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Learning Sessions

New sessions added weekly. Check back regularly for updates!

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    • Analyzing Reliability Data — The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

      John Pucillo - Principal, True Reliability

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      Making informed decisions can be daunting in the dynamic leadership landscape, especially when faced with poor or incomplete data. This learning session addresses this challenge head-on, offering strategies to transcend reactionary and emotionally driven decision-making. Emphasizing the importance of leveraging all historical data, regardless of its quality, we delve into reliability data analysis to bolster decision-making efficacy and improve data integrity.

      This session introduces a pioneering model for cultivating a data-driven decision-making ethos, specifically designed to overcome the hurdles of navigating through limited or substandard data. Participants will learn to identify the root causes of issues rather than merely addressing symptoms, enhancing their ability to make well-informed decisions.

      In the end, leaders will be armed with the insights and tools necessary to foster a decision-making process that is both strategic and informed, laying the groundwork for sustained organizational success.

    • Common Traps of CMMS Selection and Implementation

      speaker placeholder avatarBrian Brzinski - Founder & CEO, AMSS Consulting

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      This session addresses the common challenges faced by maintenance operations, including manual process inefficiencies, a lack of real-time equipment visibility, reactive maintenance, and inventory management issues.

      This session describes how successfully implemented CMMS systems will improve maintenance efficiency, increase uptime, enhance inventory management, enable data-driven decision-making, and improve compliance and safety while reducing costs.

      Attendees will gain an understanding of the critical components for a successful CMMS implementation and what to avoid. The shared strategies can help when selecting a new CMMS system or improving an existing one.

      Attendees should be familiar with their facility's maintenance operations.

    • Decluttering Your PM Program — Identifying & Eliminating Things That Are Killing Your Preventive Maintenance Efforts

      Andy Page - Managing Partner, Net Results Inc.

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      Most organizations have bloated and ineffective PM programs. They complete their PMs every month and experience no change in equipment failure rates, unplanned downtime or maintenance costs. In essence, it feels to most companies that whether they complete their PMs each month or not makes no difference.

      This session will highlight the most common issues with PM procedures, PM program management, and how organizations use the information from the PM program. Specifically, it will show how to address these issues to make the PM program work to its advantage.

    • Determine Your Optimum Reference State: The “Goldilocks” Process

      Gerald (Jerry) Putt - Contract Instructor, Noria

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      The key to cost-effective maintenance is to determine the correct level of maintenance and accessorizing to match the requirements for the required level of reliability based on criticality.

      This is a simplified version of the concepts of RCM (Reliability-Centered Maintenance), which are often misinterpreted or misapplied. Everybody wins when Goldilocks is happy, and we will discuss how to make that happen.

    • Generative AI — How can a Reliability Engineer Take Advantage of This Technology ?

      Aniket Vashisht - Senior Solution Architect, Amazon Web Services

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      Generative AI, powered by advanced foundation models (FMs) pre-trained on vast datasets, represents an unprecedented opportunity for manufacturers to revolutionize their operations.

      As industries grapple with the challenges posed by the loss of experienced personnel and the consequent erosion of tacit knowledge, Generative AI emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering solutions that could significantly enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and machine availability.

      Through real-world scenarios, this session will explore how digitizing historical data and leveraging Generative AI can mitigate unscheduled downtimes, optimize production processes, and sustainably fill the knowledge gap a retiring workforce leaves.

    • Mastering Equipment Hierarchy for Enhanced CMMS Efficiency

      Cody Creager - Maintenance Superintendent, Timber Products

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      Designed for newcomers contemplating the implementation of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and existing users seeking to optimize their current systems, this session delves into the strategic incorporation of equipment hierarchy within a CMMS framework, facilitating improved management and tracking of essential metrics, and overall efficiency.

      This session, centered around the principles of ISO 14224, offers a tailored approach to constructing an equipment hierarchy that meets end users' specific needs. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of ISO 14224, including its levels and significance, enabling them to break down equipment into its smallest components effectively. This knowledge is crucial for capturing accurate data that drives downtime trend analysis, KPI monitoring, and identifying specific failures.

      By using the equipment hierarchy as a cornerstone for your CMMS, you will not only make your maintenance department's work more manageable, efficient, and effective but also enhance your own skills and career prospects. This session will equip participants with the knowledge and tools to become adept users of CMMS, enabling them to contribute more effectively to their organization's maintenance strategy.

    • Optimizing Plant Performance: How Oil Analysis Drives Reliability and Efficiency

      speaker placeholder avatarRoss Master - Data Analyst Manager, Bureau Veritas, OCM

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      Unexpected downtime and inefficiencies can lead to lost production, increased costs, and safety concerns. Oil analysis is one powerful tool for achieving these goals.

      This session will explore how oil analysis can identify potential problems early, prevent failures, optimize maintenance practices, and ultimately enhance plant reliability and efficiency.

      Attendees will learn strategies for:
      • Minimizing downtime and associated production losses.
      • Reducing energy consumption through optimized lubrication.
      • Lowering maintenance costs by preventing failures and extending equipment life.
      • Optimizing oil usage and disposal costs through informed decisions.

    • The Future of Asset Health Management — Mobile Solutions vs. Legacy Tools

      Dr. M. David Howard - CEO, ERBESSD INSTRUMENTS

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      Over 30 years in the industry have proven that entry costs are often the biggest barrier to small and mid-cap companies implementing an effective reliability strategy. Implementing an effective prescriptive/condition-based monitoring program has forever been an expensive endeavor requiring proprietary hardware and software solutions.

      In this session, we will evaluate how to use the power of the mobile device you are already carrying in your pocket to evaluate machine health using various tools and methods, including slow-motion video recording, portable route and off-route vibration and visual inspection, dynamic balancing, and online machine health monitoring.

    • The Machinery Protection Unit: An Investigative Approach to Predictive Maintenance

      Roy Giorgio - Lubrication Program Manager, AssetWatch

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      Is it a plot by Mr. Contamination to steal your bearings or a scheme by Larry "Loose-bolt" Softfoot to sabotage your production line? In the high-stakes manufacturing world, the threat isn't always from the outside; sometimes, the enemy lies within the intricate workings of your machinery. Adopting a proactive stance akin to an elite task force, we employ vibration and oil analysis not merely as forensic tools but as vital components of our early warning system. This approach transforms condition monitoring from solving the mystery of the breakdown to preventing the heist of operational efficiency.

      Join us as we become the ultimate guardians of manufacturing integrity, deploying a synergistic application of vibration and oil analysis to detect and prevent machinery malfunctions. Our session will delve into how these predictive maintenance techniques fortify our defenses against the nefarious plots of Charles "Cruddy" Contamination, Mike "The Juice" Moisture, Mitch "Way-off" Alignment, and their gang, intent on disrupting our uptime.

      We'll share compelling case studies and empirical data demonstrating our shift from a forensic (who-done-it) approach to an investigative operational strategy aimed at stopping the culprits in their tracks. Moreover, we'll introduce a maintenance defense system designed to detect threats from the bad guys early on and prevent their penetration into the heart of our operations.

