Page 12 - April 2021 Track N Times

TECHNICAL TRAINING

Machine Inventory Management and Work Orders

By Brian Denker, EAM Manager

A year ago I wrote an article explaining why doing work orders is in the best interest of the machine. A lot has
changed since writing that, first and foremost is the fact that now all yellow iron machines – including RIV’s – are
using the web-based interface to track maintenance (work orders) and manage machine inventory. There are
now just under 100 machines using the web inter-
face!
With so many machines using the software, some-
times it can be overwhelming for the EAM team
when being contacted directly by machines. Feel
free to reach out to any one of us when it’s an
emergency, but most instances can be resolved by
the machine crew reviewing the online help docu-
mentation. Where is this located? Just click on the
circled question mark in the upper right corner of your EAM window and then on the EAM Mobile 2.0 button.
There will be a help document that will provide step-by-step guidance through everything you will need to do
within the software. There is also a video recording of training performed with RGS1 if you need an overall re-
fresher!
How should machines report system bugs or improvements? Again, you could contact the EAM
team directly, but we would prefer you get comfortable using the corporate standard – Sysaid.
This is a web-based tool that’s used by multiple organizations within Loram to document and
prioritize requests. Your laptop should have this desktop icon, but if it doesn’t, open Chrome
and type in this web address: https://lorammow.sysaidit.com/servicePortal/ . Once there, for
EAM related requests you will navigate to EAM by first clicking on Operations, then EAM Sup-
port, and then select the area for service. Note that the Sysaid system is used for many other services like Infor-
mation Technology (need a new machine computer??) or Domestic Machine Services through Randy Anderson
or Paul Hettinger’s group. This is your opportunity to create work orders for us!!
What are one or two of the most asked questions to the EAM team? There are two that come to mind - Why is
my inventory off; and Why are these parts in my Requisitions to Release? In almost all instances, machine inven-
tory is off because work orders were not created to consume parts when repairs were performed. We realize
that in the moment you are focused with getting the machine operational, but don’t forget to circle back and
enter the work order. As stated last year, when work orders are not entered the system doesn’t know when to
create part requisitions and you run the risk of not having material on-hand when maintenance is required.

That ties into the next question – Why are these parts
in my Requisitions to Release? There are two reasons
you need to release part requisitions: A work order is
driving demand, or authorized inventory parts have
dropped below safety stock levels. In both instances it’s
easy to check using the available screens within the
EAM software. To check work order demand, click on
the Active WO tab, then on Active Work Orders.

Continued Page 18

Volume 2 : Issue 2 Page 10