Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “get called to breakdowns with little or no detail”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

30 min
typically, every day
35%
of the time can be automated
Some setup
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Process fixBest fix

Put a QR code on every machine for maintenance requests

Operators scan the code, pick the problem and add a photo; the request lands in the CMMS with the right machine attached. You arrive knowing what is wrong and which parts to bring.

Typically saves about 35% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Print a QR code from your CMMS for each machine and stick it where operators can reach it.
  2. 2Set a short form: what happened, is the machine stopped, photo.
  3. 3Route urgent requests to the on-shift technician's phone.
  4. 4Stop taking requests by shout or radio except for safety emergencies.

Tools: MaintainX, UpKeep, Fiix or Limble

Fix 2 of 2

Automation

Use a digital andon that calls the right person automatically

A button or tablet at the line sends the alert straight to the right person's phone or watch (maintenance, materials, quality) and escalates if nobody responds. Less waiting and walking to find help.

Typically saves about 40% of the time4 h to set up
  1. 1List the reasons the line calls for help.
  2. 2Set who gets each type of call and how long before it escalates.
  3. 3Set up a digital andon in your MES or connected-worker app, or a simple Power Automate or Teams alert.
  4. 4Track response times weekly and fix the slow ones.

Tools: Tulip, Poka, Augmentir, SafetyCulture or Microsoft Power Apps · Your MES · Microsoft Teams or Power Automate

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Is there a QR code on each machine that operators scan to report a problem?
Scanning the code opens a short form with the machine already filled in. The request reaches maintenance with a photo, so they know what to bring.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Maintenance technician

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Take the free check Scan my team, $49

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Maintenance technicians