      By the end of our journey, you'll learn how to look for clues after the fact and anticipate and neutralize threats, ensuring your machinery and operations are safeguarded from the inside out. Together, we'll ensure Mr. Contamination and his gang find no quarter in our domain, preserving machine reliability, enhancing performance, reducing downtime, and achieving significant cost savings through a robust, preventative maintenance strategy.

    • The Value of Validated Asset Information

      Brendon Russ - AMER Lead, Reliability & Asset Management, JLL

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      Many organizations don't have a complete asset list or incomplete information on their assets. This lack of asset information often leads to issues with spare parts, maintenance strategies, resourcing, etc. This is often overlooked, being seen as easy or simple while never being done or done properly.

      This session will provide context for this problem (how a lack of asset information presents itself as a maintenance issue for organizations) and display methods and strategies for identifying/validating assets in a sustainable programmatic way.

    • Which KPIs To Use and When To Use Them

      Owe Forsberg - Vice President, IDCON

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      Many KPIs used by maintenance teams are not used to drive performance or are based on poor input information. This session will give you the KPIs that are most effective for tracking the information that drives reliability and maintenance performance. No knowledge is needed; just an interest in using the right KPIs to measure.

    • Assessing Your Factory's Readiness for Predictive Maintenance

      Markus Larsson - CEO, Novity

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      Predictive Maintenance (PdM) is a transformative approach to industrial asset management, enabling organizations to reduce downtime, improve productivity, and extend the lifespan of machinery. The design and implementation of a PdM system can be complex and require an understanding of the enabling building blocks, including sensors and data quality. Many organizations struggle with where to start with this journey and how to understand what gaps in their operation exist that may prevent a successful transition to PdM.

      This session will review key steps to consider when planning a PdM deployment. It will break down the anatomy of a holistic PdM Readiness Assessment (PRA) and detail what questions need to be answered to be fully prepared. It will also detail evaluation areas across operations—maintenance, digital infrastructure, and financials—to educate the audience on ensuring a successful start and transition to PdM.

    • Blending Technology, Process, and Engagement to Drive Results in the Maintenance Process

      Mike Gehloff - Senior Solutions Architect, Allied Reliability

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      While technology can open limitless capabilities, successfully deploying this technology is not as simple as providing a username and password. In this session, we will share the highlights of a recent operator care implementation effort that has shown great initial success and has leveraged the use of an appropriate level of technology to enable engagement at the front line.

      More than just a how-to, this session will be a cautionary tale about how technology can be a great enabler or a source of great frustration and confusion. We will share some of the lessons we have learned, missteps we have taken, and indicators we believe illustrate the likely sustainability of the effort.

    • Digitizing Predictive Maintenance: A Guide for Reliability Teams

      Silvio DosSantos - Director of Operations, SEMEQ SYSTEM
      Eduardo Beltrame - President, SEMEQ SYSTEMS Corporation

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      In this learning session, we delve into the critical role of technology in enhancing the effectiveness of maintenance strategies from the unique perspective of reliability analysts. This session is meticulously designed for reliability engineers, maintenance managers, vibration analysts, and equipment instructors, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern technological demands.

      This session is not just a learning opportunity but a platform to share experiences and strategies with peers, driving forward the digital transformation in your organization's maintenance and reliability practices.

    • Enhancing Operational Synergy: A Case Study on Integrated Analytic Reports for Maintenance and Procurement in Industrial Operations

      Mark Smyth - CMMS Specialist, Cogep

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      In today's industrial landscape, the seamless coordination between maintenance, procurement, and inventory management is paramount for ensuring optimal equipment availability. Many operations struggle with disjointed approaches, hindering overall efficiency and equipment reliability.

      Our session will unveil a transformative case study, delving into implementing automated analytic reports directly linked to the CMMS system. These reports are a unifying force, offering real-time insights into maintenance, procurement, and inventory data. By showcasing the interconnected nature of these reports, attendees will gain valuable insights into fostering collaboration between departments and streamlining operations.

    • Integrating Your Oil Analysis Program Through an API Interface

      Bill Quesnel - President, WearCheck International (WCI)

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      Effectively integrating your oil analysis program with your CMMS through an API can avoid a 50% increase in fleet maintenance costs, including 20% associated with unscheduled machine breakdowns.

      This session will demonstrate how various clients have achieved maintenance improvements by integrating their CMMS with their oil analysis vendors' data using an API. The session will also demonstrate how to optimize fleet utilization and reduce the resources required to manage an oil analysis program while providing key insights into the health of your assets.

      Attendee should be a maintenance manager, or PdM coordinator, or manage a large oil analysis program.

    • IoT: So You're Saying There's A Chance ...

      Jeremy Drury - Owner, Jeremy Drury IoT

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 8:00 am - 8:50 am

      Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage

      Digital transformation has been marred with issues, delays, and empty promises causing broken trust across industry. IoT is gaining traction, but slowly. Does new research show improvement?

      This keynote will pull compelling research, intelligence, and anecdotes from the field to orient the audience on whether they should be green light, yellow light, or red light in their pursuit of scalable IoT.

    • Navigating the Digital Shift: Working with Operators to Adapt Processes to Digital Workflows

      V.J. Venkatraman - COO & President, Datamura Solutions
      Matthew Beu - Program Manager, Datamura Solutions

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      This session focuses on the challenges organizations face in navigating the digital shift by adapting their processes to digital workflows effectively. It emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the mere replication of paper-based forms into digital portals. It highlights the need for collaboration with operators to streamline and enhance existing processes.

      This session addresses common issues with navigating online systems and selecting the best system for process needs, incorporating input from field technicians and operational staff that will be responsible for the majority of data entry, and the emphasis on continual innovation and learning. Attendees are promised actionable insights and practical strategies to empower organizations to embrace digital transformation as a catalyst for process enhancement and organizational growth.

    • Panel Discussion: Debunking the IoT Hype: What's Aspirational, What's Reality?

      Jeremy Drury - Owner, Jeremy Drury IoT

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      At this year's Reliable Plant & Machinery Lubrication Conference, we're bringing back an esteemed panel of industry experts to address the aspirations surrounding IoT and shed light on the reality of its implementation. We will explore real-world case studies, dissecting the challenges and successes of IoT adoption across various sectors. From scalability and interoperability to security concerns and data analytics, we'll dive deep into the practical aspects of harnessing the full potential of IoT.

    • Panel Discussion: The Evolution of CMMS

      Greg Christensen - Podcast Host, CMMSradio

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      As industries evolve and new challenges emerge, the role of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) has never been more crucial. This panel discussion brings together leading SMEs to explore the evolution of CMMS and its impact on maintaining operational resilience in the face of changing industry dynamics.

      Moderated by Greg Christensen, this panel will include Bryan Bieschke, Head of Community & Partnerships at UpKeep and Owner of Align Machine Company, Bennett Fitch, President of Noria, and others.

      Whether you're a CMMS veteran or exploring its possibilities, this panel discussion will provide you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the future of maintenance management.

