NEWS | FEATURES | PRODUCTS | CASE STUDIES Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 | Issue 478 www.pwemag.co.uk @PWEmagazine1 Navigating the future: The digital transformation of plant maintenance in the UK page 10 @plant-&-works-engineering PWE Plant & Works Engineering Since 1981 PWE Annual Buyers' Guide 2024 page 37
HI-PLEX – DUAL TECHNOLOGY DRYERS Hybrid Energy Saving Compressed Air Treatment BESPOKE DRYERS BUILT FOR YOUR APPLICATION HI-PLEX dryer system follows a two stage Drying process. First the Compressed air enters a refrigerant Dryer that reduces the Dewpoint to +3 Degrees C (approx. 80% of the incoming water loading). The remaining 20% is enough to achieve the heat of adsorption required in the Desiccant Dryer to achieve pressure Dewpoints more than -40 degC. Regeneration of the Desiccant vessels is by a vacuum/heatless process, the most straightforward method of Adsorption drying. With the pressure swing process, moisture is adsorbed in one vessel and desorbed in another simultaneously. HI-PLEX high performance dryers utilise the natural property of the high porous drying agent i.e., the fact that it is always in equilibrium (sorption) with the environment. HI-PLEX high performance Dryers use a side channel vacuum pump to strip out any moisture during the regeneration phase. A small bleed of dry air is introduced on the outlet pipework which causes a desorption effect within the desiccant. The small amount of remaining water vapour is removed by the vacuum pump via a silencer back to the atmosphere from where it came. HI-PLEX high performance Dryers use only approx. 1- 2% purge as opposed to 13% for a standard Heatless Desiccant Dryer. Considerably more savings can be achieved if Dewpoint Control (AEMS) is added to the HI-PLEX Dryer system. Hi-line Industries Ltd. Green Street Burton-Upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 3RT Tel: 01283 533 377 Email: enquiries@hilineindustries.com www.hilineindustries.com
Companies may be leveraging newfound expertise in navigating complex customs rules to explore opportunities in wider global markets. The need for practical solutions for sustained growth The Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement has resulted in a range of opinions among industry leaders, highlighting both commendations and reservations within the manufacturing sector. The most notable was Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, who was pleased with the Chancellor’s strategy for providing long-awaited policy certainty crucial for investment decisions. The permanence of full expensing and initiatives to boost engineering apprenticeships align with industry aspirations, prompting Phipson to call for seizing the gauntlet and unlocking transformative growth, which is difficult not to agree with. However, amid the optimism, the call from Britain’s manufacturers for continued collaboration with the EU is equally important for the future of UK Editor’s Comment ‘ ’ manufacturing. The plea for improved trade conditions and enhancements to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) reflects the persistent challenges faced by companies trading across the Channel. Customs paperwork, border delays, and logistics hurdles remain significant obstacles, with the complexities of demonstrating Rules of Origin adding an additional layer of difficulty for many businesses. Despite the challenges, a substantial percentage of companies continue to export to the EU, emphasising the resilience of the manufacturing sector. Data also reveals a shift in global export destinations, with the US emerging as a critical market alongside other non-EU destinations like Northern Ireland, Asia & Pacific, and Canada. This diversification suggests that companies may be leveraging newfound expertise in navigating complex customs rules to explore opportunities in wider global markets. The ongoing labour shortage in the UK’s manufacturing sector adds another layer of complexity, with accessing skilled EU workers proving to be a key challenge. The data underscores the difficulties in recruiting from the EU and highlights the slow recognition of labour shortages in the UK’s Shortage Occupation List. Calls for cooperation with the EU on business mobility and recognition of professional qualifications emphasise the sector’s need for strategic solutions. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, manufacturers are urging the government to build on the collaborative spirit demonstrated in the Windsor Framework, addressing practical challenges in the implementation of the TCA. Calls for a simplified Trusted Trader scheme, greater cooperation on regulation, and mutual recognition of tariff and valuation rulings underscore the industry’s plea for streamlined processes and enhanced trade support. As the UK and EU navigate the evolving landscape of post-Brexit trade, collaboration and practical solutions are deemed essential for the sustained growth of the manufacturing sector. On behalf of the PWE team, I would like to wish all our readers, advertisers, and supporters a healthy and happy 2024. Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 03
Boiler Hire Short or Long Term You can’t beat Long Term Long term hire can be a cost effective alternative to outright purchase. • Capital outlay for new plant alleviated • Maintenance and servicing costs included • Plant designed and manufactured to suit exact needs Unity - Byworth’s unique remote monitoring system available Short Term When you need help in a hurry you can depend on Byworth for a rapid response. Temporary boilers provided for: • Breakdown cover • Cover for repairs and maintenance • Urgent need for extra production capacity • Short term projects and trials Trust in the UK’s leading industrial boiler hire company using the latest fuel efficient boilers, manufactured in our own factory. Byworth Hire gives total flexibility to cover any eventuality with full back-up support. NHS APPROVED SUPPLIER THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE: 2006 BYWORTH BOILERS LTD Tel: 01535 662599 | hire@byworth.co.uk | www.byworth.co.uk
Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 05 Editor: Aaron Blutstein t| 01732 370340 e| editorial@dfamedia.co.uk Content Sub Editor: Leslah Garland t| 01732 370340 e| leslah.garland@dfamedia.co.uk Sales Director: Damien Oxlee t| 01732 370342 e| damien.oxlee@dfamedia.co.uk Sales Manager: Andrew Jell t| 01732 370347 e| andrew.jell@dfamedia.co.uk DFA Direct: Ian Atkinson t| 01732 370340 e| ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk Production Manager & Designer: Chris Davis e| chris.davis@dfamedia.co.uk Marketing Executive: Hope Jepson e| hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Operations Manager: Emma Floyd t| 01732 370340 e| emma.floyd@dfamedia.co.uk Reader/Circulation Enquiries: Perception t| +44 (0) 1825 701520 e| cs@perception-sas.com Financial: Finance Department e| accounts@dfamedia.co.uk Managing Director: Ryan Fuller e| ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Chief Executive Officer: Ian Atkinson e| ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk Published by: DFA Media Group 192 The High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE t| 01732 370340 e| info@dfamedia.co.uk w| www.pwemag.co.uk Official Supporters: Printer: Warners, UK © Copyright 2023, DFA Manufacturing Media Ltd ISSN 0262-0227 PWE is a controlled circulation magazine, published 11 times a year. Please contact DFA Media with any subscription enquiries. Paid subscriptions are also available on an annual basis at £100.00 (UK) or £170.00 (Overseas) P+P included. The content of this magazine, website and newsletters do not necessarily express the views of the Editor or publishers. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers. COMMENT 3 NEWS 6 A round-up of what’s happening in industry. INSIGHT 10 SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING PREVIEW 12 MAINTENANCE MATTERS - INCORPORATING PROBLEM SOLVER 14 Focus on: Maintenance Management/ Skills & Training Donal Bourke delves into the reasons why good maintenance management practices within manufacturing can significantly improve RAM. PROCESS, CONTROLS, & PLANT 22 Focus on: Pumps & Valves/ Compressed Air Thomas Marks, General Manager at the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) looks at several issues that poor pump maintenance can lead to and outlines some of the key steps that can be taken to minimise the chance of them emerging. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 28 Focus on: Circular Economy/ Net Zero Chris Johnson how the remanufacturing process can yield economic and environmental benefits. HANDLING & SAFETY MATTERS 32 Focus on: Health & Safety Dave Dyer explains how manufacturers can make changes around the facility to improve the productivity of their heat transfer system and better prepare for incidents that could lead to health and safety risks or costly downtime. SPECIAL FOCUS 34 Talking Industry Review PWE ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE 2024 37 PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY 79 Contents 12 32 14 22 BCAS official media partner
