The General Inspections module is another form of group-based work application. It gives you a way to confirm completion of tasks for each maintenance-worthy item on a list. The module expands on group-based maintenance, and it also has an impact on data collection and entry. Analyze its use carefully before implementing general inspections.
A general inspection gives you a way to apply global checks to every item in the inspection list and assure that each is reviewed and given a result such as Pass/Fail or a value reading.
General inspections are used to ensure safety and reliability of any maintenance-worthy item or anything you can write a work order against. The General Inspection module is used to accomplish this by:
- Reviewing actual and potential hazards
- Recording and communicating the hazards or issues that require immediate or future attention
- Retaining inspection records for future reference
- Collecting data for predictive maintenance analysis
- PMs
- General inspections only
The General Inspection module stores and communicates hazards or issues that require immediate or future attention, retains records for future reference, and collects data for predictive maintenance analysis.
General Inspection Prerequisites
A technician makes general inspections using an inspection sheet. Before the system can generate an inspection sheet, all of the following must be in place:
- Tasks to be used for general inspections
- Inspection forms using the tasks
- Master checks
- Layout of items and checks for the inspection form
Use the Organization > Task / PM Tab or the Organization > Group / PM Tab to schedule the PM for the inspection group.
Generate PM work orders or create a work order for the inspection group using an inspection task.
TIP: Although tasks used for inspections are no different from any other task, assign names that are easily recognized by technicians as being related to the General Inspection module. This will assure that time-sensitive activities are not overlooked in a long queue of work orders. Technicians can scroll through their work orders and immediately locate general inspection work orders when they log in.
Summary of the General Inspection Work Order Process
As a rule, inspection work orders are generated as PM work orders, but they can be created manually. Manual work orders for the inspection Group will include an inspection sheet when the following are met:
- Item selected for the work order is an inspection Group
- Task Code and Repair Center for the work order match those on the Inspection Form from which the Group was generated
Regardless of the method used to create it, a new inspection work order is assigned to a technician. If a technician is included on the PM Tab for a line item, the work order goes directly to the technician's queue.
The Task grid on inspection work orders includes a column titled Inspection?. Scroll to the right and click the icon in this column to open the Inspection Sheet window. The inspection sheet is the recording tool for inspection results. Only task codes designated for inspections will generate an inspection sheet.
Work orders created manually for an inspection group can have only one task code (the code designated for inspection). However, if you need a multi-task work order, other task codes can be added once the work order is saved.
Use of inspection sheets is flexible. Personnel (technicians or others) can work from a printed copy or type the results directly into WebTMA. When an item is marked fail on the Inspection Sheet window in WebTMA, a Corrective Work Order window opens immediately. If the person is logged in as a technician, he or she can make corrections and mark the Assign to myself check box. This only applies to a technician login. Regular WebTMA users do not see the check box.
If the problem was repaired on the spot, enter the Finish date field and Action Requested before saving the corrective work order. If the problem is extensive, save the work order for completion at a later time.