    • Reality Check: You Are Not Ready for Digital Transformation

      Yoann Urruty - Director of Technologies, Spartakus Technologies

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      Many organizations are trying to implement digital technology to improve the reliability of their operations. Unfortunately, many are not achieving the promised benefit of digital transformation and are not getting the projected return on investment.

      In the session, we will emphasize the necessity of building the strongest foundational maintenance and reliability program before embarking on that train. Participants will learn how to foolproof master data in their CMMS, dynamic criticality ranking of assets, and ever-evolving maintenance strategies based on failure modes and key to the success of a DX project.

      We will propose a vision for DX maturity (focused on maintenance and reliability) based on six levels to establish a common understanding and agreement on how far DX could make sense for any organization to target its development. We will also hold an anonymous poll to assess where participants are today versus where they want to be tomorrow and their gaps.

    • Revolutionizing Industrial Automation: The Vital Role of Edge IoT

      Ricardo Buranello - SVP, IoT Platforms, Telit Cinterion

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 11:00 am - 11:50 am

      Room: Ballroom AB

      Traditional industrial automation systems often relied on centralized control and data processing, introducing latency and inefficiencies into critical processes. However, with Edge IoT, sensors, actuators, and other smart devices are equipped with computing power and intelligence at the network's edge. Edge IoT plays a vital role in industrial automation by bringing the power of IoT technology closer to the devices and machinery on the factory floor.

      In this session, Telit Cinterion will discuss how Edge IoT is integrated into industrial automation for Real-Time data processing, local control, security, scalability, reduced network dependence, analytics and insights, etc.

    • Utilizing The Power of Data to Increase The Life of Your Conveyor Chain

      Anthony Brown - VP, Mighty Lube

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      Conveyor chains can experience accelerated elongation due to inefficiency. This can be influenced by increased speed or load, inadequate lubrication film protection, engineering problems, and occasional manufacturing issues. Failure to address these factors properly can lead to quicker deterioration of the chains, resulting in higher maintenance and replacement expenses.

      With the continuous advancements in data analytics and vision systems, we have addressed inefficiencies within conveyor chains. Advanced technology enables us to achieve seamless and optimized operation of conveyor chains, ensuring peak performance and extending chain life. By monitoring chain wear and vital signs of the conveyor system, such as amperage, vibration, heat of the drive motor, and lubrication frequency, we can predict and prevent potential issues from arising.

      Our ChainVision and LubeVision technology allows for remote monitoring, enabling users to detect broken links or inadequate lubrication from their computers. We can predict and prevent inefficient conveyor operation by simplifying data and incorporating machine learning.

    • Bringing Motion Amplification to the Cutting Edge with Camera-Based Condition Monitoring

      Jeff Hay - CEO, RDI Technologies

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      Currently, condition monitoring strategies have limitations or difficulties with wide-scale deployment, especially when they move beyond simple motor pump combinations.

      This session explains how cameras can be leveraged to deploy condition monitoring strategies more flexibly and to cover a wider variety of assets. Attendees will learn about new technologies and methodologies for adding condition-based monitoring to their assets for better coverage and more flexible deployment.

    • Case Study: Oil Analysis with New Tools: Comparison, Challenges, and Solutions

      Thomas Feischl - Director of Business Development, eralytics

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      If an industrial company wants to carry out oil condition monitoring under its own responsibility, there are various analytical devices and different methods available. New and innovative solutions are entering the market, some of which use new measurement methods. In addition to the differences in operation and handling, there is also the question of how the measurement results obtained can be compared. Practical workflows must also provide the basis for a functioning solution.

      This case study focuses on 35 representative oil samples from an Austrian steel producer. As part of the InTribology project, a multidimensional project was carried out together with the Austrian Competence Center for Tribology (AC2T research) and the measuring device manufacturer, eralytics. The aim was to compare different measurement methods for the relevant variables in the field of oil condition monitoring. In order to put the lubricants in use into context, they were compared with fresh products and artificially aged samples.

    • Case Study: Online Monitoring of 10 Gearbox Oils for Four Years

      Steffen Nyman - Corporate Trainer & Consultant, C.C. JENSEN & Noria Partner

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      Reliability and uptime have always been the main focus for owners and operators of critical gearboxes, so oil analysis is often used to predict failure and hinder unscheduled downtime. However, oil analysis mainly shows the status at the specific time of the sample, and it is difficult to ensure the sample is entirely representative.

      The oil cleanliness in a gearbox is hugely affected by load, idle or standstill, and sampling every six months makes the trend even more inaccurate. This is where online sensors show their value, monitoring accurately many times per hour and giving immediate access to trending data.

      This session discusses how online monitoring of oil cleanliness and the state of oil degradation can be used to evaluate the oil and component status in gearboxes. We will look at a four-year study of data taken from 10 gearboxes with rated power from 900 KW to 3 MW.

    • Decoding Condition Monitoring: A Realistic Guide Amidst Industry Hype

      Corey Dickens - Sr. Solutions Consultant, Brightly, a Siemens Company
      Matthew Knuth - Condition Monitoring Solutions Engineer, SPM Instrument

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      In a space where reliable information is paramount, this session cuts through the marketing noise.

      This session will empower attendees with the knowledge to navigate the diverse landscape of condition-monitoring technologies, enabling them to make informed decisions aligned with their needs and requirements. Hearing it from a wireless IoT perspective and a battle-tested CVA III Expert, attendees will gain practical insights, moving beyond generic information to strategically choose the right technology for their unique operational context, thereby advancing the maintenance and reliability profession.

    • Empowering Manufacturers & Operators with Energy-Centered Maintenance for Improved Efficiency

      Brian Richmond - Chief Revenue Officer, Nanoprecise Sci Corp

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      Traditional maintenance approaches often lead to reactive responses to equipment failures, resulting in costly downtime, reduced productivity, and safety risks. In addition, manufacturing processes often grapple with energy inefficiencies arising from equipment faults. A malfunctioning machine, for instance, can result in heightened frictional losses, necessitating greater energy consumption to compensate for these inefficiencies.

      This session aims to illuminate the emerging concept of "energy-centered maintenance," which emphasizes the critical role of energy efficiency in maintenance strategies. This new approach to condition monitoring enables proactive maintenance, reduces unplanned downtime, enhances asset reliability, optimizes energy consumption, and improves overall operational efficiency. By integrating energy efficiency considerations into maintenance practices, industries can reduce operational costs and minimize their environmental footprint.

    • Exploring the Causes of Varnish and Oxidation Through Degradation and Prevention Strategies

      speaker placeholder avatarMarie Roucan - Research & Essai Lab Manager, ANTARA GROUPE
      speaker placeholder avatarJérémy Pallas - DIRECTOR R&D, ANTARA GROUPE

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      Lubricants, among many others, have attracted a lot of consideration to improve their durability: enhancement of the crude oil refining process, use of better-quality oil, development of synthetic lubricants, upgrade of the additives, and more. Even if all of these improvements have been quite substantial, the past decades showed a decrease in the longevity of “in-use” lubricants mainly due to the environmental restrictions and increased addition of “oxygen-rich” products, which have altered the stability of most base oils. Understanding the complexity behind the oxidation process is a key asset in increasing the lifetime of oil.

