Introduction into MTTF, MTBF, MTTR, the basics
What do they mean, how can I introduce the concept into an organisation and how are they calculated.
The optimal method of integrating Mean Time To Failure (MTTF), Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) into a maintenance organization is subject to a range of variables, such as the existing maintenance methods, the nature of equipment under maintenance, and the overarching objectives of the organization.
Mean Time To Failure (MTTF): MTTF is a fundamental gauge of reliability specifically for systems that cannot be repaired. It represents the mean duration until a device or system experiences failure. It is predominantly applied to components or systems intended to be substituted post-failure, rather than being repaired.
Calculation: MTTF is determined by dividing the sum of the total operational time by the cumulative number of failures.
MTTF = Total operational time / Number of failures
Or an alternative method:
MTBF = Mean Time Between Work Orders Raised / Number of failures
Inputs and outputs: The inputs for MTTF are the total operational time and the total number of failures. The output is the mean duration a device or system is anticipated to function before encountering a failure.
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): MTBF is a metric of the reliability for repairable systems. It signifies the average duration between system failures and encompasses both uptime and repair time.
Calculation: MTBF is determined by dividing the total operational time by the number of failures.
MTBF = Total operational time / Number of failures
Or an alternative method:
MTBF = Mean Time Between Work Orders Raised / Number of failures
Inputs and outputs: The inputs for MTBF are the total operational time and the number of failures. The output is the average duration expected between failures.
Mean Time To Repair (MTTR): MTTR is a measure of maintainability or the speed at which a system can be repaired post-failure. It symbolizes the average duration required to repair a system after a failure.
Calculation: MTTR is determined by dividing the total downtime by the number of repairs.
MTTR = Total downtime / Number of repairs
Inputs and outputs: The inputs for MTTR are the total downtime and the number of repairs. The output is the average duration required to repair a system post-failure.
Steps to integrate these metrics into an organization
Education: Initiate by educating your staff about these metrics - their meaning, the process of their calculation, and their importance. This can include formal training sessions, informal dialogues, and providing reference material.
Data collection: Subsequently, establish systems for gathering the required data. This might entail using maintenance management software, creating spreadsheets, or even maintaining paper records.
Execution: Begin computing and monitoring these metrics consistently. You can start with a few crucial pieces of equipment or systems and then gradually include others.
Assessment and enhancement: Regularly scrutinize these metrics and utilize them to recognize areas where your maintenance practices can be upgraded. This could involve modifying maintenance schedules, implementing predictive maintenance strategies, or investing in more dependable equipment.
Communication: Ensure to communicate the findings and any modifications to your team. This will foster acceptance and endorsement for these metrics. The aim of introducing these metrics is to enhance the overall reliability and maintainability of your equipment and systems.
By doing this, you can minimize downtime, save on repair expenses, and boost the overall effectiveness of your operation.