News

In 2019, the USA BOD undertook two projects.  The first project was to assess and improve Plant Status Control at the plants.  The initiative was led by John Tripoli of Susquehanna.  The second project, to validate that the issues discussed in IER 17-9 “Weaknesses in Maintenance Technical Fundamental Skills Adversely Affecting Plant Operations” were correctly implemented, Mr. J.R. Trautvetter of Columbia stations was selected to lead the effort.  As a result of these projects 14 strengths were identified and over 125 recommendations were provided to address gaps and provide enhancements.  More specifics follow and thanks to J.R. and John for all you did for the fleet plants in respect to these initiatives.

Let’s first look at what was done in regard to IER 17-9.  J.R. Trautvetter of Columbia station led the effort for the fleet.  J.R.’s approach and some final results are provided below:

• Conducted eight station assessments.
• Collected information from 284 people via interviews.
• Found that four of the eight stations assessed were off-track with Recommendation 3.a “Assess the performance of maintenance supervisors, mid-level managers and instructors regarding their ability to identify shortfalls in maintenance technical fundamentals in accordance with INPO 18-002 & INPO 18-003” and developed individual development plans to address performance concerns.”
• Found one station was off track with Recommendation 5 “Oversight organizations, including corporate, ensure outcomes from actions taken in response to this IER are measurable and sustainable”
• Issued 19 gaps to excellence
• Issued three Strengths
• Issued 50 recommendations to address the gaps to excellence and the off-track recommendations

The top issue identified was the issue of 50% of the stations failing in implementation of Rec 3.a.   Most of them due to not having anything in place to ensure that people new to their position (trainer, supervisor or Mid-level manager) were assessed on their ability to recognize Maintenance Fundamental and Technical Skills gaps and then creating the individualized development plans to close identified gaps.

For the Plant Status Control initiative Mr. John Tripoli of Susquehanna was asked to lead the effort.  John’s approach and final results are provided below:

For Plant Status Control:

• Conducted nine station assessments.
• Collected information form 275 people via interviews.
• Issued eleven Strengths
• Issued 18 areas to improve
• Issued 24 potential enhancements

Issued 78 recommendations to address areas to improve or potential enhancements