      In this session, you will learn a new technique called EPR which can be used to follow the root cause of oil degradation: the free radicals. Various free radicals can be seen in EPR depending on the nature of the lubricant, the additives, and the environment. They can be highly or slow reactive depending on the type of radicals formed and the step of the degradation.

    • Fault-Finding Technology for Condition Monitoring: How to Build Yours?

      Igor Marinelli - Founder & Co-CEO, TRACTIAN

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      As reported by Forbes, manufacturers typically experience around 800 hours of equipment downtime annually, equating to over 15 hours weekly. In automotive manufacturing, a minute of halted production can result in a loss of $22,000. Downtime in manufacturing leads to an annual cost of up to $50 billion. Operations have traditionally relied on predictive, preventive, and reactive approaches and are now witnessing the emergence of prescriptive maintenance. This transition involves adapting to a proactive rather than a reactive stance, enabling maintenance teams to base their actions on real-time machine condition data and thus avoid unplanned downtime.

      The session addresses the significant challenge of equipment downtime and its associated costs in manufacturing, as well as how having fault-finding technology for condition monitoring can be crucial for better results.

    • Leveraging AI and Analytical Efficiency for Predictive Maintenance

      Jeremy Frank - CEO, KCF Technologies

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations across various sectors are inundated with enormous volumes of data. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Successfully navigating this sea of information requires not just traditional analytical methods but the integration of more advanced computational techniques to drive efficiency and innovation.

      This session delves into the heart of these advanced computational methodologies, elucidating their underlying principles and the transformative impact they can have on data analytics processes.

      By the end of the session, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of what industry leaders are executing. They will have the knowledge and insights to assess their organizational needs, evaluate the appropriateness of different methods, and chart a path forward for integrating these powerful tools into their data analytics and strategic decision-making processes.

    • Lubricant Condition Monitoring and IoT Update

      Ed Spence - Managing Director, The Machine Instrumentation Group

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      Despite the rapid digital transformation sweeping across industries, oil condition monitoring has been at a crossroads, trailing behind due to various complexities and challenges. Traditionally reliant on manual sampling and routine lab testing, this crucial process is now poised for a revolutionary shift towards automation and real-time analysis, thanks to the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT).

      In this learning session, we delve deep into IoT solutions currently shaping the future of oil condition monitoring. From cutting-edge sensors to sophisticated data analytics platforms, explore technological innovations that set new standards for efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in condition-monitoring practices.

    • Onsite Fluid Analysis: The Gateway to Holistic Condition Monitoring

      Jack Poley - Managing General Partner, CMI

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      For over six decades, most analyzed lube samples have been tested in laboratories remote from the shop floor where the asset is. Much good was accomplished and still is; however, there is an issue with delivery time since samples must be sent to a lab that may be hundreds of miles away. This is an unwanted delay, but there hasn't been a solution to this problem. Today, there is onsite fluid analysis, and we are now better equipped for solid results.

      Onsite fluid analysis obviates the necessity to ship samples and, once established, creates an entirely new path that includes a bonus that is unavailable unless a fast turnaround time is employed. Holistic CM (a.k.a. mixed mode CM) is that bonus, a game changer.

      In this session, attendees will learn some of the latest technology that enables a successful transition to onsite fluid analysis, the additional bonuses that onsite fluid analysis offers, and why sensors for fluid analysis, while existing and performing well in specific situations, are not yet ready to provide a solution in most instances.

    • Panel Discussion: Beyond the Lab: Revolutionizing Machinery Health with Advanced Oil Analysis Techniques

      Shon Isenhour - Owner, Eruditio

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 10:00 am - 10:50 am

      Room: Ballroom AB

      This panel discussion will explore cutting-edge strategies in oil analysis, from the transformative potential of onsite fluid analysis to holistic condition monitoring. Learn how these innovations offer not just immediate insights but also long-term benefits, streamlining operations, reducing costs, and enhancing asset performance.

      Moderated by Shon Isenhour, this panel will include Jim Fitch, CEO of Noria Corporation, Jack Poley, Managing General Partner of CMI, and Jeff Walkup, Vice President of Fluid Life Inc.

      Join us for an insightful discussion on the latest advancements and how they pave the way for optimized machinery health and operational excellence.

    • PQ vs FerroQ: Understanding In-Service Lubricant Ferrous Debris Quantification

      David Swanson - Director of Technical Services, Polaris Laboratories

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      The venerable kittiwake pQ first saw the light of day in 1985, invented by the Swansea Tribology Group, and since then, has become an essential component of condition monitoring. One of the more modern developments has been the FerroQ device. How do they compare?

      In this session, we'll cover the differences, benefits, and limitations when analyzing ferrous content to understand best and obtain valuable data to meet your lubricant analysis objectives.

    • Stop Over-heating (Killing) Your Bearings with Poor Lubrication Practices

      Adrian Messer - U.S Operations Manager, SDT Ultrasound Solutions Inc

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom E

      Designed for maintenance professionals, engineers, and anyone involved in machinery upkeep, this session focuses on the critical practice of precision lubrication of bearings, an essential component for reducing unscheduled downtime and extending machinery's operational lifespan.

      Attendees will leave the session equipped with the practical knowledge and skills to implement precision lubrication effectively, significantly enhancing machinery's reliability and lifespan. This course will empower attendees to make informed decisions, leading to improved maintenance schedules and better resource allocation.

    • The Energy and Emissions Relationship between Electrical Signature Analysis, Vibration, and Motion Amplification Signatures

      Howard Penrose - President, MotorDoc LLC

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 10:00 am - 10:50 am

      Room: Ballroom E

      Join us for a comprehensive session where we delve into the practical applications of spectral data from electric signature analysis (ESA), vibration, and motion amplification in optimizing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in electric machinery.

      This session builds upon the findings of a pioneering multi-year study that explores the intricate relationships between spectral data and its impact on kilowatt-hour efficiency and corporate emissions objectives.

      Attendees will leave with actionable insights that bridge the gap between technical data and strategic environmental goals, empowering them to make informed decisions that drive operational excellence and sustainability.

    • Wear Metal Alarm Limits Versus Trending

      Evan Zabawski - Senior Technical Advisor, Eurofins TestOil

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 10:00 am - 10:50 am

      Room: Ballroom CD

      Oil analysis users commonly ask, “How much wear is normal/abnormal?” and tend to get answers ranging from generic to misleading.

      This session will begin by clarifying why that question poses such difficulties in getting a straight answer using clear examples applicable to any type of asset. Variables such as viscosity, sump volume and oil service play a vital role in establishing reasonable limits, so there is no one set of published limits. Even attempts at using rate-of-change are fraught with inaccurate assumptions that mask real issues.

      This session will conclude by showing how trending avoids all the common pitfalls of the other methods and gives them the confidence to perform oil analysis interpretation confidently — without limits.

