Features in CMMIS that support effective planning and estimating include:

• Macro-planning to keep resources in balance with the workload. That is, screens to allow calculation of available hours, and deductions for projected PMs and provide an estimate for break down hours. The macro-plan then calculates capacity available for backlog relief. This is called the Work Program process (Chapter 6).

• System capability to store, retrieve, modify, and copy previously developed job plans and estimates from history or planner libraries.

• When planning a job on a specific asset, ready access to related information without backing out of the planning module. Being able to cut and paste is useful. The nformation in question includes previously cataloged:

– Job Steps

– Bills of Material cataloged by machine and major component

– Current available inventory with capability to reserve same

– Job Estimates

– Pertinent safety and environmental procedures, instructions, permits and authorization (hot work, isolation, lockout/tag out, pre- and post- maintenance valve and switch lineups, etc.)

• System linkage to current drawings and other reference documents with provision for automatic attachment to planned job packages.

Effective materials management features are essential. Problems in this area are common and constantly threaten mechanic’s productivity.

• Cross references

– Bill Of Materials (BOM) of components by asset.

– Conversions between manufacturer’s part numbers, vendor’s part numbers and storeroom item numbers

• Reservation (allocation) of inventory item units to specific planned jobs and release (de-allocation) of same as needed

• Reliable replenishment of authorized stock

• Prompt processing of purchase order requests for direct purchases

• Prompt and reliable notification of receipts In addition to system capabilities there are practices that make the system work effectively. Below are some effective scheduling procedures:

• Annualized leveling of PM/PdM’s with notification as they come due

• A bility to call forward approaching PM’s to take advantage of known asset access

• Weekly scheduling for each crew by job, day of the week, and individual to whom job is aligned

• Linkage to project management software

• Good reporting features including Backlog Status, Work Programs, Schedule Compliance, Crew Efficiency, and Age of Reserved Inventory

Copyright © 2001 by Industrial Press Inc.