Read this Q&A to learn how our technical business consultants, Randy Clark and Henry Neicamp, can help you improve your maintenance program. 

What is a technical business consultant?

Randy: I once had someone tell me that a consultant is someone who ‘borrows your watch and then tells you what time it is’. In some ways, this is true. We take an in-depth look at our customers’ fluid analysis statistical data and use this information to assist them in narrowing the focus and priorities of their maintenance program, thus achieving their goals quickly and efficiently. These goals typically include reducing unplanned/unscheduled maintenance activities, reducing cost, and ultimately increasing production by improving equipment availability.

Henry: POLARIS Laboratories® technical business consultants are STLE certified to provide training and consulting services, along with data analysis services, in an effort to help the customer maximize the return on investment of their fluid analysis program and realize Proven Impact, Proven Uptime and Proven Savings!

How do you help our partners reach their reliability goals?

Randy: We accomplish this by first understanding the goals the customer wishes to achieve, we then perform a gap analysis to understand where the customer is today in relation to those goals, and then help develop a clear road map to the objective. We do this using our ‘hands on’ experience, knowledge of industry best practices, and in-depth knowledge of fluid analysis. We then combine our skills with the customer’s knowledge of their equipment. Along the way, we identify KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) to monitor the progress. We also identify and share ‘quick wins’. Doing this accelerates the buy-in process among everyone involved and promotes the value of the program. Throughout the process, an emphasis on continuous improvement and training will play a key role.

Henry: The technical business consultants achieves this mission by  providing consulting services, sales support, customer field support, and training for public and private sessions.

What is the most common problem you see in a newly created fluid analysis program?  

Randy: Understanding the capabilities a quality fluid analysis program offers, and then aligning the goals of your program with those capabilities is essential. Many customers make a decision to start a fluid analysis program and yet do not ensure the test package selected is designed to meet those goals. Failing to properly identify, in advance, what equipment will be sampled, the frequency of the sampling interval, and the lack of proper training can be detrimental to the success of the program.

Henry: Customers do not take the time to determine the goals for their fluid analysis program (i.e. reduce downtime, extend oil drain intervals, reduce failures, extend equipment life expectancy, control maintenance and lubrication costs, etc). Secondly, customers do not submit a completed equipment list to POLARIS Laboratories® for input into our system prior to submitting their samples.

What is the best piece of advice you have for someone trying to improve their fluid analysis program?  

Randy: Establish goals, monitor progress and uphold accountability. This is best accomplished by having a program champion within the organization. This champion will ensure samples are pulled on time and pulled correctly. They will also ensure proper maintenance activity occurs following the laboratories’ recommendation. The champion will monitor progress and continuous improvement of the program, through established KPI’s, and will work with both their team members and the laboratory to optimize the value of the program.

Henry: The single most important ingredient in a successful oil analysis program is a “champion” inside it. A “champion” is a person assigned to take the lead and focus on the fluid analysis program. A “champion” should be passionate to save the company money, while working from the inside to generate greater customer implementation/compliance. A “champion” promotes the importance of fluid analysis to all maintenance personnel, and facilitates the required “behavioral change”.

What is the best way to set up a training class?  

Randy: It doesn’t get any easier than this. Simply contact a POLARIS Laboratories® technical business consultant. We look forward to discussing and preparing a customized training plan to meet the needs and goals of your organization.

Henry: Customers should contact their respective technical business consultant (east or west) directly via email or phone.

Contact Randy Clark at rclark@polarislabs.com or via phone at 317.808.3750 x. 1337.
Contact Henry Neicamp at hneicamp@polarislabs.com or via phone at 317.808.3750 x. 1339.

To learn more about our technical business consultants’ services, download their brochure.

 

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

While the holiday often causes us to pause and reflect on all we should be thankful for, I must say everyday I walk out of the doors of POLARIS Laboratories^® with a feeling of gratitude.

I’m grateful for our amazing customers who’ve challenged me to innovate new concepts. I’m grateful for a company who encourages me to grow both professionally and personally. I’m grateful to have a place for turning my ideas into reality. I’m grateful for a job where I always find myself learning.

Most importantly, I’m grateful that five days a week I get to spend my time working with the people that make POLARIS. We challenge each other by asking, “What can we do better?” We laugh with each other, ensuring that we never take anything too seriously. We encourage each other through long weeks and tight deadlines. And we offer each other support on those dreadful days when the coffee machine breaks down.

My heart is filled with gratitude to be a part of this amazing team – these crazy people are the best!

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

The most common cause of equipment failure is particle contamination. This includes external contaminants, such as dirt or sand, as well as the microscopic pieces of metal generated during equipment operation. Elemental analysis (usually performed by an ICP) can quantify the concentration of contamination, but other typical oil analysis testing can provide additional information.

Further testing can investigate the size and shape of the particles to help maintenance personnel discover the source of the contamination and assess the damage to the component. Particle count, particle quantifier, filter debris analysis, micropatch and analytical ferrography tests each take a slightly different approach to this task, and each have their own limitations.

Thankfully, not every test is needed in every circumstance. Recommended tests vary based on type of equipment, equipment criticality, and operating cycles. POLARIS Laboratories® employees will always be willing to help you choose the best, most cost effective testing for your application.

This technical bulletin explains the different particle count tests available in the market today and their limits in testing used oil. Quantifying particles can be done with multiple techniques as well. Filter debris analysis can evaluate the cause of filter plugging or unexpected breakdown.

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

Published October 31, 2016