Asset Management Leads to Efficient Operations

Previously, the only way LBT could schedule any preventative maintenance was by day. Now, the organization generates different work orders according to the situation. Some of their maintenance is scheduled by day, others by miles and others based on the condition of the vehicle being serviced.

Above all, Cruz says implementing an EAM system has allowed the team to become much better planners. “Today, a lot of infrastructure-based organizations are talking about PAS 55 — a best-practice guide for the whole life cycle management of physical assets. Using the PAS 55 approach, we’re now able to manage the entire life cycle costing of our assets, from the moment they are purchased to the time they are replaced.

“With the support of Mincom, Long Beach Transit has been optimizing the entire asset life cycle for years — while other transit organizations are still struggling to understand the concept.”

LBT can now track different vehicle components, enabling them to compartmentalize problem areas that were considered to be too costly or safety issues. “In doing so, we are able to predict — and minimize — our maintenance requirements.”

“Thanks to Mincom, we’ve put in place an active replacement strategy for our engines, transmissions and other major components susceptible to wear and tear. The result: a fleet in optimum condition and a reliable, quality service for Long Beach Transit passengers.”

LBT is planning to upgrade to the newest release of Mincom Ellipse (v8) in the coming year in order to take advantage of its field-enablement applications. It also plans to implement Mincom’s LinkOne electronic parts catalog solution for better parts management.

“By developing a more comprehensive picture of asset management, Long Beach Transit not only provides a great bus service, but also manages public funds in the most responsible, forward-thinking way.”

Cruz adds, “For others looking to implement an asset and work management solution with similar results, we believe our most important strategy was involving employees at all levels. We first created a team that included mechanics, storekeepers and supervisors to document current business practices, and then developed a set of best practices using our EAM system. We even learned how we could change a few of our practices and thus improved our way of doing business moving forward.”