Stuart Preaches:
I say “so what” to how long a PM takes. The industry wants to manage by using standard repair times (SRTs) as a method of managing. You have to determine what is included within the PM. Consider what it is you need to do. Do you require battery terminals to be cleaned, wiper blade replacement, tire air pressure checks, front-end alignment checks, brake strokes checked and so on? Or, are these items for after PM repairs––or maybe you don’t get around to doing them at all?
My suggestion is to set an estimated repair time (ERT) for PM completion time. I use the term ERT because not everyone works at the same pace. Not everyone wins the race, but it takes more than one person to make it a race. Some finish first and others come in behind the fastest runner.
After the PM inspection requirements are completed, then all required repairs (found during the PM inspection) should have an approval process and a determination of whether to proceed with the repairs. Then you can measure both, the PM inspection time, and the repairs, completed after the PM.
Do not let SRTs or ERTs take a corporate “sketchy direction” to replace basic management, coaching and motivational methods. Set a reasonable time, I use 2-1/2 hours (EST) per PM inspection, a very detailed inspection with the above items included in the inspection. If your people are unable to perform within in reasonable ERTs, then I suggest you find out why. Don’t let the person behind the desk make the decisions.
DWS Fleet Management website: www.darrystuart.com