    • Attracting New Talent With Reliability

      Wes Cash - Vice President of Services, Noria Services

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

      Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage


      With the skill shortage in full effect, employers must attract talent differently than in the past. By emphasizing reliability and its benefits, you can provide a compelling reason for people to seek employment within your organization.

      Increasingly, job seekers want to know that their employer has a cause beyond profit worth supporting. Connecting this cause with a stable work environment can create a compelling reason why employment in your organization is the best option.

      In this keynote, you will discover the top reasons that reliability impacts staffing and how you can leverage these to entice people to your facility.

    • From Task Manager to Effective Leader: The People Business Paradigm

      Jody Parsons - Leader and Organizational Development Coach, Tulsa, OK

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      Often, managers are promoted to leadership positions because they have mastered task completion. Unfortunately, these new leaders are often unequipped to shift from task completion to leading people. As a result, leaders become unintentional micro-managers who focus on task completion rather than people development. New leaders follow the example of leadership presented by senior leaders who may or may not have discovered the paradigm shift to being in the people business rather than in the task completion business. However, there are attainable practices that leaders may implement with confidence.

      Unfortunately, the cycle of task completion becomes paramount, and leaders and followers experience burnout from inefficient “leadership” practices that are well-intentioned but fall short of people development. When leaders understand that, first and foremost, they are in the people business, and when leaders gain practical skills to develop people, the tasks miraculously take care of themselves. One current trend dominating leadership literature is the leader as a coach. What is missing are practical instructions and examples of beginning and sustaining a coaching model that focuses on people development rather than task completion.

      In this session, I will discuss the current state of employee engagement, provide a lens through which leaders may see their role as coaches, and uncover two practical methods for people development through the coaching lens: the art of asking questions and the C.U.P. method of feedback.

    • Gaining Traction Up & Down the Ladder

      Jason Smith - Director, Business Development, ABS Consulting

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      This session aims to address the issue of gaining leadership buy-in for organizational project initiatives, creating craft-level champions and gaining their interest and support. It will cover topics such as the project's value and impact, return on investment, metrics for the business case, and creating champions at all levels.

      By providing practical tips and strategies, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to gain leadership buy-in and create champions who are invested and supportive of the project initiatives.

    • Give 'em Some FLAC

      Daré Petreski - Director, Delta Asset Reliability

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      In this session, we will delve into the challenges and strategic solutions related to the significant variability in lubricant cleanliness across the operations of a multinational mining company.

      This session is ideal for both new and seasoned professionals in the mining industry, including operational managers, maintenance teams, and decision-makers looking to enhance operational efficiencies and foster a culture of proactive problem-solving.

      Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of managing operational challenges through innovative thinking and strategic management.

    • Improving Culture to Attract and Retain Skilled Labor

      Jon Heard - Technical Development & Recruiting Manager, Perdue Foods
      Scott Goodman - Technical Training Coordinator, Perdue Farms

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 11:00 am - 11:50 am

      Room: Ballroom F

      This informative session will help you navigate the manufacturing sector's complex landscape of skilled labor. Focusing on overcoming historical challenges and learning from past successes, the session will give you actionable insights and strategies to attract, develop, and retain the right technical talent.

      Dive into the intricacies of creating a robust and positive workplace culture within the maintenance and reliability spheres and understand the overarching importance of nurturing your skilled labor force.

    • Merle Haggard: Talented Troubadour or Leadership Legend

      Jody Parsons - Leader and Organizational Development Coach, Tulsa, OK

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 8:00 am - 8:50 am

      Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage

      In this keynote address, Dr. Parsons weaves a framework for effective leadership through connection to Merle Haggard songs and lyrics. In doing so, the audience learns to find effective leadership practices in everyday and unsuspecting places.

    • Panel Discussion: The Culture Catalyst: Leadership Strategies for Transformative Impact

      Jody Parsons - Leader and Organizational Development Coach, Tulsa, OK

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      How can leadership transform their workplace? This panel brings together distinguished leaders who have mastered the art of cultural influence to foster environments where safety, efficiency, and innovation are at the forefront.

      Moderated by Jody Parsons, this panel will include Shon Isenhour, Owner of Eruditio, Charli K. Matthews, CEO and Founder of Empowering Brands, and others!

      Attendees will gain insights into effective communication, employee empowerment, and technology integration into cultural practices. This panel discussion is designed for those looking to elevate their influence and impact in their workplace.

    • Selling Reliability: The Missing Link in Manufacturing

      Shon Isenhour - Owner, Eruditio

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      Embarking on the path to reliability demands more than technical know-how; it requires the ability to sell the concept—something many of us in the maintenance field find daunting. This session is not just a learning opportunity; it's a gateway to mastering this critical skill. We'll delve into tools and processes that empower you, giving you the confidence to communicate the value of reliability effectively. This will ensure you secure the necessary support, funding, and resources to achieve your goals.

      Discover how to identify and articulate manufacturing challenges, linking them directly to reliability improvements. Learn strategies for marketing your progress and expected results to stakeholders, closing the deal by clearly stating your needs, and ultimately, celebrating your successes to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

      Whether you're implementing reliability strategies or simply exploring potential directions, this session promises to equip you with practical examples and actionable insights. You'll leave with the knowledge, practical tools, and strategies to 'fake it till you make it' as a reliability marketer, ensuring your facility meets its production objectives.

      Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to reliability and make it a pivotal part of your operational success. Let's navigate the journey together, turning challenges into triumphs.

    • Tapping into the Power of Leadership, Mentoring, and Communication — Identifying and Developing the Next Generation Leaders!

      Jeff Walkup - Vice President, Fluid Life Inc.

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      Effective leadership and communication are crucial in driving organizational success in today's fast-paced and highly competitive maintenance and business world. Leadership isn't just about overseeing tasks and making decisions; it involves inspiring and guiding teams toward achieving a common goal.

      Similarly, communication serves as the lifeblood of any organization, ensuring seamless collaboration, efficient problem-solving, and the exchange of valuable information. This session will explore the critical interplay between leadership and communication and highlight its significance in achieving organizational excellence. We will also discover the hidden power in identifying and developing the industry's next visionary leaders and thinkers via solid mentoring methods and relationship building.

      Being book smart and savvy with big data, condition monitoring, AI & ML, edge computing, and digital twins are the buzzwords of the day; however, leading and influencing human intelligence and human reactions into action still remain the star of the day.

    • The Human Capital Vertex: A Workforce Development Plan Key to Your Asset Management Strategy

      Tara Holwegner - Manager, Product Development and IP, Life Cycle Engineering

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom AB

      There has never been a more exciting or daunting time in industrial operations. The convergence of reliability-centered methodologies and digital manufacturing presents unprecedented opportunities to optimize equipment performance, use data to support operations, and strongly compels organizations to focus on developing their most critical assets – their people.

      We cannot ignore the need for industrial skills, recruiting dilemmas, and retention challenges. It’s not only the job of HR but also of site and department managers close to operations to develop/upskill/reskill their teams.

      The session will start by exploring research and trends in workforce development and how they apply to the industrial environment. Attendees will examine methodologies used by small- and large-scale improvement initiatives to produce results like 44% reduced downtime, 1.4% increase in OEE, and millions in failure avoidance.