News 6 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 A dedicated carbon capture pilot plant will continue to train the net-zero workforce, and engineers and scientists of the future, after ABB and Imperial College London signed a 10year contract to extend their successful partnership. The plant is the only one of its kind in an academic institution in the world. More than 4500 students have had hands-on experience of ABB’s technology solutions at the plant since it opened in 2012 at Imperial College, which is one of the world’s top ten universities with a reputation for excellence in science and engineering. With the agreement, ABB aims to equip today’s students with the skills needed to run tomorrow’s industrial processes by demonstrating how the latest technology can help to optimise plant performance and safely manage emergency situations in real-life applications. The collaboration between ABB and Imperial College gives the university access to some of the most advanced control and instrumentation technology available from any manufacturer. “Extending the partnership with Imperial College allows us to offer students practical training to prepare them for a career in industry”, said Simon Wynne, Head of Energy Industries, ABB UK & Ireland. “A report by EngineeringUK says that for the UK to meet emissions targets by 2050, there needs to be a workforce, with the right STEM backgrounds, ready to respond to the energy transition challenge.” The plant, which is spread over four floors, uses ABB Ability System 800xA for distributed process control and over 250 instruments, measuring temperature, pressure, carbon dioxide and flow. System 800xA automatically controls and coordinates all aspects of the plant process, which is then visualised on displays in the ABB Control Room where students can monitor and intervene if necessary. ABB’s Ability Verification for measurement devices and new Ability SmartMaster verification and condition monitoring platform are also being used to equip students with the skills needed to optimise instrument performance through predictive maintenance. Dr Colin Hale, Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London, commented: “When we started the partnership with ABB, the aim was to encourage more people to go into and stay in chemical engineering.” He added: “One of the ways to do this was to set up this carbon capture plant so we could enthuse students to follow through on the environmental topics they have learnt previously. ABB shares this collective vision.” Yiheng Shao, a fourth year undergraduate student at Imperial College London highlighted: “During my time in the carbon capture pilot plant, I have actively participated in the operation of the process, gaining a deeper understanding of the development and application of the technology. “This experience has also bolstered my confidence in the role of carbon capture in achieving net-zero goals.” According to a report by S&P Global, carbon capture and storage (CCS) can help decarbonise industry, reduce emissions and reach net zero, while the Global CCS Institute says in 2022 there was a 44% increase in the number of CCS facilities around the world compared with the previous year. To enable the commercial CCS market to scale, ABB is deploying technology solutions to lower the capital and operational investment costs and de-risk integration into existing and new operations. In March 2023 ABB joined forces with London-based Pace CCS to make the capture, transportation and storage of industrial carbon dioxide emissions more accessible. Key to this is using digital twin technology to provide a virtual replica of a real process to test scenarios and deliver proof of concept. Earlier this year, the UK Government outlined its Powering Up Britain policy. This series of net-zero pledges, including £20 billion of funding to unlock private investment and jobs in CCS, aims to deliver an energy system with cleaner, more affordable energy sources. Carbon capture pilot plant collaboration extended Atlas Copco Group launches new identity Atlas Copco Group has launched a new identity, including a new Group logo, a new visual identity, and a new Group message: Technology that transforms the future. The current blue and white Atlas Copco brand and logo will continue to be used on products and services, in the same way as other brands in the Group use their respective logos. This includes around 50 brands such as Edwards, Isra, Leybold, LEWA and Chicago Pneumatic, which all have their distinct identity and unique value proposition. “We have many strong brands driving the success of our business, and decentralization remains an important part of our strategy,” said Mats Rahmström, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group. “Going forward, the new Atlas Copco Group brand becomes the umbrella for all brands in the Group, including Atlas Copco. This will enable our brands to maintain their individuality, while we at the same time can increase the focus on the power of being part of something bigger.” The new Group message: “Technology that transforms the future,” is there to reflect the Group’s contribution to society at large. “Our customers are often at the forefront of transforming their industries and driving development forward, and we support them by increasing their productivity, safety, quality, and energy efficiency,” said Mats Rahmström. “It is our technology and people who make the difference in the Atlas Copco Group.” Mats Rahmström, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group
News Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 07 Following a successful event in 2023 Manufacturing & Engineering Week continues to evolve, becoming Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week in 2024. The small adjustment reflects the forwardlooking nature of the event and focus on the new technologies, tools and solutions driving the sector forward. Commenting on the change Verity Noon, Marketing Director at Nineteen Group said: “The week is all about cutting-edge innovations in hardware and software and solutions to the current challenges being faced around industry 4.0, sustainability and supply chain shortages to name a few. Manufacturers and engineers are constantly looking for ways to work smarter, to become more efficient, stay ahead of the competitive curve and explore new business models and practices and Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week will help them do just that. With more than 10,000 manufacturers, designers, engineers and maintenance professionals attending in 2023 the event will expand way beyond 450 exhibitors with the addition of Drives & Controls in Hall 5. Laura Parris, Event Director for Drives & Controls at Nineteen Group said of the addition: “Drives & Manufacturing & Engineering Week gets ‘Smart’ for a bigger, better 2024 School pupils, university students and engineers travelled to London recently for the highly prestigious Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal Award Ceremony to receive recognition for their work in creating a Prototype based on a school pupils engineering idea. The Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal is part of the wider Leaders Award competition which asks the question “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”. School pupils from the ages of 3-19 are asked to identify a problem in the world around them and come up with a creative solution to that problem. These ideas are then selected by Primary Engineer’s university and industry partners to turn into working Prototypes. The event, which was hosted at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, is designed to celebrate the people who have turned the ideas of school pupils into reality. School pupils who took part in the Leaders Award competition answered the question “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”, and partners of Primary Engineer select ideas each year and to build into working prototypes. The ceremony consisted of 2 Bronze Medals, 2 Silver and 3 Gold. The Gold Medallists where the Flat Pack Wind Turbine which is used to generate power in refugee camps, a Unicorn Health Bot designed to calm sick children while they receive treatment in hospital, and a Face For Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal Award Ceremony recognises pupils’ innovation Controls is one of the great brand names in the UK industrial exhibitions sector. It has such a long history from the days when it overflowed from its original home in Telford to now where it finds its natural place as part of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week.” With technology businesses such as Weidmuller, Pilz, Sigmatek and Festo, confirmed for Drives & Controls the event complements the other exhibitions, Design & Engineering Expo, Smart Factory Expo and Maintec perfectly. In addition, Air-Tech and Fluid Power & Systems will also be returning, taking place in Hall 5 of the NEC. A host of other live events will be taking place during Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024. Senior manufacturing leaders will be able to attend the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit and the Director’s Forum alongside the Industrial Data Summit and the Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Summit. The Manufacturer Top 100 Award ceremony which celebrates the heroes of UK manufacturing and recognises their contribution to the sector will also be held during the week. Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week has the support of many of the high-profile organisations, institutions and trade bodies representing the UK’s industrial and manufacturing sector such as the MTC, GAMBICA, Make UK and Engineering UK. Members of these organisations will join the advisory council to assist in curating the educational and thought leadership programme taking place across the seven Solution Theatres. Sustainability is not only high on the agenda of those in the industrial sector but also of the event organisers themselves. The event will once again be carbon neutral in 2024 with more than 20,000 trees planted in the Nineteen Group Forest since 2022. The event’s charity partner is again Engineers Without Borders UK, who are ensuring that globally responsible engineering is embedded within the thinking of both engineers and the businesses they work for. Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen Group commented on the launch of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024, commenting: “In 2023 we gave our team licence to put on an event which was different to how industrial exhibitions and conferences had been staged in the past. The festival feeling which they created will be built on in 2024 and the addition of Drives & Controls in Hall 5 means we must think even bigger as there are just simply more people to engage and entertain.” Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week will run from the 3rd to 7th June 2024 with Drives & Controls opening from 4th to 6th of June (3 days) in Hall 5 at the NEC in Birmingham and the other live events taking place on 5th and 6th June only (2 days) in Hall 4 just next door. Other exhibitions are also taking place at the NEC during the week run by other event organisers, and these include the UK Garage & Bodyshop event run by Messe Frankfurt; Med-Tech Innovation Expo and TCT 3Sixty from Rapid News Group and Subcon from the Mark Allen Group. A single visitor registration to Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week provides access to all the events.
News 08 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 It’s fair to say that the last few years have been a rollercoaster ride for manufacturers who have had to deal with the pandemic, the shock to energy prices from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, not to mention the continued challenges posed by new trade arrangements with the EU and the ongoing skills shortage. That’s before you factor in the domestic political chaos. But there may finally be signs of optimism according to the findings of Make UK’s annual survey of over two hundred Senior Executives which is conducted with PwC. The overarching message is that Britain’s manufacturers are viewing the UK as a more competitive place to locate their activities compared to twelve months ago, with an increasing number believing they are moving ahead of their European rivals. However, the report also shows they remain wary of the huge threat to their competitiveness posed by the economic behemoths of the US, India and China. The report also shows that at company level they are more bullish about the prospects for the manufacturing sector in 2024 with the vast majority of companies seeing opportunities outweighing the risks to their business. Manufacturers are backing this belief up with investment in new products, expansion into new markets and taking advantage of the accelerating use of new digital technologies to improve their business. These commitments should be boosted by the recent positive announcements from Government on full expensing, the extension of the Made Smarter scheme and, the creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Plan which puts the sector firmly front and centre of efforts to boost growth in the UK. However, the survey also shows that manufacturers are wary of the prospects for both the UK and global economies, while significant challenges remain in the faces of increased energy and employment costs, as well as access to domestic skills. In particular, the survey shows that digital technologies have the potential to boost productivity with almost three quarters of companies believing digitising operations will boost their operational efficiency. In addition, more than half of companies see generative AI as a means to increase the productivity of their workforce, while a similar number will be leveraging cloud and emerging technologies to reduce their carbon emissions and support their transition to net zero. However, not everything in the garden is rosy as, despite more optimistic prospects for the year, more than half of companies still see risks in increased energy costs closely followed by the impact of political instability which is probably now the new normal. More than two thirds are still seeing problems associated with supply chain disruption while a similar number see lack of access to domestic skills as a risk. By MAKE UK chief executive, Stephen Phipson MAKE uk - the manufacturers’ organisation monthly news comment a Plant which monitors the soil and displays what the plant needs in the form of an emoji. Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Primary Engineer, commented at the award ceremony: “The young people who entered the competition at the outset may not have known what engineering is, but now they know what engineering does – it helps people, saves the planet and makes the world a better place. The quality of the ideas and designs has completely blown us away this year, with it being an exceptionally tough job for the judges to decide the winners from our shortlisted prototypes, all of which have incredible potential to impact the real world. What these inspiring school pupils, university students and engineers have shown us above all else is that “If you were an engineer, what would you do?” is a question that has the potential to change more than we know!” The award is supported by The MacRobert Trust and Weir Group, and Jon Stanton – Chief Executive Office at WEIR Group PLC – was part of the judging panel, as well as presenting the gold medals at the award ceremony. He added: “It’s a fantastic initiative that harnesses the imagination and creativity of school children and showcases what can happen when you engage children in engineering from a young age. Weir is a longstanding industry partner of Primary Engineer, and I was honoured to be part of the judging panel. We’re delighted to celebrate the winners who have demonstrated the very best in engineering and the potential to make an impact in the real world. Congratulations to you all.” School pupils from Edinburgh, Kinross, Linlithgow, Livingston, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sevenoaks made the trip to the ceremony as well as the ProtoTeams which consisted of engineers and students from Edge Hill University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Thales, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Sunderland. The event also marked 10 years of the Leaders Award competition, with Primary Engineer launching have released a book showcasing some of the hundreds of thousands of ideas that have been submitted across the years. Thanks to partnering with InnovateUK, the book was officially launched at the event. This year marked 10 years of the Leaders Award competition, and at this event Primary Engineer launched the book they have published to celebrate a decade of asking the question. “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”. The book, which was done in partnerships with Innovate UK, showcases some of the hundreds of thousands of ideas that have been submitted by school pupils.
