Using software to plan maintenance shutdowns

ACCORDING to New Standard Institute, plant or factory shutdowns are usually the most demanding in terms of maintenance resources.

These scheduled maintenance shutdowns require large amounts of coordinated work fitted within a short period of time, requiring modified work schedules, special equipment, and contractors.

Despite the strain put on the maintenance department by such shutdowns, they are opportunities to restore lost capacity, carry out major equipment overhauls, and for government-mandated inspections and repairs.

A common tool used to manage maintenance shutdown is the critical path method (CPM). This method takes the interdependent nature of the various jobs into account. While older practices involved using a Gantt chart provide a timeline of tasks to be performed, most maintenance managers now use software.

CPM program prices and complexity can vary greatly, although usually low end software can be enough for starters. Many project management programs, though not written especially for CPM, can be customised for the need. Some programs can also help with communications between the different stakeholders in the shutdown, printing and generating reports and charts.

When using software, maintenance planners should identify jobs by their duration, not work hours. They should also consider not just labour as resources, but also supplies and instruments. Operations activities should also be included in planning, and larger jobs can be broken into small segments.