      Attendees will use a 3A decision-making framework to draft a workforce development approach that is scalable for use by an individual department or a global organization. They will also use sample program management tools, including coaching plans, digital resources, and online support, to onboard new team members, increase employee engagement, and develop stewards for your asset management program.

    • 5 Symptoms of An Underperforming Maintenance System

      Kristin Drake - Vice President, Customer Success, Limble
      Matt Burtz - Maintenance Consultant, Limble

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom CD

      Do you have a CMMS, EAM, or other maintenance software but are not using the features or experiencing the benefits you’d hoped for? Are some members of your team resisting the transition to using an app or software to support their work?

      This session will address the top five symptoms of an underperforming maintenance system. We will look at the root causes you can fix and those you can’t always solve and provide strategies to engage your team and optimize your organization’s investment in maintenance software.

      Attendees will learn best practices for making the most of their maintenance software through case studies and expert recommendations learned through thousands of software implementations.

    • Addressing Soft Foot: Ensuring Optimal Performance and Reliability in Rotating Equipment

      Daus Studenberg - National Product Manager, Ludeca, Inc.

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      Soft foot issues are prevalent yet often overlooked in rotating equipment maintenance. Understanding and addressing soft foot is essential for ensuring optimal equipment performance and reliability.

      Through informative discussions and practical examples, participants will learn how to identify and rectify soft foot problems in rotating equipment effectively. The session will emphasize the importance of addressing soft foot alongside shaft alignment practices for optimal equipment performance and reliability. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and implementation techniques to mitigate soft foot issues in their respective workplaces.

    • Best Maintenance Repair Practices

      Ricky Smith - Vice President, World Class Maintenance

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      Many organizations need help hiring competent maintenance technicians. Using excerpts from his book, the session will detail specific techniques to enhance technicians' confidence in their jobs.

      This session is based on Smith's experience assessing maintenance technicians and creating specific training plans for maintenance technicians resulting in optimal performance for multiple plants.

    • Bridging the Divide: Closing the Gap Between Reliability and Condition Monitoring

      Matthew Knuth - Condition Monitoring Solutions Engineer, SPM Instrument

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      There can be a significant gap between reliability engineering and condition monitoring departments, which can negatively impact plant reliability and uptime and be extremely limiting to the success of both departments.

      Successful condition monitoring is not just about collecting data; it's about utilizing it effectively. The effectiveness of collaboration depends on clear communication, defined roles and responsibilities, and a shared commitment to achieving common goals. By working together, reliability engineers and condition monitoring specialists can ensure the smooth operation, maximum uptime, and extended lifespan of critical assets.

      By bridging the gap between reliability engineering and condition monitoring, organizations can leverage each department's unique strengths to achieve optimal plant reliability and uptime. In this session, you will learn how the gap between reliability engineering and condition monitoring departments negatively impacts plant reliability.

    • Enhancing Electric Power Transformer Fleet Reliability

      Jon Bucciarelli - President, SDMyers
      Chip Angus - Reliability Account Manager, SDMyers

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      The reliability of commercial and industrial electric power transformer fleets is paramount in ensuring a stable and uninterrupted supply of electricity to commercial and industrial enterprises. Possibly aging infrastructure, environmental factors, and evolving demands pose significant challenges to maintaining a dependable transformer fleet.

      In this session, we delve into the critical aspects of transformer fleet reliability, focusing on key strategies and practices commercial and industrial power system operators and engineers can employ to enhance the performance and longevity of their transformers. We will cover eight specific strategies or practices.

      Attendees will gain insights into best practices, technologies, and strategies that can empower commercial and industrial operators to deliver a more resilient and dependable electricity supply to their operations. We will then help them navigate the challenges of maintaining a robust transformer fleet in an ever-evolving energy landscape.

    • Enhancing Reliability and Efficiency: In-Depth Analysis of Two Cement Industry Case Studies

      Javed Ahmad - Inspection & Reliability Team Leader, Safwa Cement Company

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      This session presents two case studies where unexpected high vibration and jerks in the gearbox impacted the reliability and operational efficiency of the equipment. A kiln main burner primary air fan motor also experienced a gradual increase in current, tripping on overload and leading to a kiln breakdown.

      The session will delve into a detailed case study involving the diagnosis and resolution of the identified gearbox issue. It will explore the systematic actions taken, including visual inspections, oil replacement, air breather cleaning, motor testing, and vibration analysis using advanced monitoring technology.

      These two cases alone saved more than $200,000 in maintenance and production expenses, which is a remarkable achievement in the process plant. Attendees will gain insights into effective troubleshooting techniques, preventative and predictive maintenance strategies, and the importance of timely action in averting potential equipment damage. The case studies highlight the importance of thorough inspections, risk assessments, and timely actions to prevent equipment breakdown, production loss, and potential safety incidents.

    • How MRO Taxonomy Affects your Organization's Maintenance and Planning Strategy

      William Sloan - Consultant, Eruditio

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      This session addresses the problem maintenance planners and technicians have in locating the appropriate spare parts and tools needed to perform and complete work orders on a timely basis.

      In this session, we will address the problems caused by an incorrect taxonomy and provide a simplified path for organizations to follow in correcting their taxonomy while increasing efficiency and saving money on spare parts costs. This session is perfect for attendees with skills as a maintenance technician, planner, scheduler, or MRO storeroom associate.

    • How Race-Winning Tribology Can Reduce Operating Costs & Downtime

      Lake Speed Jr - Tribologist, Total Seal

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      The No. 1 source of engine friction and wear is the piston rings rubbing against the cylinder walls. Multiple research studies from Ford and the U.S. Department of Energy have concluded that the piston ring and cylinder wall contact account for as much as 40% of all engine friction. That friction comes at a high price in terms of energy costs and equipment downtime due to wear.

      Racers are known for improving mechanical efficiency — reducing friction and drag — because they improve lap time. You can see it on the time sheets. Joe Gibbs Racing applied the science of tribology to its NASCAR engines and gearboxes, and the results were three times more wins and three times the life of those engines and gearboxes. In this session, we will reveal the technologies applied by Joe Gibbs Racing to achieve these incredible results.

    • Implementing Strategic MRO/Master Data Management (MDM) for Enhanced Reliability Performance: A Practical Use Case

      Kevin Gates - Director of Product and Professional Services, Xtivity
      John Bellettini - Manager Central Maintenance, Ingredion

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      Ingredion, a leading food, and beverage ingredient provider identified poor data management as a primary root cause to subpar maintenance and MRO inventory performances. Inaccurate and inconsistent data on assets, parts inventories, and maintenance schedules led to inefficient maintenance practices, excessive inventory costs, and reduced asset life spans.

      To address, a strategic MDM framework was developed, focusing on the development of a MDM Corporate standard, that defined how items were to be illustrated in the ERP. In addition, a custom MRO dictionary was developed, where Noun, modifiers and attributes were reviewed and adjusted based on either mandatory or not mandatory and the sequence of importance.