5-6 June 2024 | NEC Birmingham Crucial networking 100+ exhibitors Insightful content Learn more at www.mandeweek.co.uk or scan this code Part of Covering key topics such as
10 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 Insight Alongside the steadfast offerings that have long been the backbone of maintenance practices, there is a noticeable surge of interest in automation technology, a phenomenon particularly pronounced in the broader context of digitalisation and its intricate interconnectivity within the industry. At the forefront of this transformative wave is the concept of Maintenance 4.0, an evolution within the Smart technology framework that is poised to redefine how maintenance processes are conceptualised and executed. Maintenance 4.0 goes beyond the conventional, ushering in an era where datadriven insights, predictive analytics, and interconnected systems converge to elevate maintenance practices to unprecedented levels of efficiency and effectiveness. The UK, while undeniably a player in the global industrial landscape, has sometimes Navigating the future: The digital transformation of plant maintenance in the UK In the ever-evolving world of plant maintenance equipment and services, the landscape is marked by increased demand for essential solutions that play a pivotal role in sustaining key sectors, both domestically in the UK and beyond. As industries strive for greater efficiency and productivity, a notable shift is taking place. PWE offers an overview of the growing significance of Maintenance 4.0.
Insight Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 11 been perceived as lagging behind certain international counterparts, notably the United States and Germany, in embracing the full potential of digitalisation and Maintenance 4.0. Critics argue that a more expeditious adoption is essential for the UK to maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly digitised and interconnected world. However, the landscape is shifting, and signs of a significant paradigm shift are becoming increasingly evident. One factor contributing to this evolving narrative is the current financial challenges facing industries, coupled with the persistent fluctuations in energy costs. As manufacturers navigate these economic uncertainties, there is a growing realisation that digitalisation, and by extension, Maintenance 4.0, can be instrumental in not only mitigating risks but also in unlocking new avenues for operational efficiency and cost savings. This realisation is reflected in the strategic plans of numerous manufacturers, with a clear indication that they intend to ramp up their investment in digital technologies over the next few years. The push towards digitalisation is not merely a technological imperative; it is a strategic response to the demands of a rapidly changing industrial landscape. Manufacturers are increasingly recognising the need to future-proof their operations, and digitalisation is viewed as a key enabler in achieving this objective. Maintenance 4.0, with its emphasis on proactive and data-driven maintenance practices, aligns seamlessly with this strategic vision. Maintenance 4.0 path Embarking on this path toward Maintenance 4.0 will entail navigating technological intricacies and transformative challenges involving the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning into the fabric of maintenance processes. The ability to collect real-time data from sensors embedded in machinery, coupled with the analytical power of AI, will empower maintenance teams to move beyond reactive approaches and embrace predictive and prescriptive maintenance strategies. However, all this will require a focus on workforce upskilling. Employees must not only grasp the technical nuances of these advanced systems but also cultivate a profound understanding of their application in the context of maintenance processes. Therefore, organisational adaptation will become a multidimensional endeavour, necessitating a seamless fusion of existing workflows with the new capabilities ushered in by Maintenance 4.0 technologies. This integration extends beyond the mere incorporation of tools; it involves a reimagining of traditional methodologies to fully leverage the potential of digitalisation. As maintenance teams transition from reactive to proactive strategies, a cultural shift will become imperative. As a consequence of this shift, employees will cease to be passive users of technology and emerge as dynamic contributors to its deployment and optimisation. Cultivating a tech-savvy workforce will inevitably involves fostering a culture that not only values innovation but also actively encourages continuous learning. Maintenance 4.0 requires an adaptive mindset that perceives challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Training programmes tailored to the specific demands of Maintenance 4.0 technologies will need to become instrumental in bridging the knowledge gap. From understanding the intricacies of IoT-enabled sensors to harnessing the potential of AI algorithms for predictive maintenance, employees need a comprehensive skill set. This necessitates not only initial training but also a commitment to ongoing education as technologies evolve and new possibilities emerge. This is why our universities will be crucial in helping to develop relevant programmes to meet the demands of industry and the wider economy. Moreover, organisational leaders should play a pivotal role in steering this technological evolution. They must champion a vision that positions technology as an enabler, emphasising its role in enhancing operational efficiency and achieving strategic objectives. This leadership extends beyond the boardroom, permeating all levels of the organisation to instill a shared understanding of the transformative potential inherent in Maintenance 4.0. As the digitalisation of plant maintenance unfolds, the challenges and opportunities intertwine in a complex tapestry. The journey requires a meticulous balance between technological adoption and cultural adaptation, where each employee becomes an active steward of innovation. In the realm of Maintenance 4.0, success hinges not only on mastering the intricacies of advanced technologies but on cultivating a collective mindset that embraces change, values continuous learning, and propels the organisation into a future where maintenance processes are not just efficient but predictive and transformative. Also, beyond the immediate gains in operational efficiency, there is a broader recognition that these initiatives can contribute to sustainability goals by optimising resource utilisation and minimising environmental impact. As manufacturers chart their course for the future, the integration of these technologies will likely play a defining role in shaping the next chapter of the industrial evolution in the UK.
