June, 2016 | POLARIS Laboratories®

Unexpected maintenance slowing you down?

Unexpected maintenance seems to always happen at the worst possible time. Whether you have a tight deadline to make or a limited budget, performing unexpected maintenance is never fun. At POLARIS Laboratories® we like to encourage our customers to make the switch from ‘reactive’ maintenance to ‘preventive’ maintenance in order to prepare for these unwanted surprises.

Relying on reactive maintenance does little to save you money or time. While responding in real time may seem like the easiest route, it too often results in extended downtime and unforeseen (not to mention expensive) maintenance costs.

Many of the issues causing downtime can silently build up in your machine over an extended period of time. Instead of waiting for the worst to happen, you can utilize the information obtained through oil analysis to spot an abnormality in your machine or vehicle. This allows you to plan a machine’s upkeep and maintenance schedule on your own terms.

While making the switch may seem difficult, this change is actually easy to implement and has the capacity to completely transform your maintenance system. You would be surprised at the impact focusing on preventive maintenance can have on both your program’s reliability and the mindset of your maintenance team.

Preventive maintenance allows you to take control of your maintenance practices, saving you time and money. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can improve your maintenance program, check out this case study or contact us today!

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Honoring POLARIS Laboratories® Top Employees

At POLARIS Laboratories® we are lucky to have some of the greatest employees in the world. As a global company, it is important to our team that we remain as connected as possible. That is why, each year, we take a week to honor our top employees and thank them for everything they do for us year round.

This year our four outstanding employees included Neil Carlberg from our Edmonton location, Nicole Ubben from our Houston Location as well as Michael Keller and Gina Kemp from our Indianapolis location.

These four employees were chosen by the company partners for exceeding their supervisor’s expectations and exemplifying excellence in their work.

This year’s honorees had a whirlwind tour of Indianapolis, exploring downtown Indianapolis, visiting the Indiana War memorial, attending an Indianapolis Indians game and completing an obstacle course at Go Ape Zipline. On top of that, they also had a comprehensive look at each department’s role in the company at our corporate headquarters.

Having these individuals visit from our national and global sites is one of the best parts of the year. Their dedication and support for the organization is what helps us ensure that our business continues to operate smoothly and efficiently while providing the best possible service for our customers.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Storing Your Lubricants to Avoid Contamination

Are you seeing unexpected contaminants in your lubricant analysis report? How you store and handle your lubricants has a significant impact on levels of contamination.

This quick guide can help you ensure that your lubricant is properly stored — saving time, money and a headache.

The basics:

Pumps, drums and totes need to be stored in a dry environment
Avoid storing lubricants in a humid environment (lubricants are hygroscopic)
Attempt to store lubricants indoors away from contamination under fairly constant moderate temperature conditions
Lubricants exposed to temperature extremes can lose additive effectiveness
Varying temperatures can cause breathing in sealed containers resulting in contaminant ingress

Indoor Storage:

When storing your fluid inside, follow the guidelines outlined in the image below to avoid contaminants.

Outdoor Storage:

Storing drums outside should be avoided but, if outside storage is the only option, consider these methods to avoid contamination:

Shelter drums from the rain and snow
Lay drums on their sides with buns in 3 and 9-o-clock position below lubricant level
Cover drums with shelter or tarp
Store drums upright, but tilt to keep water from bung
Use drum covers
Store small containers in a sealed cabinet

Best Storage

Adequate Storage

Least Desirable Storage

Integrating these simple practices into your maintenance program can help you improve the overall quality of your fluid. Ensuring that outside contaminants such as water, air and abrasives stay far away from your lubricants is a fundamental best practice for strong oil analysis programs.

If you’re interested in learning more about implementing a successful oil analysis program, visit our training page or contact us for more information.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Play Like a Champion Today

Picture this… It’s already September which is accompanied by crisp fall air, long nights of tailgating and football. Lots of football. While your days may be consumed with heated discussion on who most has the inside track to becoming this year’s champion, there’s another type of champion we’re discussing here at POLARIS Laboratories®.

While strategic oil analysis may seem vastly different than a game of football, we believe they both require champions to ensure the job is done right. That’s why this year’s Customer Summit theme is “Champion Impact”. This unique, peer-to-peer experience is designed to help your company capture and apply the elements of a successful oil analysis program, create greater visibility for your programs and secure broader management support.

Whether you’re looking to huddle with companies that have proven successes or create a playbook to troubleshoot your own issues with a group of peers, our Customer Summit will help you maximize your oil analysis program and continue to drive operational performance.

We have coordinated every aspect of this event to best fit your team’s needs and ensure that you make the most out of your summit experience. Taking place in Indianapolis from September 19-21, this two-day, 12-session event offers a one-of-a-kind experience for your busy team.

Mixing work with some memorable fun, we’ve even coordinated a special event at the NCAA Hall of Champions, an interactive exhibit that showcases the work and sacrifices it takes to make the grade in collegiate sports. We have an exciting event planned, offering you the opportunity to network with peers and learn all about the NCAA.

Are you ready to take the next step to becoming a program champion? Check out our Customer Summit website to learn more about the agenda and topics, new pre- and post-summit workshops, the exclusive off-site tour options, hotel accommodations, fees and more. Be sure to take advantage of our early registration discount, ending July 31.

Become a program champion with your oil analysis program today. Clear your calendar in September and join us in Indianapolis at the 2016 POLARIS Laboratories^® Customer Summit.

Down. Set. Hike!

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.