A model for success in implementing an R&M program by a supplier of manufacturing machinery

Landis Grinding Machines, a division of Western Atlas Inc. (formerly Litton Industrial Automation) has implemented a formal reliability and maintainability (R&M) program. This program emphasizes up-front implementation of R&M principles to minimize any negative impact on cost and/or schedule, and maximize the improvement in R&M. Customer and field service feedback, as well as employee suggestions are used to identify candidates for R&M improvement. The implementation of this program has resulted in improved R&M for delivered equipment, increased customer satisfaction, and a better understanding of how our equipment operates in our customers´ facilities. While actual quantitative analysis of the improvement in machine R&M has not yet been determined, the qualitative assessment implies an improvement approaching an order of magnitude. This improvement is measured in reduced warranty expenses (over 25% reduction), increased customer satisfaction, and consistent on-time start-up for customer programs. The formal R&M program was built upon all informal R&M effort at Landis that emphasized continuous improvement through design simplification. Room for R&M growth exists in the future as more operational information is obtained from customers and this information is analyzed and applied to further improve the product. The use of FMEA, design review, and a closed loop failure reporting system has proven particularly effective in resolving R&M issues at Landis