Editorial

Spares management is a complex issue for manufacturers, almost regardless of the sector in which they are operating. Rapid access to spares is of course vital to maintaining continuity of production and avoiding costly downtime.

However, not only are the required spares often of low value and required infrequently, but the sheer range of components to which a plant needs to have access can be daunting. And, for many, that range of products means dealing with a multitude of suppliers across different product areas – from bearings and mechanical power transmission to hydraulics, pneumatics, tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Spidex Software has announced that Global Renewables, an innovative resource recovery specialist, has selected Spidex’s

The optics specialist Leuze electronic will become a sensor allrounder in 2009 and has completed its product range with inductive switches. Leuze electronic thereby presents itself in automation technology as a full-service provider, well known for its customer orientation and willingness to provide service.

With this extensive product line, the “sensor people” accommodate the requests increasingly received from customers who wish to be able to find solutions to a wide range of sensor tasks from a single partner. As our customer, you profit from the portfolio of products perfectly matched to one another, the highest level of advising competence and simplified ordering processes.

A new heavy duty multipurpose cleaner, ROCOL Remover & Degreaser, provides powerful degreasing and cleaning performance - ideal for the removal of stubborn materials.

It is a tough, fast acting and penetrating citrus-based cleaner that leaves no residue, and is designed to remove grease, oil, adhesives and general workshop grime from a wide range of surfaces. Available in an aerosol spray it is easy to apply and highly effective on more stubborn materials, such as adhesive residue from sticky labels left behind on machinery.

Recently I received an invitation from a well known exhibition organiser to participate in a maintenance feature and submit editorial with company overview- good opportunity. However, my enthusiasm changed to being perplexed when the invitation turned out to be for

Dixon Group Europe Ltd, can now meet all your hose, hose assembly and fittings requirements as a single source supplier. From complete hose assemblies to individual couplings and fittings, our vast range of products and availability of inventory enables Dixon, leading provider of hose and coupling solutions, to meet your exacting requirements to provide you with the right connection.

Over the past months we have increased our range of quick release couplings, hygienic fittings and actuators, tanker and hose product. 

~ Success due to customer focused implementation ~ Leicester based Cressall Resistors has put in a place a lean programme, managed by manufacturing director Cy Wilkinson, that has helped increase turnover by 100 per cent in 18 months. It has also contributed to the successful integration of a business, valued at over a million pounds, into the company's Leicester facility. The resultant plant layout uses less floor space than the original did before the new company was integrated.

The fundamental strategy was formed through the use of eight lean tools: value stream mapping, 5S, standard work, flow, pull, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), mistake proofing and set-up reduction.

After implementing an EAM or CMMS1 system, many companies are disappointed to discover that the system provides hardly any useful management information. However, if you ask the same companies what information or performance indicators they exactly need to fulfil and track their maintenance strategy, many of them cannot provide a clear answer.

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