Disenchantment in implementing a planning organization is frequently due to an attempt to provide detailed work plans on reactive jobs. Since reactive jobs by their nature are urgent, it is frustrating to everyone to wait on a planning group to turn over the work.
Once the equipment has actually broken down and is interfering with operating the plant, a planning group adds an extra step in the repair process supposedly “to speed the job up.” Planners try to write detailed job plans and come up with parts lists from scratch. This effort delays the execution of urgent work and results in frustration.
“Successful planning organizations concentrate on planning proactive work through our Facilities Maintenance platform, producing good work plans without schedule pressure.”
The Value of Minimal Planning
Many companies have planning organizations that are sources of considerable frustration to the maintenance effort. Most supervisors do not realize the great value of a planner simply writing down a proper job scope along with craft skill and time requirements.
The supervisors feel that “if a detailed job procedure and parts list are not provided, then planning has not done anything.” Nevertheless, with “minimal” planning even on reactive, urgent jobs, the supervisor has scheduled control.
By committing to scheduling proactive work and gathering feedback after every job, the overall percentage of reactive-type emergencies drastically decreases.
For urgent reactive jobs, minimal planning gives the supervisor immediate scheduled control without delaying the actual repair process.
Proper scoping avoids assigning a mechanic to a job needing a welder. This precise allocation prevents subsequent job reassignment and costly delays.
LEVERAGING MAINTENANCE PRODUCTIVITY
Planning still has a job function for reactive jobs. The concept of how planning handles reactive versus proactive work is extremely important for making planning leverage overall maintenance productivity.
— Fragment taken from “Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Handbook” by Richard D. Palmer (Chapter 1. The Benefits of Planning).