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Machine Maintenance

Rolling 12-Month Moving Average: Unlock Equipment Performance Insights

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RepNotes Blog 22 - Rolling 12-Month Moving Average Unlock Equipment Performance Insights

Tracking equipment performance is crucial for controlling costs and ensuring efficiency. While monthly data seems helpful, it often hides important trends. To uncover these insights, businesses should adopt Rolling 12-Month Moving Average methods.

Why Monthly Data Alone Isn’t Enough

Relying on monthly repair costs or other performance metrics can be misleading. Imagine tracking your dump truck’s monthly repair costs — you may notice spikes one month and unusually low costs the next.

Why Monthly Data Alone Isn’t Enough - Monthly Repair Cost Dump Truck 1

This pattern doesn’t tell you whether your equipment is improving or deteriorating. Random factors like rare major overhaul can distort the true picture.

The Solution: Rolling Moving Average

Rolling Moving Average smooth out these fluctuations by averaging data over a defined period — either six or twelve months — giving you a clearer view of overall trends.

Rolling 12-Month-Ma Repair Cost for Dump Truck 1

Rolling 12-Month Moving Average (RTMMA-12)

The Rolling 12-Month Moving Average is calculated by averaging the previous twelve months of data. This method helps reveal trends, as seen in the table above.

Example Calculation:

For December 2024, the RTMMA-12 would average monthly costs from Jan 2024 to Dec 2024.

✅ Minimizes the impact of one-off events
✅ Useful for identifying trends

Real-World Example: Identifying Cost Trends

Consider the repair costs of Dump Truck #1:

  • In January 2023, the RTMMA-12 was $3,529.
  • By December 2024, the RTMMA-12 increased to $6,690 — a staggering 89% rise.

This upward trend reveals a concerning spike in repair costs that might have been hidden if using only monthly data.

How Are These Values Calculated?

 Each data point is derived from the average of the preceding months. For example:

  • The December 2024 RTMMA-12 is the average of costs from January 2024 to December 2024.
  • The November 2024 RTMMA-12 is the average of costs from December 2023 to November 2024.
  • The October 2024 RTMMA-12 follows the same pattern.

This rolling method smooths out sudden spikes and dips, giving you a more accurate trend line.

Which Method Should You Choose?

  • Use the Rolling 6-Month Moving Average for medium-term performance changes and trends.
  • Use the Rolling 12-Month Moving Average for long-term trend analysis.

By adopting these methods, you gain deeper insights into your equipment’s performance, helping you make informed decisions. Whether you’re tracking repair costs, fuel usage, or downtime rates, the Rolling Moving Average approach reveals trends that monthly data alone often conceals. 

Stay informed and proactive — leverage Rolling Moving Averages to keep your equipment running efficiently. Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated with expert insights on equipment performance management!


The Best Way to Compare Equipment Costs: Why Cost Per Hour (CPH) Matters

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RepNotes Blog 21 - The Best Way to Compare Equipment Costs Why Cost Per Hour (CPH) Matters

If you’re comparing equipment costs solely based on repair invoices, you might be making a costly mistake. Many businesses assess their equipment’s operational expenses without considering the most crucial factor—Cost Per Hour (CPH).

Let’s break down why traditional comparisons fail and how incorporating CPH can lead to smarter financial decisions for your business.

The Flawed Way Most Companies Compare Equipment Costs

Imagine you own two different excavators:

  1. EX_001 – Volvo EX750D (75 Ton Excavator)
  2. EX_002 – Caterpillar 320D (20 Ton Excavator)

At first glance, you compare their repair costs for 2024:

RepNotes Blog 21 - The Flawed Way Most Companies Compare Equipment Costs

On the surface, EX_002 appears to be the cheaper option. However, this comparison has three major weaknesses that could mislead decision-makers.

Three Critical Mistakes in Cost Comparisons

1. Ignoring Equipment Capabilities

A larger machine like the EX_001 can:
✅ Dig bigger holes
✅ Scoop double the volume of dirt compared to the smaller EX_002

So, even if EX_001 has a higher repair cost, it also completes work faster and more efficiently.

2. Overlooking the Cost of Larger Components

Larger machines naturally come with bigger and pricier parts, such as:

  • Undercarriages
  • Buckets
  • Higher oil consumption

Simply looking at total repair expenses ignores these critical differences.

3. Not Factoring in Operating Hours

This is the biggest mistake! The total cost should be divided by the hours worked to reveal the true efficiency of each machine.