12 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 Southern Manufacturing Preview 2024 Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 will open its doors again from 6-8 February. PWE takes a closer look at the forthcoming show. Southern is an ideal event to see all the latest in machine tools, tooling, work-holding, 3D printing equipment, PCB design, contract electronics manufacture and box build, electro-mechanical systems, components and assemblies, automation and robotics, test, measurement, inspection and metrology equipment, materials, consumables, and engineering and business software. Additional technologies serving a wide range of industries will include controls, displays, HMIs, data acquisition systems, and augmented, mixed and virtual reality. Other diverse and no less essential products and services on offer will encompass oil and coolant supply, workshop equipment, labelling systems, dust and fume extraction, humidity control, workplace storage systems, bespoke case and foam manufacture, plastic packaging and injection moulding, hand tools, adhesives, waste removal and recycling, freight services and training. The event is also an important destination for sourcing subcontract services. Leading practitioners will show examples of parts they have machined from a vast array of materials, from metal billets and castings to engineering plastics. Traditional subtractive machining specialists will be joined by firms specialising in additive manufacturing and all will be available to discuss the broad range of skills they offer. Providers of business consultancy and financial services will similarly be able to outline how they can help industrial companies to prosper in these difficult times. Having moved to its present location in 2008, Southern was the first event to be held in the world-class Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre when the complex was completed in 2018. It is a show that is important enough to attract big-name manufacturers, but it is also extremely accessible to the rich ecosystem of engineering SMEs. The show operates a policy of open access, discouraging larger firms from dominating the space to the detriment of smaller vendors. A large percentage of Southern Manufacturing & Electronics participants are regular returnees, and many have been loyal since the very start. Hosting so many exhibitors operating at the forefront of technology and innovating across a huge number of sectors also makes the show an ideal place to source multiple products and services quickly and efficiently. Automation, especially robot and cobot handling, and Industry 4.0 solutions on both the mechanical engineering and electronics sides will also feature strongly, driven by a skills shortage in Britain and across Europe. Manufacturing industry is facing a battle to recover from the impacts of Brexit, supply chain disruption, soaring energy costs and higher taxation. Therefore, reshoring of production as well as new technologies such as green energy and power-saving machinery are emerging strongly as themes among the exhibitors at this year’s show. In addition, health, safety and sustainability guidance will be a feature and there will be a wide range of expertise on hand to propose tailored packaging solutions to ensure that products are damage-free on delivery. Effective storage of goods on arrival traditionally forms an important part of the show, with companies promoting automated stocking and retrieval systems having a large capacity in a small footprint. Likewise, software will be demonstrated on numerous stands. CAD/CAM and machining simulation packages will be joined by enterprise resource planning (ERP) products for reorganising manufacturers into paperless operations, cutting lead-times, raising efficiency and reducing waste. Users benefit by being able to take more informed decisions and optimise production planning, whilst accurately tracking resources and raw materials. In addition to the exhibition, a free technical seminar programme will give visitors and exhibitors alike valuable learning opportunities, with a particular focus on the technical, managerial and environmental issues facing manufacturers today. Topics to be covered will include how to optimise resource usage, minimise waste and decrease pollution during PCB manufacture, thereby improving brand reputation while at the same time saving costs, increasing efficiency and making the whole exercise economically viable. Other presentations will focus on further sustainable practices in manufacturing, advising manufacturers looking to improve their relationship with customers, how to enhance a sales team’s performance, CE and UKCA marking compliance, the importance of brand awareness and creative campaigns, management skills coaching including how to address the challenges of hybrid working, digital process management, and opportunities for those seeking financial support. Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Exhibition 2024 will co-locate with AutoAero, a specialised theme within the show for those working in and supplying to the aerospace and automotive engineering sectors. For further information and free tickets please visit: www.industrysouth.co.uk Array of technology launches set for Southern 2024!
