An Asset Management Model that Drives Operational Excellence

Many strive to achieve Operational Excellence (OpEx) but never quite reach their goals. You have to ask yourself why? There are many reasons, and that alone could be a whole series of articles, but most prominent is that they do not have a vision or model of Operational Excellence that meets their business needs or is “Fit for Purpose”. Most really don’t understand operational excellence and what it truly means. They attach themselves to one specific component like LEAN or Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) and think that will get them what they seek. I promise you that your organization will never be LEAN if the plant and process is not reliable and RCM alone will never work without Operations being in support.

OpEx is the implementation of a multi-dimensional, multi-faceted model that contains many inter-dependent components. This post will be the beginning of a series of 6 follow-on posts. The subject will be the Operational Excellence model called Plant Hexcellence™. Each article will focus on one cell. What comprises that cell (facets)? Why each facet important to the model and business? How the cell and facets are flexible to meet business needs and “Fit for Purpose”.

Typical Models

There are distinct views and philosophies about OpEx models. What shape should the model take? What it should look like? How it should flow or be connected? Some look to a circular path or circle with a flow in one direction with inter-locking additional circles pushing to the center like a bull’s eye. Others use a pyramidal shape with a base or foundation driving up regarding sequence to a point.  If you go to the Internet and type in images of OpEx or asset management models you will understand what I am referring to.  I disagree with both models to some degree as I find them limiting.

The circle indicates that there is only one path or method. Each concentric ring is required to drive to the next level. The pyramid by its design says that each is a building block and if any are missing then the whole structure will collapse.  That is not practical. There are lots of companies and organizations that are profitable and do not have all the components in place. The differences being that to get to best in class organizations are always moving to have every component fully capable.

Another key issue is understanding the model that is used. Many are vague, have too many moving parts to understand and not really designed for the end user but for senior management.

I challenge you to spend 30 seconds looking at a model and understand exactly what it means and how much of the information can you retain. The model is required to perform any comparative assessment or analysis. The model is required to measure progress and success. The model is required to keep you on track and knows when you will be reaching the goal.

The Plant Hexcellence Model

Plant Hexcellence is a unique method that uses a combination of geometric figures, colors, and alliteration to enhance the retention of the information and facets contained in each cell.  Each post over the next few months will take a closer look at each cell, breaking it down into the specific facets that make it flexible and fit for purpose for any manufacturing organization. The more information about the model that can be comprehended and retained at all levels within the organization will speed the implementation and culture change while ensuring the initiative is sustainable. Each cell is currently represented by the hexagon, but as each cell is defined specifically for each organization meeting their business needs, then the cell will have a geometric figure defined by the number of facets contained.

The Six Cells of Plant Hexcellence:

The Plant Hexcellence Model is built upon six cells.  Each one of these cells represents a key component required to achieve OpEx.  The six cells are;

  • People – All change must start and focus on the people as they will be the one key component that will create success or failure.
  • Plant – Refers to the physical plant, assets, and equipment
  • Processes – All work processes related to Asset Management
  • Policy and Procedure – All policies, procedures and regulatory compliance requirements documented so there is no ambivalence
  • Performance – Measuring performance in all areas with Key “Performance” Indicators that support the model and vision
  • Proactive Maintenance – includes all prior activities to ensure asset and manufacturing reliability

The Plant Hexcellence Model is simple enough that your entire organization can learn it and begin to speak the same language, which is critical in any change.   If you have an Asset Management Model, or another model that is being used to drive OpEx, consider how easy it is to understand, follow or use and ask yourself “Is your model helping or hindering your current improvement?”.

The Plant Hexcellence Model is a proven model that was developed by Scott Kelley at Geometric Reliability but is the model of choice for Eruditio, LLC.  If you are interested in the Plant Hexcellence model for your site or organization, please contact [email protected].

Remember, to find success; you must first solve the problem, then achieve the implementation of the solution, and finally sustain winning results.

I’m James Kovacevic
Eruditio, LLC
Where Education Meets Application
Follow @EruditioLLC

References;

*This post was originally written by Scott Kelley of Geometric Reliability and appeared in Predictiva21 Edition 9, March 2015, Volume 8, The Plant Hexcellence Model Drives Operational Excellence