      Leveraging the MDM corporate standard and custom MRO Dictionary, the company undertook a data cleansing and enrichment project, focusing on their four largest North American plants, correcting inaccuracies and standardizing and enriching MRO master data.

      Ingredion is currently assessing the opportunity to invest in MDM software/services to maintain data integrity and streamline data management. This combination of software (workflows & reference catalogs) and managed services will ensure a standardized process from request to data being populated in SAP.

    • Integration of Lubrication and Condition-based Maintenance Processes for Assets in Heavy Industry

      Fabio Brand - Reliability Engineer, Gerdau

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 10:00 am - 10:50 am

      Room: Ballroom F

      In industrial maintenance, world-class companies must seek innovations to remain at the forefront of applying technology in their production process, especially in managing their assets. For these companies, integrating lubrication management into a comprehensive condition-based maintenance strategy stands as a beacon of progress and efficiency, with increased equipment availability and consequent increases in productivity and cost reduction.

      Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is a maintenance strategy that monitors an asset's actual condition to decide what maintenance needs to be done. In the session, we will present a framework for inspections using the asset's P-F curve, define the best inspection methods, and integrate the Lubrication crews into the CBM processes, aiming to optimize the resources used and the associated costs.

    • Misalignment — Having the Right Knowledge and Tools for the Job

      Terry Southall - Global Brand & Distribution Manager, Hamar Laser Instruments, Inc.

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      Misalignment of an asset happens, and everyone has their method, process, and belief on how to resolve it. At that point, industry standards and proven techniques take a back seat to partial training and the midnight garage mechanic mentality and ingenuity. In some cases, the tribal knowledge method works, but for how long.

      From assembly errors, infant mortality, not knowing what you don't know, missed steps, unfollowed procedures, ignoring OEM requirements or specifications, or not knowing what tools are needed, misalignment assists in the destruction of products, profit, and "Having a Good Day" in any facility, in any industry.

      This session will give the attendee a better understanding of what causes misalignment, the types of misalignment, the impact it has on the equipment and the facility, the tools available to assist in removing misalignment, a list of corrective measures and alignment techniques to assist in removing misalignment, standardized maintenance expectation and best practices to follow, and samples of case studies and real-world examples of proper and improper techniques centered around misalignment.

    • Solid Footing to Maintenance Excellence

      Ernest Newmes - Corporate Maintenace and Reliability Manager, Enviva

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      Companies have unrealistic expectations of a maintenance journey to excellence. Organizations move to the "fancy" stuff versus the fundamentals. These lead to a lack of process sustainability. The process falls apart after a few years and returns to previous behaviors.

      Many experience repeated attempts to improve maintenance performance; after a few attempts, the organization is numb, and improvements are harder to achieve as the organization sees it as an impossible dream and lacks the motivation to action to improve the process.

    • Speed Secrets: How Tribology Fuels NASCAR Wins

      Lake Speed Jr - Tribologist, Total Seal

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 8:00 am - 8:50 am

      Room: Schaumburg Ballroom East/West | Reliability Stage

      The No. 1 source of engine friction and wear is the piston rings rubbing against the cylinder walls. Multiple research studies from Ford and the U.S. Department of Energy have concluded that the piston ring and cylinder wall contact account for as much as 40% of all engine friction. That friction comes at a high price in terms of energy costs and equipment downtime due to wear.

      Engines that consume less fuel and compressors that draw less current save a company on fuel and energy costs over time, especially with today’s fuel costs. Engines and compressors that last longer obviously save money by reducing replacement/rebuild costs. Engines with less blowby enable longer engine oil life, which saves money through fewer oil changes (both in labor and oil costs). With inflation driving up the cost of materials and labor, isn’t now the best time to look at proven examples that improve efficiency?

    • The Key to Reliability Success is Information Accessibility

      Forrest Pardue - President/Owner, 24/7 Systems

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      Multiple reliable information sources from various tools and technologies are often available. It can be challenging to consolidate and access this data across asset management systems (EAM/CMMS), condition monitoring solutions, specialized apps, spreadsheets, emails, oil labs and repair shops.

      This session will share perspectives from a metals manufacturer, maintenance service contractor, and reliability consultant on the significance of centralizing valuable information in a single reliability database. We will conclude with key characteristics of a fully optimized single reliability database, such as a web-based design, data standardization, communication controls, accountability, automatic metric compilation, etc.

    • The Value of Risk Based Inspection Support As Part Of A Reliability Based Maintenance Program

      Roger Collard - Engineering Maintenance Reliability Manager, Calumet Specialty Products

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom F

      Ensuring maintenance tasks and personnel are directed to failure modes and associated consequences that really matter and can be justified. The session will introduce probability and failure modes and then focus on the probability of occurrence and detection of failure modes.

      The session then takes attendees through several tools and real-world applications. Maintenance tasks and the time spent doing them are costly. These tactics help better understand and manage a maintenance program based on risk.

    • Writing Effective Tasks for Maintenance Actions

      Michael Mazur - Level III Mechanic/Trainer/Supervisor, Schwan's Global Supply Chain

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 11:00 am - 11:50 am

      Room: Ballroom CD

      This interactive session addresses the common challenge of vague, wordy, and often confusing instructions that can lead to maintenance task failures. Throughout this session, attendees will identify poorly written task descriptions and learn strategies to standardize and clarify these instructions for better workplace efficiency and teamwork.

      Attendees will leave the session with practical tools and strategies for eliminating wasted time through better-written communications, standardized procedures, and enhanced workforce involvement. This will ultimately lead to more streamlined operations and improved team morale.

    • “Are We There Yet?" How to Follow the Complete ICML 55® on the Journey to Audit-Ready Lubrication Excellence

      Paul Hiller - Marketing Manager, International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML)
      Leslie Fish - Executive Director, International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML)

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 10:00 am - 10:50 am

      Room: Ballroom G

      Five years ago, the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) introduced the vendor-neutral ICML 55 Standard for lubricated asset management. This global standard helps lubrication management teams in any industry to understand and enable lubrication's necessary place in the broader scope of corporate asset management plans. The standard's Requirements document (ICML 55.1) was published in 2019, followed last year with the executive Overview (ICML 55.0) and Guideline for implementation (ICML 55.2).

      With so much information, the ICML 55 standards may seem daunting to potential users. The complete series can enable any company to develop a successful, sustainable, lubricated asset management program — but first, they should understand how the documents are structured and how they relate.

      Furthermore, 2024 will see the introduction of ICML 55's final component: the ICML 55.3 auditors' guideline, which will provide the framework for ICML to roll out a Global 55.1 Corporate audit program. This part of ICML 55 is a game-changer because it represents the first time ICML will certify organizations, not just individuals. The audit program will comprise the official process for confirming that an organization has completed its journey, arriving at the destination of "successful, sustainable" lubrication excellence.

    • Achieving Results Through the Implementation of a Reliable Lubrication Program

      Dayvid Nascimento - Engineering Process Analyst, VLI Logistics
      Franciane Moreno - Engineering Process Analyst, VLI Logistics

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom G

      We will address problems related to high maintenance costs, machine downtime, high lubricant consumption, health and safety incidents, poor lubrication practices, and oil analysis resulting from a low-maturity lubrication program in a port operation in Southeast Brazil.