MMA & ARC/TIG INVERTER WELDERS TURBO FAN GAS HEATERS Offering low cost, efficient heating INDUSTRIAL STEEL BOLTLESS SHELVING Quick and easy assembly, only a hammer is required INDUSTRIAL SCREW COMPRESSORS DIESEL/PARAFFIN HEATERS Ideal for fast efficient heating ELECTRIC HEATERS HYDRAULIC PRESSES PROFESSIONAL QUALITY Built for tough daily use in automotive/industrial workshops PETROL & DIESEL PRESSURE WASHERS Honda & Diesel engine models in stock INDUSTRIAL AIR COMPRESSORS Top quality belt driven air compressors for industrial & commercial users inc; garages, factories, workshops and farms. 10 bar/150psi max working pressure PRO TOOL CHESTS & CABINETS HYDRAULIC LIFTING TABLES SUBMERSIBLE WATER PUMPS PORTABLE 1 TONNE GANTRY CRANE GARAGES/WORKSHOPS DRILL PRESSES 5 TONNE FORKLIFT JACK 1 TONNE FOLDING WORKSHOP CRANE MIG WELDERS Quality machines from Britain’s leading supplier. See online for included accessories 135TE Model Min-Max Amps exc.VAT inc.VAT PRO90 24-90 £249.00 £298.80 135TE Turbo* 30-130 £289.98 £347.98 151TE Turbo 30-150 £345.00 £414.00 INDUSTRIAL MIG230TEC 30/210 £739.00 £886.80 MIG270TE 30/260 £899.00 £1078.80 CFT5B Full range includes floor & receiver mounted with/without built-in dryer Air receivers, dryers & filters also available separately from only £129.00 exc.VAT £154.80 inc.VAT CXR40 *Includes Air Receiver and Dryer 40HP + 148.3cfm 5.5HP + 17.1cfm CXR5R 10 bar Proven reliability Super silent Easy maintenance Full digital control Superb build quality. Meets European standards * Available with/without 7 pce pin, bracket & pressing plate kit # Economy model CSA30FP †V-Twin *230V MODEL AIR. DISP CFM MOTOR (HP) AIR RCVR EXC.VAT INC.VAT XEV16/100 (OL)†* 14 3 100ltr £589.00 £706.80 XEV16/150 (OL)†* 14 3 150ltr £659.00 £790.80 XEV16/200(OL)†* 14 3 200ltr £719.00 £862.80 XEV16/150(400V)† 14 3 150ltr £699.00 £838.80 XE37/270 (OL)* 36 2x 4 270ltr £1479.00£1774.80 XEV16/100 Fully tested to proof load Model cfm Hp RCVR exc.VAT inc.VAT CX3MR 8.5 3 200ltr £2399.00 £2878.80 CXR5R 17.1 5.5 200ltr £2565.00 £3078.00 CXR100N 37.1 10 – £2995.00 £3594.00 CXR100R 37.1 10 270ltr £3295.00 £3954.00 CXR15N 53 15 – £3535.00 £4242.00 CXR15R 53 15 270ltr £3895.00 £4674.00 CXR20N 65.3 20 – £3795.00 £4554.00 CXR20R 65.3 20 500ltr £4395.00 £5274.00 CXR30N 106 30 – £6395.00 £7674.00 CXR40N 148.3 40 – £7895.00 £9474.00 CXR50N 187 50 – £9395.00 £11274.00 CXR60N 229 60 – £10995.00 £13194.00 CXR75N 275 75 – £12195.00 £14634.00 CXR110N 371 100 – £15595.00 £18714.00 Model Max. Output kW exc.VAT inc.VAT Little Devil II 10.3 £94.99 £113.99 Devil 700 15 £119.98 £143.98 Devil 900 24.9 £159.98 £191.98 Devil 1600 36.6 £189.98 £227.98 Devil 2100 49.8 £269.00 £322.80 Devil 4000 131 £479.00 £574.80 #Auto ON/OFF float switch on these models ‡Sewage cutter pump Model Max Flow Max Head exc.VAT inc.VAT PSV3A# 133L 8M £49.98 £59.98 PSV1A# 140L 5.8M £59.98 £71.98 HIPPO 2 230V 85L 6M £69.98 £83.98 PSV4A# 216L 8M £59.98 £71.98 PVP11A‡# 258L 11.0M £89.98 £107.98 HSEC650A‡# 290L 9.5M £249.00 £298.80 FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £49.98 £59.98 inc.VAT exc.VAT DEVIL 6003 CS4600BO DEVIL 7003 Ideal for use as a garage workshop Extra tough triple layer cover Heavy duty powder coated steel tubing Ratchet tight tensioning Range of precision bench & floor presses for enthusiast, engineering & industrial applications FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £99.95 £119.94 inc.VAT exc.VAT model Motor (W) Speeds exc.VAT inc.VAT CDP5EB 350/5 £99.95 £119.94 CDP102B 350/5 £115.95 £139.14 CDP152B* 450/12 £209.00 £250.80 CDP202B 450/16 £269.00 £322.80 CDP352F 550/16 £339.00 £406.80 CDP452B# 550/16 £299.00 £358.80 CDP502F‡ 1100/12 £699.00 £838.80 CDP102B B = Bench mounted F = Floor standing Model MAX output exc.VAT inc.VAT XR60 14.7kW £229.00 £274.80 XR80 20.5kW £279.00 £334.80 XR110 29.3kW £329.00 £394.80 XR160 46.9kW £399.00 £478.80 XR210 61.5kW £459.00 £550.80 FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £229.00 £274.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT XR80 Model Pressure BAR/Psi Engine HP exc.VAT inc.VAT Tiger1800B 110/1595 3 £279.00 £334.80 Tiger2600B 180/2610 4 £379.00 £454.80 Tiger3000B 200/2900 6.5 £399.00 £478.80 PLS195B 180/2640 5.5 £499.00 £598.80 PLS220 230/3335 9 £679.00 £814.80 PLS265B 225/3263 13 £769.00 £922.80 PLS360 248/3600 13 £998.00 £1197.60 DLS200AL* 200/2900 8.5 £2399.00 £2878.80 *Diesel Model exc.VAT inc.VAT CSA4B-4 tonne bench# £169.98 £203.98 CSA10EP 10 tonne bench* £194.99 £233.99 CSA12F 12 tonne floor*# £379.00 £454.80 CSA20FBT 20 tonne floor £499.00 £598.80 CSA30FPB 30 tonne floor £959.00 £1150.80 CSA50FPB◆ 50 tonne floor £1699.00 £2038.80 HTL500 Model Min/Max Output Current Electrode Dia. (mm) exc.VAT inc.VAT MMA140A 20A-140A 1.6-3.2 £104.99 £125.99 MMA200A 20A-200A 1.6-3.2 £139.98 £167.98 AT165 10A-160A 2.5/3.2/4.0 £219.98 £263.98 FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £104.99 £125.99 inc.VAT exc.VAT CWGC1000 1000 KG Model Description exc.VAT inc.VAT CBB203C* 3 Dr step up £86.99 £104.39 1 CBB209C# 9 Dr Chest £154.99 £185.99 2 CBB217C‡ 7 Dr Cabinet £279.00 £334.80 Model Max. Load Table Height Mon-Max exc.VAT inc.VAT HTL300* 300kg 340-900mm £419.00 £502.80 HTL500# 500kg 340-900mm £459.00 £550.80 Model Voltage Heat Output exc.VAT inc.VAT Devil 6003 230V 1.5-3kW £64.99 £77.99 Devil 7003* 230V 3kW £67.99 £81.59 Devil 7005# 400V 5kW £89.98 £107.98 Devil 6009 400V 4.5-9kW £119.98 £143.98 Devil 7009 400V 9kW £149.98 £179.98 Devil 6015 400V 5-10-15kW £179.98 £215.98 Devil 7015 400V 15kW £219.98 £263.98 FROM ONLY DDOOUUBBLLEE FOOTER £64.99 £77.99 inc.VAT exc.VAT FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £259.00 £310.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £169.98 £203.98 inc.VAT exc.VAT Model size (LxWxH) m exc.VAT inc.VAT CIG81212* 3.6 x 3.6 x 2.5 £249.00 £298.80 CIG81015 4.5 x 3 x 2.4 £279.00 £334.80 CIG81216 4.9 x 3.7 x 2.5 £329.00 £394.80 CIG81020 6.1 x 3 x 2.4 £349.00 £418.80 CIG81220 6.1 x 3.7 x 2.5 £399.00 £478.80 CIG81224 7.3 x 3.7 x 2.5 £499.00 £598.80 CIG1432 9.7x4.3x3.65 £1099.00 £1318.80 CIG1640# 12x4.9x4.3 £2599.00 £3118.80 PRICE CUT DOUBLE DOUBLE WAS £298.80 inc.VAT £239.00 £286.