9 Building Blocks of Operational Success

Every distribution center defines success differently, with each having its own set of critical business outcomes by which it is measured. Whether you’re simply trying to get through each shift or aspire to eliminate unplanned downtime, certain lifecycle management building blocks must be in place to achieve your operational goals. 

In our most recent On The Move webinar, How to Make 99.9% Uptime a Reality, I discussed how these building blocks — combined with a data-driven lifecycle approach — can help companies transition from a reactive operational paradigm to a more reliable, predictive model. By embarking on what I refer to as a journey to predictability, companies can begin to foresee problems before they occur and reduce unplanned disruptions. 

From our experience as a lifecycle management partner, there are nine fundamental building blocks required to achieve your critical business outcomes — regardless of whether you provide these yourself or partner with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

1. Data visualization and analytics — Leveraging data is essential for companies hoping to achieve continuous operational improvements. The data that exists within control systems alone is rarely used to maximum effect. DC operators need analytics tools and visualization software to access their operational data and uncover real-time insights during production.
2. Resident technicians and supervisors — DCs are filled with complex systems and technologies. An on-site staff of qualified technicians is imperative to ensure smooth, reliable operations.
3. Spare parts management — A robust spare parts management program is essential for delivering efficiently planned and corrective maintenance activities.
4. 24/7 technical support — When complex issues arise, technicians need access to expert OEM support to help troubleshoot issues and accelerate equipment repairs and issue resolution. 
5. Technical advisors — These individuals possess the extensive facility experience and equipment expertise to troubleshoot and advise the best course of action on a given piece of equipment or technical issue.
6. Field engineers — A core of field engineers is helpful for bolstering an on-site staff in a variety of situations, such as accelerating preventive (planned) maintenance processes or identifying flaws in a system’s design.
7. Asset management assessments — DCs must have periodic assessment programs in place to evaluate both equipment and operational performance. Assessments are essential for developing multi-year, asset management plans to allow for modifications, upgrades and obsolescence. 
8. Engineering center of excellence — As the needs for modifications and upgrades are identified, this team of engineers can help ensure proper design and implementation of these improvements.
9. Training — With continuous industry growth, high attrition rates and a shortfall of qualified technicians, the need for training is more critical than ever. Training helps enhance your existing technician skillsets while aiding in the recruitment process.

If all these building blocks are in place, we’ve found that it is possible to achieve 99.9 percent uptime. The question then becomes: Can you afford to neglect these building blocks and still achieve your desired business outcomes?

Honeywell Intelligrated Lifecycle Services can not only implement a data-driven lifecycle management program but also augment your on-site teams and capabilities as needed. To learn more about how Lifecycle Services can help you achieve your critical business outcomes and provide you with the building blocks of operational success, view the How to Make 99.9% Uptime a Reality webinar in its entirety.

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