Implementation of an Asset Reliability Model for More Effective Maintenance in Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County is located just northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. Gwinnett County's Department of Water Resources (GCDWR) serves approximately 800,000 customers and provides three core services: producing and distributing drinking water; collecting and treating wastewater; and managing storm water.Following economic downturn in 2008, drought, a hiring freeze, and increases in utility and chemical cost, GCDWR retained Performance Consulting Associates (PCA) to conduct a gap analysis of current maintenance and work flow practices in our facilities and compare them to industry best practices. The results of the analysis indicated that several of our process could be refined to increase efficiency, reduce technician downtime, and improve communications between maintenance and operations.With support of upper management the Asset Reliability Team (ART) was created. This group had representation from each facility and consisted of managers, operators, and technicians. Upper management insured team members had coverage at their facilities so members could participate in the workshops uninterrupted. The Asset Reliability Model (ARM) was divided into two phases. Phase one addresses work management practices and processes. Phase two will address preventative and predictive maintenance standardization / optimization, warehouse and inventory efficiency, and asset reliability. After several weeks of discussion and heated debate the ARM was drafted. The ARM details requirements for work identification and control, planning and scheduling work, roles and responsibilities, and performance metrics. After review of the drafted model for facilities, upper management approved the ARM for implementation. ART members meet on a regular basis to identify areas where improvements can be made. The second phase to the ARM is planned for 2012.