1 March 2024 | Patrice Duchesne
The “firefighting mode” in asset management is characterized by a reactive approach where actions are taken in response to problems that have already occurred, rather than in anticipation of them. This method, often dictated by urgency, leads to unexpected interruptions, high maintenance costs, and premature wear and tear of equipment. Companies operating in this mode are constantly “putting out fires,” that is, managing urgent problems instead of preventing them.
The consequences are not limited to direct financial losses but also affect productivity, product quality, customer satisfaction, and even staff morale. Transitioning to a more proactive management is therefore essential to improving the sustainability and profitability of assets.
Beginning the transition from “firefighting mode” to optimal management requires a thorough evaluation and diagnosis to detect systemic flaws. This crucial phase involves careful analysis of operations, maintenance, and staff skills to identify the root causes of repetitive failures. Regular practice evaluations and data analysis play a leading role in providing a clear view of the current situation and highlighting gaps and inefficiencies.
By precisely understanding failures and their patterns, companies can develop targeted strategies to correct the course and lay the foundations for proactive and predictive asset management. This is the stepping stone to ending the vicious cycle of emergency repairs and moving towards a more strategic and planned asset management.
Strategic planning in asset management is crucial to moving away from “firefighting mode.” It involves developing a preventive maintenance plan, which anticipates regular inspections and interventions based on predictive analysis and the actual condition of equipment. This proactive approach is used to detect and resolve problems before they turn into costly breakdowns.
By establishing a maintenance schedule and ensuring that necessary parts and qualified personnel are available at the right time, companies can significantly reduce unplanned shutdowns and extend the lifespan of their assets. Preventive and predictive maintenance thus becomes a strategic investment; leading to more efficient management and better resource allocation, while supporting the company’s overall performance and reliability goals.
Training and awareness are fundamental to eradicating the “firefighting mode” from asset management. Strengthening staff skills through continuous training ensures that the team not only understands best maintenance practices but is also able to implement them effectively. Raising awareness creates a culture where proactive maintenance is valued and encouraged.
It involves promoting a mindset where preventing problems is preferred to fixing them, thus instilling a sense of responsibility and commitment towards long-term asset health. This step is not just a skill upgrade, but a cultural transformation towards a more strategic and considerate asset management, aligning staff with the company’s strategic goals and ensuring a consistent and informed approach to maintenance.
In conclusion, moving out of “firefighting mode” in asset management is a strategic process that requires a holistic approach. From thorough evaluation and diagnosis to the implementation of advanced monitoring systems, each step is crucial for transforming asset management. This involves not only technical changes but also a cultural evolution within the company.
By adopting this proactive and predictive approach, companies can not only minimize costs and downtime but also improve the reliability and performance of their assets, ensuring sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness in the market.