Why Cost Per Hour (CPH) is the Best Comparison Method

Now, let’s introduce the missing piece—operating hours.

Now, it’s clear that EX_001 is actually cheaper to operate despite its higher repair costs. It provides more value per hour, making it the smarter choice.

The Bottom Line: Make Smarter Equipment Decisions

Next time you’re comparing equipment costs, don’t fall into the total cost trap. Instead, factor in:
✅ Operating hours
✅ Equipment size & efficiency
✅ Long-term productivity

By calculating Cost Per Hour (CPH), you’ll gain a more accurate picture of equipment expenses and make better financial decisions for your business.

Want more expert insights on managing equipment costs? Connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn and start making smarter investment decisions today! 🚀


The Role of Data Analytics in Optimizing Equipment Performance

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The Role of_ Data Analytics_ in Optimizing Equipment Performance

In today’s competitive landscape, fleet managers, business owners, and equipment operators are constantly searching for ways to enhance performance and reduce operational costs. One of the most effective methods is leveraging data analytics to optimize equipment efficiency. This approach not only improves the lifespan of your fleet but also helps prevent costly downtime and ensures smooth operations.

Why Data Analytics Matters in Fleet Management

For equipment managers and fleet operators, gathering and analyzing data from machinery is key to improving decision-making. By keeping track of various performance indicators—such as equipment usage, maintenance schedules, and fuel efficiency—managers can make informed decisions about when to service equipment, upgrade parts, or even retire old machinery.

Data analytics allows businesses to

  • Monitor Equipment Health: By analyzing real-time data, businesses can spot potential issues before they become costly problems.
  • Plan Preventive Maintenance: Use performance data to predict when equipment will need servicing, preventing unexpected breakdowns.
  • Enhance Productivity: Better data allows you to schedule tasks more effectively, reducing downtime and improving overall productivity.
  • Optimize Fuel Usage: Tracking fuel consumption trends helps identify inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary fuel expenses.

How Data Analytics Lowers Costs
One of the greatest benefits of using data analytics in fleet management is the potential for cost savings. Equipment operators can use the insights gained from data to streamline processes, optimize resource use, and avoid unnecessary expenses.

  • Reduce Maintenance Costs: Predictive maintenance can help extend the lifespan of equipment, reducing the frequency and cost of repairs.
  • Lower Fuel Costs: Monitoring fuel consumption data helps fleets operate more efficiently, cutting down on waste.
  • Minimize Downtime: By using data to anticipate and address problems before they occur, equipment managers can keep machines running smoothly, avoiding costly delays in operations.

Steps to Implement Data Analytics in Your Fleet
Implementing data analytics into your fleet management strategy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some key steps:

  • Set Clear Goals: Identify what you want to achieve, whether it’s reducing fuel costs, improving maintenance efficiency, or increasing overall productivity.
  • Choose the Right Tools: Invest in technology like our Equipment Activity Log Assistant, that can gather and analyze the performance data you need. These tools should integrate with your existing systems to make the process seamless.
  • Collect Data: Gather information on key performance indicators like equipment usage, fuel consumption, and service history.
  • Analyze and Act: Use the insights from your data analysis to make informed decisions about maintenance schedules, upgrades, or equipment replacements.

The use of data analytics in fleet management will only continue to grow as more businesses recognize the value it brings. By staying on top of equipment performance, companies can improve operational efficiency, lower costs, and increase the longevity of their fleets.

Data analytics isn’t just a tool for the present—it’s a smart investment for the future of your business.

Curious how data analytics can optimize your fleet’s performance? Check us out on Facebook and LinkedIn for insights and updates on how to make the most of your equipment.

Unlock Key Insights: Reasons Why Measuring the Availability of Your Equipment is Important

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Why measuring availability of your equipment is important

Equipment availability is a critical metric that equipment owners should measure regularly. It represents the percentage of time the equipment is available to work and serves as a good proxy for reliability. The higher the availability, the more reliable the equipment. Understanding and calculating equipment availability can significantly impact your operational efficiency and bottom line.

What is Equipment Availability?

Definition
Equipment availability is defined as the percentage of time your equipment is available to work. It is a key indicator of equipment reliability and performance.
Importance
High equipment availability means your machinery is dependable. It directly correlates with increased productivity.

Factors Affecting Equipment Availability

Expected Working Hours
The first factor in calculating availability is the number of hours a machine is expected to work in a day. For instance, if a forklift is scheduled to operate for two shifts (16 hours), this figure becomes the baseline for availability calculations.
Downtime Hours
The second factor is the number of hours the equipment is down due to repairs or maintenance. If the forklift is down for 2 hours, these hours are subtracted from the expected working hours.

