No one goes to the doctor for a check-up these days. We wait until something seems wrong and then go to our local GP to find out how to fix it. It’s usually something small, occasionally it’s not.
If you’re in manufacturing, transport, construction, aviation, shipping or anything that relies on machinery or vehicles, they are likely the lifeblood of your company. If they got seriously ill or died, your company may not survive either.
Machinery and vehicles are some of the biggest assets that companies own, and protecting those assets is business-critical. In fact, it is one of the best investments in time and money you can make.
Like you feel better when you’ve been eating right, you’ll increase the performance of your machines. For those with kids, you’ll be glad to hear it’s a bit easier than getting them to eat their vegetables.
For example, the UTAC-CERAM group found that by adding the patented NCH K Kube system to a diesel-fuelled vehicle, it consumed 3.3% less fuel and created 12.1% less CO2 emissions. Over one year of commercial use resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in savings, even after the cost of the system. But regular check-ups are important too.
Companies with heavy machinery and heavy load vehicles may check to see if they need to change the oil, but many are left in shock when business-critical tools break down. This leaves them unable to do business until they can fix the problem.
Just like a blood test tells a lot about the state of your body, so an oil test can tell you about the machinery it is being used in. It just needs to be the right test. NCH has been developing industrial maintenance products for 100 years and is still developing new products with the latest technological and chemical advancements. However, when it comes to their line of industrial greases and oils, they have realised that supplying the best products isn’t enough.
To supply bespoke solutions to each individual business, it is essential to do a full root cause analysis on the oil. This looks at both the health of the oil and of the machine, and regular testing identifies any deterioration of condition to predict and solve any issues before they become genuine problems for each business.
Root Cause Analysis identifies the causes of any problems or events to prevent them from recurring. Oil testing can be done when there are suspicions of a problem, or on a regular maintenance schedule to ensure solutions are proactive, not reactive. In your business, and at the doctor, early detection can save you thousands of dollars and sleepless nights, because when you catch the problem sooner, it is easier and cheaper to fix, and there is no recovery time.
So, what can a root cause analysis tell you?
- How your oil is performing and when it is time to change it.
- Early warnings that there is damage or wear in the machine.
- Signs of contamination and where it is likely to be coming from.
- Any by-products of degradation that are present.
Like a doctor diagnosing a disease but not recommending a treatment, a root cause analysis test on its own is not much use. One poll revealed that nearly a third of lubrication professionals wouldn’t know how to interpret a laboratory’s oil analysis report. To protect your investment, you need to find solutions.
Choosing to get a root cause analysis with a company that offers tailored solutions based on the results is like seeing a specialist. You’ll get your machinery or vehicles accurately diagnosed, any issues clearly explained and a prescription for how to fix it. NCH Australia offers this bespoke to service to any company looking to future-proof its assets. They have a range of solutions tailored to your needs and a team of experts that specialise in lubricants for your industry.
Your health is the most important thing you can look after. Your business’s biggest investment is the next. Maybe it’s time for a check-up?