Common Factors Contributing to Asset Downtime in the Food and Beverage Industry
Causes of asset breakdown in the food and beverage industry generally fall into several categories, including:
Equipment Breakdowns
When machine components succumb to breakdowns, the entire production line can be forced to the sidelines. Frequent breakdowns can lead to extended periods of unplanned downtime, resulting in substantial costs. According to research by Aberdeen, a single hour of machine downtime costs a company an average of $260,000, which does not even account for maintenance expenses.
Maintenance Delays
Proactive strategies such as preventive maintenance involve performing routine maintenance tasks to ensure that assets are operating at peak efficiency and do not break down unexpectedly. However, when there are delays in routine maintenance, whether due to oversight or resource constraints, breakdowns can and do occur. This often results in more extensive repairs and longer periods of downtime.
Operational Inefficiencies
Inefficient processes can contribute to asset downtime. For instance, poor resource allocation and production planning such as not planning the transition from one recipe to another, and inadequate training can contribute to extended periods of downtime.
Given the growing labor shortage, maintenance departments can hardly afford added challenges stemming from inefficiencies. In fact, according to the Plant Services annual PdM survey, some 9% of respondents reported that their organisation’s maintenance department consisted of “Just Me,” while another 20% indicated that they were on a team of between 2 and 4 people.
Consequences of Asset Downtime in the Food and Beverage Industry
When unexpected downtime does occur, it can negatively impact manufacturing processes throughout the organisation. Some consequences of asset downtime include:
Production Delays
Unplanned asset downtime almost always results in production delays. This not only negatively impacts overall output but can disrupt supply chains and fulfillment schedules, potentially resulting in contractual penalties, a tarnished reputation, and jeopardising relationships with distributors and suppliers.
Increased Costs
Unplanned downtime directly translates into higher costs, such as emergency repairs, expedited shipping for replacement parts, and overtime pay for technicians. And these added expenses are not insignificant, with experts estimating that maintenance costs range between 15% and 40% of total production costs.
Unsatisfied Customers
In the food and beverage industry, customer satisfaction is paramount. Unplanned downtime can lead to product shortages, delays, and issues with product quality, potentially leading to customer dissatisfaction and a loss of trust.
Strategies for Mitigating Asset Downtime in Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Fortunately, there are some proven strategies that food and beverage manufacturers can implement to reduce the likelihood of unplanned asset downtime.
Proactive Maintenance Strategies
Implementing proactive maintenance strategies, such as preventive and condition-based maintenance, can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing unplanned downtime. Preventive maintenance involves regular and scheduled inspections, routine cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, calibration of machines that rely on precision, periodic testing of equipment performance, and replacement of equipment components before they fail.
In addition to reducing the frequency of unplanned downtime, preventive maintenance can dramatically reduce repair costs. One survey conducted by Viking Analytics compared preventive maintenance to reactive maintenance and found that preventive maintenance can lower the cost of machinery repairs by as much as 40%.
Predictive Analytics
Leveraging predictive analytics helps to identify potential issues before they escalate. The method involves analysing historical data, monitoring equipment performance, and using predictive modeling to anticipate maintenance needs and address them proactively.
According to one report, the use of predictive analytics can help organisations to realise a tenfold return on investment, resulting in savings of 30% to 40%.
Real-Time Asset Monitoring
Real-time asset monitoring involves utilising sensors and IoT devices to collect data on equipment health, performance, and potential failure. Technicians can then perform maintenance tasks at more opportune times, such as during periods of low or no production.
Employee Training
The role that employee training plays in reducing unplanned downtime cannot be overstated. Routine training significantly reduces the likelihood of unplanned downtime in several ways. First, employees who are trained on the proper use of machines can correctly operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment. They can identify potential issues early on and take preventive measures.
Second, training in maintenance procedures ensures that employees know how to perform routine inspections and maintenance tasks. Third, training fosters a culture of continuous improvement. This encourages employees to actively seek ways to optimise processes and minimise downtime.
Investing in the Right Technologies
Leveraging innovative solutions that enable proactive maintenance strategies and data-driven decision-making can significantly reduce unplanned asset downtime. Here are a few examples of how technology can help reduce asset downtime:
- Asset Management Systems. A computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) makes it simple to implement proactive maintenance strategies by streamlining maintenance tasks, such as scheduling, tracking work orders, and spare parts inventory.
- Document Management Systems. A document management system with mobile access gives technicians access to important documents like drawings, records, and manuals while in the field, improving technician efficiency, communication, and response times.
- IoT Connectivity. IoT devices like sensors enable remote monitoring of equipment, allowing teams to keep track of asset health in real-time and proactively respond to maintenance issues before they can escalate. Investments in IoT technologies are significant, with organisations spending over $805 billion on the technologies in 2023.
Overcoming Asset Downtime in Food and Beverage Manufacturing
For food and beverage manufacturers, managing unplanned downtime is an ongoing and dynamic undertaking. By understanding the factors that contribute to downtime and acknowledging the negatives associated with it, organisations can chart a course toward proactive solutions. Embracing strategies such as proactive maintenance, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring not only mitigates the risks of downtime but also fosters a culture of efficiency, reliability, and resilience within the organisation.
Accruent is a leading provider of innovative solutions that help food and beverage manufacturers mitigate unplanned downtime and get the most out of their assets. Maintenance Connection is an industry-leading CMMS solution that makes it easy to implement proactive maintenance strategies, allowing food and beverage organisations to analyse, manage, and track their assets throughout all stages of the lifecycle.
Vx Observe is an IoT remote monitoring software solution that can connect, monitor, predict, and control multiple equipment types to help your organisation improve maintenance processes and even energy efficiency.
Want to discover more about how our solutions can help your organisation to dramatically reduce unplanned downtime? Visit the Maintenance Connection and Vx Observe product pages to learn more. For more information and to request a demo, get in touch via our website.
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