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT PRICE CUT DOUBLE DOUBLE WAS £682.80 inc.VAT £529.00 £634.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT HEADER exc.VAT FROM ONLY £298.80 inc.VAT £249.00 * WAS £356.39 inc.VAT Extra-long run fuel tanks – up to 53 litres Variable heat output with thermostat control * WAS £107.98 inc.VAT # WAS £191.98 inc.VAT ‡ WAS £346.80 inc.VAT HIGH LIFTS UPTO 730mm LOW LIFTS FROM 70mm AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES DUAL VOLTAGE 230& 110 VOLT IN STOCK FROM £224.40 FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £94.99 £113.99 inc.VAT exc.VAT PROPANE GAS FIRED BEST SELLER * WAS £83.98 inc.VAT # WAS £83.98 inc.VAT * WAS £526.80 inc.VAT # WAS £574.80 inc.VAT Tough steel construction 'I' beam cross member for added strength ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT 2520-3600mm Folding and fixed frames available Robust, rugged construction Overload safety valve CFC100 FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £219.98 £263.98 inc.VAT exc.VAT Strong 8mm fibreboard shelves Adjustable shelf height 2000(W) x 600(D) x 2000mm(H) MANY SIZES EXTRA HIGH 78" 2000mm HUGE 600kg CAPACITY PER SHELF EXTRA WIDE 78" 2000mm ◆ WAS £2158.80 inc.VAT THE FAMOUS HIPPO PUMP CAN DRAW OWN WATER PLS265B * WAS £310.80 inc.VAT # WAS £3478.80 inc.VAT BRIGHT WHITE INTERIOR LENGTH UP TO 40' IDEAL FOR RAIN & SUN PROTECTION FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £589.00 £706.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT * WAS £251.98 inc.VAT # WAS £406.80 inc.VAT ‡ WAS £934.80 inc.VAT CHROME SPOKED WHEELS 1 PRICE CUT DOUBLE DOUBLE WAS £191.98 inc.VAT £154.99 £185.99 inc.VAT exc.VAT 2 PRICE CUT DOUBLE DOUBLE WAS £346.80 inc.VAT £279.00 £334.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT PRICE CUT NOW FROM ONLY DOUBLE WAS £526.80 inc.VAT £419.00 £502.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT HEADER exc.VAT FROM ONLY £334.80 inc.VAT £279.00 FROM ONLY DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £2399.00 £2878.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT PRICE CUT NOW FROM ONLY DOUBLE WAS £310.80 inc.VAT £249.00 £298.80 inc.VAT exc.VAT BARNSLEY Pontefract Rd, Barnsley, S71 1EZ 01226 732297 B’HAM GREAT BARR 4 Birmingham Rd. 0121 358 7977 B’HAM HAY MILLS 1152 Coventry Rd, Hay Mills 0121 7713433 BOLTON 1 Thynne St. BL3 6BD 01204 365799 BRADFORD 105-107 Manningham Lane. BD1 3BN 01274 390962 BRIGHTON 123 Lewes Rd, BN2 3QB 01273 915999 BRISTOL 1-3 Church Rd, Lawrence Hill. BS5 9JJ 0117 935 1060 BURTON UPON TRENT 12a Lichfield St. DE14 3QZ 01283 564 708 CAMBRIDGE 181-183 Histon Road, Cambridge. CB4 3HL 01223 322675 CARDIFF 44-46 City Rd. CF24 3DN 029 2046 5424 CARLISLE 85 London Rd. CA1 2LG 01228 591666 CHELTENHAM 84 Fairview Road. GL52 2EH 01242 514 402 CHESTER 43-45 St. James Street. CH1 3EY 01244 311258 COLCHESTER 4 North Station Rd. CO1 1RE 01206 762831 COVENTRY Bishop St. CV1 1HT 024 7622 4227 CROYDON 423-427 Brighton Rd, Sth Croydon 020 8763 0640 DARLINGTON 214 Northgate. DL1 1RB 01325 380 841 DEAL (KENT) 182-186 High St. CT14 6BQ 01304 373 434 DERBY Derwent St. DE1 2ED 01332 290 931 DONCASTER Wheatley Hall Road 01302 245 999 DUNDEE 24-26 Trades Lane. DD1 3ET 01382 225 140 EDINBURGH 163-171 Piersfield Terrace 0131 659 5919 EXETER 16 Trusham Rd. EX2 8QG 01392 256 744 GATESHEAD 50 Lobley Hill Rd. NE8 4YJ 0191 493 2520 GLASGOW 280 Gt Western Rd. G4 9EJ 0141 332 9231 GLOUCESTER 221A Barton St. GL1 4HY 01452 417 948 GRIMSBY ELLIS WAY, DN32 9BD 01472 354435 HULL 8-10 Holderness Rd. HU9 1EG 01482 223161 ILFORD 746-748 Eastern Ave. IG2 7HU 0208 518 4286 IPSWICH Unit 1 Ipswich Trade Centre, Commercial Road 01473 221253 LEEDS 227-229 Kirkstall Rd. LS4 2AS 0113 231 0400 LEICESTER 69 Melton Rd. LE4 6PN 0116 261 0688 LINCOLN Unit 5. The Pelham Centre. LN5 8HG 01522 543 036 LIVERPOOL 80-88 London Rd. L3 5NF 0151 709 4484 LONDON CATFORD 289/291 Southend Lane SE6 3RS 0208 695 5684 LONDON 6 Kendal Parade, Edmonton N18 020 8803 0861 LONDON 503-507 Lea Bridge Rd. Leyton, E10 020 8558 8284 LUTON Unit 1, 326 Dunstable Rd, Luton LU4 8JS 01582 728 063 MAIDSTONE 57 Upper Stone St. ME15 6HE 01622 769 572 MANCHESTER ALTRINCHAM 71 Manchester Rd. Altrincham 0161 9412 666 MANCHESTER CENTRAL 209 Bury New Road M8 8DU 0161 241 1851 MANCHESTER OPENSHAW Unit 5, Tower Mill, Ashton Old Rd 0161 223 8376 MANSFIELD 169 Chesterfield Rd. South 01623 622160 MIDDLESBROUGH Mandale Triangle, Thornaby 01642 677881 NORWICH 282a Heigham St. NR2 4LZ 01603 766402 NORTHAMPTON Beckett Retail Park, St James’ Mill Rd 01604 267840 NOTTINGHAM 211 Lower Parliament St. 0115 956 1811 PETERBOROUGH 417 Lincoln Rd. Millfield 01733 311770 PLYMOUTH 58-64 Embankment Rd. PL4 9HY 01752 254050 POOLE 137-139 Bournemouth Rd. Parkstone 01202 717913 PORTSMOUTH 277-283 Copnor Rd. Copnor 023 9265 4777 PRESTON 53 Blackpool Rd. PR2 6BU 01772 703263 SHEFFIELD 453 London Rd. Heeley. S2 4HJ 0114 258 0831 SIDCUP 13 Blackfen Parade, Blackfen Rd 0208 3042069 SOUTHAMPTON 516-518 Portswood Rd. 023 8055 7788 SOUTHEND 1139-1141 London Rd. Leigh on Sea 01702 483 742 STOKE-ON-TRENT 382-396 Waterloo Rd. Hanley 01782 287321 SUNDERLAND 13-15 Ryhope Rd. Grangetown 0191 510 8773 SWANSEA 7 Samlet Rd. Llansamlet. SA7 9AG 01792 792969 SWINDON 21 Victoria Rd. SN1 3AW 01793 491717 TWICKENHAM 83-85 Heath Rd.TW1 4AW 020 8892 9117 WARRINGTON Unit 3, Hawley’s Trade Pk. 01925 