      The roadmap used to increase the maturity will be presented to the public, which took this facility from an initial score of 24% using the Noria ASCEND™ diagnosis to 90% in four years.

      This session will significantly contribute to the knowledge improvement in the area in question, providing valuable insights for industry professionals and management committed to continuously improving lubrication practices.

    • Implementing a First-Class Lubrication Reliability Program (Plus Short Case Study)

      Dean Hammes - Director of Sales, OilSafe

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      Join us for a transformative learning session designed to revolutionize your approach to lubrication management in industrial settings. In this session, we'll offer a comprehensive blueprint for elevating your plant's lubrication program, addressing common challenges, and implementing proven solutions to enhance overall reliability.

      This session is designed for professionals at all levels involved in plant maintenance and management. Whether you are looking to refine your existing lubrication practices or overhaul your program completely, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to achieve lubrication excellence.

    • Introduction to Hydraulic Oil Health: Maintaining the Lifeblood of Your Machines

      Dan Aronson - Industrial Solutions Group Manager, Meiji Corporation

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      The mere use of hydraulic fluids, let alone failing to maintain their quality, creates many problems — some of which are quite severe. Contaminated oil damages machines, sometimes severely, costing tens or even hundreds of dollars in repairs. Routine oil maintenance, including topping up oil, replacing oil, cleaning oil tanks and circuits, and replacing inline filters, requires machines to be taken offline, causing a loss of productivity. Contaminated oil often causes machines to work at less than peak efficiency. This often causes production quality issues, leading to scrap or diminished power generation.

      The session offers strategies to minimize the issues listed above and then compares and contrasts them. The effects of these strategies include reducing oil consumption/disposal and minimizing or eliminating the damage and loss of productivity caused by contaminated oil.

      Virtually every user of hydraulic oil has experienced one or more of the issues stated above. Attendees will leave the session with clear-cut strategies for solving all of the issues caused by the use and subsequent degradation of hydraulic oil.

    • Lubricating the Future: Cutting Carbon Emissions in Industrial Processes

      Holger Streetz - CEO & Board Member, Bathan AG

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      In the pursuit of carbon mitigation, the impact of consumables, particularly lubricants, has become a focal point. This session explores the transformative impact of greases on carbon mitigation in loss lubrication processes. We demonstrate a remarkable 95% reduction in lubricant consumption through case studies when utilizing special greases.

      This session also highlights the substantial potential for carbon mitigation in loss lubrication processes by adopting innovative greases. Beyond regulatory compliance, this approach aligns with sustainable practices, contributing to a greener industrial landscape. The study advocates for the broader adoption of such greases across various industries to significantly reduce carbon footprints associated with loss lubrication processes.

    • New Developments in Grease Sampling and Analysis

      Rich Wurzbach - President, MRG Labs

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 11:00 am - 11:50 am

      Room: Ballroom E

      Initially developed in 2015, the ASTM standard for Inservice Grease Analysis has been recently revised to include technology developments to measure Grease Colorimetry and Wear. An interlaboratory study was performed to establish precision statements for several of the six tests outlined in this method, providing independent input on the performance of various instruments used in grease analysis.

      The session will discuss new tools to inspect greases in the field per the ASTM standard, and lower cost, accurate sampling tools that meet the ASTM sampling standard. 

    • Raising the Profile of the Lubrication Engineer

      Daniel Shorten - SME Lubrication Management, John Crane Solutions

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 10:00 am - 10:50 am

      Room: Ballroom H

      Lubrication is considered a known and managed topic, and the personnel tasked with its management are often seen as commodities. This session will present the lubrication engineer (LE) as the human sensor, a critical source of useful information, and the guardian of reliable lubrication, which continues to be cited as the root cause of many machinery failures due to poor management.

    • Root Cause Analysis and Your Lubrication Program — What is the Connection?

      Gary Tyne - Director, Pro-Reliability Solutions Limited

      Date: Thursday June 6, 2024, 11:00 am - 11:50 am

      Room: Ballroom H

      Lubrication programs are often dismissed by managers and leaders, and as reliability professionals, we can find it a challenge to get funding for such programs.

      This session will address the benefits of applying root cause analysis to the problem and identify a number of effective solutions that will support getting the lubrication journey over the line. The session will run through a case study from a UK chemical facility that used this approach to establish its own lubrication excellence journey.

    • Saving the Planet — One Gallon at a Time

      Mark Barnes - Senior Vice President Global Sales, Des-Case Corporation

      Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      Most large companies have some form of a sustainability program, with good reason. Our planet is warming at an alarming rate, and drastic action is required before it’s too late. With so much at stake, many companies are pushing their operations and supply chain teams to reduce the overall carbon footprint. But how can the maintenance team contribute?

      The answer is simple: quit wasting oil! With an estimated cost of approximately 6 Kg (13.2 lbs) of equivalent CO2 emissions to produce, use and dispose of 1 gallon of lubricating oil, even a small reduction in oil usage can have a significant impact on our environmental footprint.

      In this session, we’ll explore how moving from time-based oil changes to a condition-based fluid management strategy can protect both the environment and your assets.

    • Using ASTM D7720 to Calculate Lubricant Analysis Limits

      Gerardo Trujillo - Director, Noria Latin America

      Date: Monday June 3, 2024, 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      Many organizations use statistically derived limits to establish lubricant analysis limits, but they consider that all of the oil analysis parameters follow a normal distribution and define their limits using +/- 2 SD from the mean. The reality is that many of the test data parameters are nonparametric, and the limits should be calculated using other formulas. Also, cleaning the database from outliers is normally neglected, and the resulting values are incorrect.

      This session will explain the importance of database quality and cleaning, the size of the ideal database to calculate statistically derived limits, the identification of database characteristics, and how limits should be calculated depending on the distribution.

    • Varnish Formation, Testing, and Control in a Circulating and Hydraulic System

      Robert Mills - Product Technical Specialist, Chevron

      Date: Wednesday June 5, 2024, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm

      Room: Ballroom H

      This session will address the issue of varnish buildup in turbine and hydraulic systems, which can cause serious problems for machinery performance and reliability. Varnish is a sticky substance that forms when oil oxidizes and degrades, and it can clog filters, valves, and other components, leading to overheating, wear, failure, and loss of efficiency. Varnish can be hard to detect and remove, and it can result in costly maintenance and downtime if not dealt with effectively.

      In this session, you will learn how varnish forms, how it affects oil quality and machinery health, and how to test for varnish in your oil samples. You will also learn about the different methods of varnish removal, such as highspeed flush, varnish filtration, and chemical cleaners. You will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as the potential issues that may arise from using them. You will also learn about the recent developments in chemical cleaner evaluation tests, which can help you choose the best cleaner for your system.

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Cancellation Policy

Less $75 processing fee if written request of cancellation is received prior to 04/22/2024 12:00AM CST. No refunds processed after 04/22/2024 12:00AM CST.