Jim Zurcher P.Eng (Alberta), Ph.D. (Elec.Eng.).
Jim has 25 years pulp and paper experience working in capacities including university liaison (lecturer), pulp machine manager, technology department manager, and root cause analysis leader. He has authored or co-authored over 20 papers - mainly in the field of artificial intelligence based process control. Currently he is focused on training in the areas of root cause analysis and reliability management.

TITLE: A Holistic Approach to Managing Reliability

ABSTRACT
Satisfactory long-term performance from a machine or process requires that the reliability of that machine or process be managed to some desired level. Although this “desired level” is a deep topic and requires the comprehension of several concepts, a thorough understanding of the impact of scheduled vs. unscheduled incidents is probably the most important concept to incorporate into a reliability plan.
Although by definition unscheduled or unplanned incidents are not planned, the response to an incident should follow a rigorous, well-planned process aimed at eliminating that, or similar, incidents from reoccurring. This process comprises seven key components that are used to minimize the reoccurrence of the incidents negatively impacting reliability. These key components are:

1. A system to identify and track incidents.
2. A decision making process to determine whether to proceed with resolution of the incident.
3. A process to determine root cause and develop corrective actions.
4. A system to track individual root causes and identify systemic causes for possible rectification.
5. A system to track the completion of corrective actions.
6. A system to verify that the corrective actions had the desired effect.
7. A system to document impact of incidents and their resolution.

This paper will further describe these seven components with examples of where the process has been used successfully as well as discussing the pitfalls to avoid during implementation.

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Klick here for information about Pulp and Paper Reliability and Maintenance Conference Atlanta, Georgia, October 18-22, 2004