630 937 WIGAN 2 Harrison Street, WN5 9AU 01942 323 785 WOLVERHAMPTON Parkfield Rd. Bilston 01902 494186 WORCESTER 48a Upper Tything. WR1 1JZ 01905 723451 VISIT YOUR LOCAL SUPERSTORE Open Mon-Fri 8.30-6.00, Sat 8.30-5.30, Sun 10.00-4.00 Calls to the catalogue request number above (0844 880 1265) cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. For security reasons, calls may be monitored. All prices correct at time of going to press. We reserve the right to change products and prices at any time. Check online for latest prices. All offers subject to availability, E&OE. *Terms & conditions apply see machinemart.co.uk/finance for more details NEW 492 PAGE CATALOGUE GET YOUR FREE COPY! • IN-STORE • ONLINE • PHONE 0844 880 1265 34251 65 SUPERSTORES NATIONWIDE • • Britain’s Tools & Machinery Specialist IN-STORE 5 EASY WAYS TO BUY... 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In manufacturing, the triumvirate of Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) is crucial for ensuring the seamless operation of equipment, reducing downtime, and ultimately boosting productivity and profitability. RAM is not just a buzzword; it’s a set of essential parameters that can make or break an organisation’s success in the competitive manufacturing landscape. RAM analysis is a well-known method of estimating the production availability of a system by assessing failure modes, frequencies, and consequences, while paying attention to the effect on production. The main objectives of RAM analysis are to increase system productivity, increase overall profit, and reduce total life equipment cycle costs, which include the costs associated with production downtime, maintenance, and operations, amongst others. Understanding RAM in manufacturing One of the key pillars for achieving RAM excellence is effective maintenance management. Before we dive into the impact of maintenance management on RAM, let’s briefly define each element: Reliability: ‘Reliability’ refers to the probability that a system or equipment will perform its intended function without failure over a specified time period. In manufacturing, unreliable equipment can lead to costly breakdowns and production disruptions. Availability: ‘Availability’ is the measure of the percentage of time that equipment is operational and ready for use. High availability ensures that production processes can run smoothly without unplanned downtime. Maintainability: ‘Maintainability’ assesses how easily and quickly equipment can be restored to an operational state after a breakdown. Efficient maintenance processes are essential for minimising downtime. The role of maintenance management Maintenance management plays a pivotal role in optimising RAM in manufacturing, contributing to the seamless operation of equipment, reduced downtime, and enhanced productivity. One of the primary ways in which maintenance management achieves this is through preventative maintenance. Scheduled maintenance routines are key to improving reliability as they identify and address potential issues before they can escalate into costly breakdowns. This proactive approach significantly reduces unplanned downtime, ultimately enhancing availability and ensuring that production processes run smoothly. In addition to preventative maintenance, predictive maintenance is a critical aspect of effective RAM optimisation. By harnessing the power of data and predictive analytics, maintenance teams can foresee when equipment is likely to fail and take preventative measures. This forwardlooking approach minimises the impact on reliability and availability, enabling organisations to avoid costly production disruptions. Downtime reduction is another vital facet of maintenance management in the pursuit of RAM excellence. Efficient maintenance management aims to minimise downtime through quick and effective repairs. By improving maintainability, equipment can be swiftly brought back online, minimising production losses and preserving overall operational efficiency. Proper asset management is fundamental to achieving RAM objectives. Well-managed assets are less likely to fail prematurely. Maintenance management systems play a crucial role in tracking the condition of assets, ensuring they receive timely maintenance, and keeping them in optimal working condition. This leads to improved reliability and availability across the board. Lastly, data-driven decision-making is integral to the RAM optimisation process. Maintenance managers can make informed decisions by analysing historical data, performance metrics, and maintenance records. This data-driven approach leads to better resource allocation, prioritised maintenance efforts, and overall improved RAM performance. The importance of CMMS in manufacturing Maintenance is an essential aspect of any manufacturing business or organisation, and it is essential to ensure that equipment and machinery are operating optimally to prevent downtime and prolong their lifespan. To achieve this, many companies use maintenance management systems, such Maintenance Matters Focus on: Maintenance Management 14 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 Enhancing Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) through maintenance management Donal Bourke, PEMAC Director of Sales, delves into the reasons why good maintenance management practices within manufacturing can significantly improve RAM. Additionally, he explores how CMMS software should align with RAM principles to help organisations reach new heights of operational efficiency.
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