Ready Backlog

Of the known work in any maintenance backlog (planned or unplanned), it is important to define and separate those that can be allocated to a ready backlog. These tasks are ones where the parts, tools, materials, skills, and access to the equipment are ensured. Where possible, these items have been kitted, or otherwise allocated, to specific work orders.

Without this, considerable time is lost looking for tools, parts and materials after the maintenance work has been scheduled, or in some cases, initiated. At many sites, there is confusion between inventoried items that are on-hand versus those that are available. Any item or tool that exists at the site is on-hand but is not available when it is needed for another maintenance event.

Maintenance work in a general-backlog ranges from the routine to the complex and scheduling the work must be based on a ready-backlog methodology to avoid costly delays when attempting to execute the scheduled tasks.

In addition to optimizing maintenance quality and costs, a Ready Backlog must be linked to procurement, supply chain and warehouse(s) to reduce slow moving and obsolete items from accumulating. By incorporating agile ways of working, teams can stay flexible and nimble to changing conditions on the mine site, responding to unplanned maintenance scenarios without derailing planned maintenance events. Establishing and maintaining a Ready Backlog requires collaboration from various departments (e.g., mine planning, maintenance, engineering, and operations) to improve maintenance response time (MTTR), quality (MTBF), and reduce operating costs.

Key Client Challenges:

1. How can we integrate agile methodologies into our existing backlog management processes?
2. What are the best practices for backlog prioritization based on value, urgency and customer feedback?
3. How can data analytics, machine learning and predictive maintenance technology help us identify and prioritize backlog items more effectively?
4. What tools or software solutions are available for backlog management including tracking, collaboration and reporting?
5. How can we create cross-functional teams to address backlog items and ensure effective collaboration between these teams?
6. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) we should track to measure the success of our backlog management efforts?

Many companies are now also utilizing advanced technologies such as predictive maintenance analytics, IoT sensors, and data analytics to proactively identify and address backlog items before they become critical issues. However, without the associated skills to effectively operate these technologies, the training and familiarity with agile methodologies, as well as the buy-in needed from employees for full, sustainable adoption, change and transformation will remain short-lived.

At Unison Mining, our goal is to help our clients’ teams achieve sustainable, long-lasting change that is continuous. By incentivizing change at every organizational level through the right processes, systems, tools and clearly defined KPIs, we hope to create change that lasts long after a project’s closeout.