How to Use Goals and Rewards to Optimize a Lubrication Program

LUBRICANT HANDLING & APPLICATION

- Paul Farless

More about this ASCEND™ Factor

Factor: H7M - Goals and Rewards Systems

Level: Management and Training (M)

Stage: Lubricant Handling & Application

About: Setting and defining goals clarifies a lubrication program's objectives, and implementing rewards systems encourages staff to reach those goals.

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What is not measured cannot be controlled, and what is not motivated cannot be achieved; this is especially true in the field of machine reliability. The lack of clear objectives and the absence of a reward system to assess and encourage compliance with the activities of the handling and application stage leaves the success of the lubrication program open to subjective interpretation. In order to reduce faults and stoppages caused by improper lubrication, an effective lubrication program should establish clear goals, which should eventually result in, reduced lubricant consumption and increased equipment availability and reliability.

Effective programs also use rewards for meeting goals to motivate staff performing the lubrication tasks. These rewards can be either economic or take some other form. Plant managers will decide which ones to select; the important thing is that the lubrication team is motivated and has the right attitude and aptitude to achieve their daily work objectives.