How does your company fix simple preventative maintenance problems?

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How does changing a 9-volt battery save a facility hundreds of dollars later?

A national retailer needed a systematic inspection of their facilities.  During these visits, it was determined including a procedure to check the battery in the exit door alarm system could prevent a more costly on-demand work ticket when the battery failed.

Scope of the Work

1.  Technicians should carry a supply of 9-volt batteries when conducting preventative maintenance at each location. 

2.  Attach piece of masking tape labeled with date onto battery.

3.  Open battery case for exit alarm system and inspect battery.  Batteries older than a set timeframe should be exchanged. 

Challenges 

  1.  Typically a project meets obstacles during preparation or in delivery.  However, in this instance, the challenge of how to cut costs was the issue. This project became a solution to a client need.       

Solutions

  1. The solution relied on company differentiators to make the project a success.  
  2. Accountability – The client set the standard for at what interval the battery should be changed.  
  3. Structure – The procedure was incorporated into the existing Preventative Maintenance Plan so the battery swap was not overlooked.  Checklist documentation ensures that details of systematic inspections are not forgotten.  
  4. Communication – A simple piece of tape with the date communicates when to replace saving the client hundreds per location

Summary

By simply checking the shelf life of a battery, the client was protected against a more costly on-demand repair.  When the 9-volt battery fails, the system emits an alarm that must be turned off by an electrician.  This on-demand service cost approximately $200.  Being proactive during PM’s and having a checklist of items to inspect saves the client aggravation and expense.