Reliable Plant July 2025

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a vital tool utilized daily in the realm of reliability. Properly understanding problem-solving methods and the analytical tools that function within it are key in aiding a facility's journey to world-class maintenance.

With more than 15 years of focused reliability and vibration analysis under his belt, Dylan has long believed in the power of condition-based maintenance — but it wasn’t until the team incorporated ultrasound, particularly SDT’s ON-GUARD continuous monitoring system, that they began to truly transform the way they approach machinery lubrication.

Wireless vibration sensors are an enabling technology driving the biggest improvements in asset reliability since the advent of route-based vibration monitoring. These sensors are one of the most important components of predictive maintenance programs because their measurements are foundational to directing corrective maintenance tasks and ultimately reduce plant downtime.

For today’s maintenance teams, the ability to make fast, accurate decisions can mean the difference between meeting performance goals and falling short.

In this episode recorded at Reliable Plant 2025, Steve Breeze from Tolko shares how engaging lube techs in the improvement process can transform a lubrication program. Hear practical ways to build ownership, encourage input from the floor, and drive meaningful change.

Today’s manufacturers face a familiar challenge: the maintenance paradox. While goals are clear -- minimize downtime, maximize efficiency, and boost profitability -- the path to achieving those goals with rotating equipment is anything but straightforward.

On Tuesday, June 3 at the 27th Annual Reliable Plant Conference & Exhibition, Lisandra Cobu was introduced as the first recipient of the Reliability Champion Award. This peer-nominated award sought to find an individual who has implemented meaningful change in maintenance and reliability while transforming team culture along the way.

The following article is the first of a three-part series in which we explore and clarify the challenges facing maintenance and reliability professionals considering wireless condition monitoring systems for their operations. We’ll review the PdM framework as a foundation for adoption of any new technology or services, discussing such subjects as the challenge of assessing program...