Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast Oil Analysis Can Boost Equipment Reliability, But Only If You Use the Data
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Feb 27, 2025 Mike Holloway, president of 5th Order Industry and a seasoned expert in tribology, dives deep into the importance of oil analysis for equipment reliability. He highlights that only 10-15% of companies fully utilize oil analysis data, comparing it to regular health check-ups. The conversation also touches on the transition to AI and automation, discussing ethical concerns about workforce displacement and the need for a balance between technology and human expertise. Holloway emphasizes that human insights are crucial for effective data interpretation and maintenance practices.
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Walmart and Oil Analysis
- Mike Holloway recounts how a former boss, Patrick Grunchy, questioned the effectiveness of oil analysis.
- Many customers, like Walmart, stopped using it because everything seemed fine, missing its preventative value.
Oil Analysis vs. Tactile Data
- People excel at problem-solving and innovation but struggle with preventative maintenance like oil analysis.
- Oil analysis lacks the tactile nature of other maintenance techniques, making it less intuitive.
Learning Styles in Maintenance
- Technicians, mechanics, and millwrights prefer hands-on work, gravitating towards tactile data like vibration analysis.
- Oil analysis, being less physical, doesn't resonate with their learning style, hindering its adoption.