Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Why Inspection Quality Matters
Today's condition monitoring technologies have seen a significant focus on the use of data so it’s all too easy to neglect inspection quality—a foundational practice that often gets overlooked.
Poor inspection quality can lead to missed defects, unplanned failures, and lead to a reactive maintenance cycle that’s hard to escape—consuming more labour, time, and cost than a well-planned prevention program. A strong inspection process is your foundation for ensuring reliability and performance.
Actions
Step 1: Spot the Underperformers
Action: Trend MTBF by equipment and start with the worst offenders
Why it Helps: Targeting high-impact machines delivers fast wins
Note: if you don't have this data, just pick on a machine that has more breakdowns than the rest. There is usually at least one problem child.
Step 2: Audit During a PM
Action: Create a dedicated, high-priority audit work order
Why it Helps: Sets focus and priority on thorough inspection
Note: Leaders should communicate the importance of these audits and the need to be thorough.
Step 3: Enhance Your Checklist
Action: Add checks for known recurring issues. Include photos for clarity
Why it Helps: Makes your checklist current, actionable and visual
TIP: a picture is worth a thousand words
Take photos of defects and failures and use them as a visual guide on what to look for.
Step 4: Apply a Second Set of Eyes
Action: Assign a top technician or even the OEM to conduct the audit
Why it Helps: Fresh eyes can catch what routine inspection misses
Step 5: Cross-Check with Your System
Action: Compare audit-detected defects with those recorded in your Maintenance Management System
Why it Helps: Reveals missed defect and systemic under-reporting
TIP: a planner can't plan repairs for defect that aren't captured
Step 6: Take Action & Drill Down
Action: Use a 5-Why methods to find root causes and involve your team
Why it Helps: Drives systemic improvement and accountability
Why These Steps Matter
This isn’t a one-time task—it’s the start of a culture shift.
- Reinforces inspection as a critical reliability tool
- Reveals hidden defects before failure
- Helps prevent slipping into reactive maintenance