Calculating Equipment Availability

Formula

The formula to calculate equipment availability is:

Example Calculation
If a forklift is expected to work for 16 hours but was down for 2 hours, its availability would be:

This means the forklift was available to work for 87.5% of the scheduled time.

Understanding the Results

Availability vs. Actual Work
Availability does not necessarily mean the equipment worked for the calculated hours. It indicates the time the equipment was ready and available to perform work.
Identifying Downtime Causes
To gain deeper insights, it’s crucial to identify what caused the downtime. Maintenance and repair software can help log and analyze the reasons for downtime, such as specific component failures.

Tools for Tracking Equipment Availability

Maintenance and Repair Software
Using maintenance and repair software helps track and organize repair jobs. This software can capture which components failed and why, providing valuable data for improving equipment reliability.
Fleet Management Solutions
Fleet management solutions like Repnotes offer web-based applications to calculate and track equipment availability. These tools help equipment owners make data-driven decisions to maximize ROI.

Benefits of Measuring Equipment Availability

Improved Decision Making
By measuring availability, you can compare different models and makes of equipment. This data helps in making informed purchasing decisions based on reliability and performance.

Enhanced ROI
Tracking equipment availability allows you to identify and address issues promptly, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. This leads to better utilization of resources and higher returns on investment.

Increased Operational Efficiency
High availability ensures that your equipment is always ready to perform, leading to smoother operations and increased productivity.

Measuring and understanding equipment availability is crucial for maximizing operational efficiency and ROI. By using maintenance and repair software, and fleet management solutions, you can track availability, identify downtime causes, and make informed decisions to enhance equipment performance.For more tips and insights on staying on top of your equipment’s performance, connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Unlock Big Savings: How to Save on Battery Costs for Your Electric Forklifts

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how-to-save-on-battery-costs-for-your-electic-forklifts

Deep cycle battery pack replacements often represent the largest expense in maintaining a fleet of electric forklifts. Extending the lifespan of these battery packs is crucial to reducing operating costs. Two key concepts to understand for maintaining your forklift’s battery health are the State of Charge (SOC) and over-discharging.

Understanding State of Charge (SOC)

What is SOC?
State of Charge (SOC) refers to the amount of charge a battery has at any given time, expressed as a percentage. For example, a battery with an 80% SOC is charged to 80% of its full capacity, similar to the battery indicator on your smartphone.
Importance of Maintaining SOC
Maintaining a high SOC is essential for battery longevity. Ideally, you should keep your battery pack at 80% SOC. However, in practical scenarios, aiming to maintain at least 50% SOC can help preserve battery health and extend its lifespan.

The Impact of Over-Discharging

What is Over-Discharging?
Over-discharging occurs when the battery pack is used until it can no longer provide power. Although batteries typically retain about 20% charge for emergencies, frequent over-discharging can severely impact battery performance.

Signs of Over-Discharging

  1. Long Charging Times: A significant increase in the time required to charge the battery fully. For instance, a new battery may take 4 hours to charge from 0% to 100% SOC, but if it starts taking 6 hours or longer, it’s a sign of over-discharging.
  2. Reduced Work Capacity: A noticeable drop in the forklift’s performance on a full charge. If a forklift that previously operated for an entire 8-hour shift now only lasts 4 hours, over-discharging might be the cause.

Strategies to Extend Battery Life

Monitor and Maintain SOC
Regularly monitoring the SOC and maintaining it above 50% can prevent the detrimental effects of over-discharging. Training forklift operators to keep an eye on the battery charge indicator and recharge when necessary can make a significant difference.
Implementing a Battery Management Plan
Using tools like Repnotes Fleet Management Solutions can help track battery consumption and identify forklifts that replace an unusual number of battery packs. Implementing a comprehensive battery management plan can further reduce the frequency of battery replacements.
Training and Awareness
Educating Forklift Operators
Training operators about the importance of maintaining SOC and avoiding over-discharging is crucial. By understanding their role in preserving battery health, operators can actively contribute to reducing costs and improving the efficiency of the warehouse operations.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
Regularly reviewing battery performance and adjusting practices based on real-time data can optimize battery usage. Using fleet management software helps in maintaining oversight and making informed decisions to extend battery life.
By understanding and managing SOC and preventing over-discharging, you can significantly reduce the costs associated with battery replacements for your electric forklifts. Training your team and implementing a robust battery management plan are key steps in achieving these savings.

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