TFL SEP
9
COVER
STORY
INFORMATION IS UTILISED
to determine many factors and provide management with
details required for important decision-making. The implementation of a comprehensive job
card and costing system is a key part of your overall workshop control system.
The Job Card is one of the most critical source documents relating to equipment maintenance
activities, and all associated documents should be referenced and linked for traceability.
Prior to implementing a job card/cost allocation system, it is good practice to determine your
cost centre groupings so as to ensure all costs are allocated correctly. The type of allocation
system chosen depends mainly on information groupings required by management. The most
commonly used cost centre allocation structures are either information grouped by category
or component. Also bear in mind the level of personnel who are going to be allocating these
cost centres on the ground.
Before commencing any work on equipment, ensure that a job has been opened for the event,
in order to minimise theft. Always ensure that an applicable cost centre has been allocated for
any cost related transaction processed, thereby facilitating cost reporting. Ensure the warranty
status is checked before issuing or purchasing a component or part and, if still under warranty,
that the correct procedure is followed.
When it comes to recording technical repair information for maintenance events, it is good
practice to establish requirements in this regard, that is, extent and structure. If a warranty
component or part was fitted as part of the event, it is of vital importance to record this
information so as to ensure warranty status can be flagged.
Standardise component descriptions for effective analysis reporting, so that data integrity,
with no fragmented component history, is ensured. Failure and repair codes are used to
categorise particular types of failures and/or repairs for analysis purposes.
Once a job has been finalised and associated information has been captured or gathered
(manual system), a proper sign-off process must be followed. Ensure that a technical audit
of the job is conducted in order to verify all allocations and pinpoint any fraudulent items.
Management or administration can also verify job related information for completeness and
accuracy. A few examples are: labour allocations; technical repair and failure descriptions;
component change out notifications and warranty information. This makes certain of optimal
control and a streamlined process.
Recording the above data in an effective equipment management program is of substantial
benefit and guarantees real-time information input, extraction and analysis for sound
management decision-making.
Effective
workshop
control
Comprehensive information
regarding all maintenance
carried out on equipment
is of vital importance as
it forms the basis of a
preventive maintenance
management program.
By Brigitte Radford of DapSol Management Solutions (A division of the D. A. Portal Group of Companies)
This month’s free offering: e-mail info@dapsol.
com with the subject entitled ‘Job Card Input
Sheet’ for your printable document. This will
ensure comprehensive job specific maintenance
information is recorded and in-line with industry
specific ‘best operating practices’.
The Job Card is one of
the most critical source
documents relating to
equipment maintenance
activities, and all associated
documents should be
referenced and linked for
traceability.
FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS
FLEET MANAGEMENT
