Any operator who has worked in wastewater treatment for any length of time knows the importance of a good maintenance program. Maintenance can make the difference between operating well and being in violation.
Facilities are constantly being upgraded and expanded, often with new processes, such as nutrient removal. Besides major changes in the way wastewater is treated, that means substantial changes in the approach to maintenance. More complex equipment means more and different maintenance tasks and possibly a revamping of a plant’s entire PM program.
Maintenance can be defined as “work that is done regularly to keep a machine, building, or piece of equipment in good condition and working order.” But what are the necessary parts of a good maintenance program? One of them is computerized maintenance management software — the complexity of today’s treatment systems essentially demands it.
Finding a fit
In today’s market, there are many types of maintenance programs, from very basic to the highly complex. The key is to find the one that best suits your facility, is easy for operators to learn and use, and will be able to expand and grow as your facility does.
There are several ways to search out the most appropriate program. The Internet is one place to start. Another is to work the phones and see what your counterparts at similar facilities use. This is a great way to get unbiased information: Operators usually talk freely about what works well for them and — even more important — what doesn’t.
If possible, visit a facility using the software you are considering. Nothing is better than seeing the product in action and talking with those who use it daily. Ask plenty of questions. What do they like and dislike? What would they do differently if they could start over? Would they buy the same product again? If not, why?
As you get closer to choosing a program, sales representatives should be happy to meet with you and discuss their products. Ask for a demonstration copy of the program, if one is available. That will allow you to explore the product’s capabilities and make notes on any questions you have.
Ask for a client reference list with contact information. Most companies will gladly provide it. If that isn’t possible, visit a plant that uses the product, or at least talk to the plant staff by telephone.
When buying a program, ask the sales representative about a reduced price for extended licensing agreement fees. If you can make a long-term commitment to the product, you may be able to negotiate a reduced rate and save money in the long run.
