, elastic elongation and friction/lubricant, it follows with a review of experiences over the past 20 years and the resultant current best practices with respect to control of quality, hardened washers, mechanical top locknuts, lubricated installations, fatigue failures, etc. The presentation includes demonstrations using a Skidmore Wilhelm bolt tensioning machine that dramatically shows effect of lubricant on preload.