Building a World-Class Maintenance Culture That Supports Automation
- Peak Performance
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
As manufacturers accelerate toward automation and digital transformation, the secret to unlocking success lies in a foundational: element; a robust maintenance culture rooted in practical knowledge. That philosophy is at the heart of Rules of Thumb for Maintenance and Reliability Engineers authored by industry expert Ricky Smith. His upcoming session, "Building a World-Class Maintenance Culture That Supports Automation," at the Smart Factory Institute's Automation, Maintenance & Reliability Summit on January 29, 2026, is not be missed.
Blueprint for Success
"Rules of Thumb" was written with a clear purpose — to equip engineers and managers with the essential, must-have information they need to maintain reliable equipment, cut costs, and solve problems effectively. It transcends the dense, theoretical textbooks common in the field, acting instead as a practical, everyday reference that is accessible and invaluable.
“Rules of Thumb for Maintenance and Reliability Engineers will give the engineer the ‘have to have’ information… to maintain and assure reliable equipment to help reduce costs.”
Practical Knowledge for Real-World Maintenance
What sets "Rules of Thumb" apart is its user-friendly format. Designed as a handy compilation of graphs, charts, calculations, tables, and relatable explanations, it's the perfect toolkit for engineers and managers when making quick decisions. Not an oversized handbook or abstract theory, this book is meant to be a constant companion in the field — a trusted resource for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers as they tackle real maintenance and reliability challenges. By rapidly providing information that aids in both day-to-day tasks and long-term strategies, it reinforces the core principles that keep operations running seamlessly.
Why Rules of Thumb Matter in an Automated Environment
In the era of automation, the stakes are higher for maintenance teams. Equipment failures become more costly, downtime more disruptive, and skill gaps more pressing. Advanced systems demand a culture of discipline, clarity, and proactive planning.
“There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.”
This reality is why cutivating a strong maintenance culture is vital. Without solid fundamentals, automation initiatives struggle to deliver their promised value.
From Individual Expertise to Maintenance Culture
Ricky Smith’s session builds on these principles by shifting the focus from individual knowledge to organizational excellence. During "Building a World-Class Maintenance Culture That Supports Automation," attendees will explores what differentiates high-performing maintenance organizations from the rest. Key Takeaways include:
The defining attributes of world-class maintenance teams
Establishing clear roles and responsibilities through RACI frameworks
Essential skills and capabilities technicians must possess to thrive in automated environments
Utilizing maintenance scorecards drive accountability and motivation
The importance of proactive planning and scheduling to reduce rework and minimize downtime
These ideas mirror the philosophy behind Rules of Thumb: when teams share common standards, practical knowledge, and clear expectations, they can execute consistently and adapt confidently to change.
Join Us for This Essential Conversation
"Rules of Thumb for Maintenance and Reliability Engineers" reinforces a simple but powerful truth: world-class maintenance begins with the basics. Ricky Smith’s session brings those fundamentals to life, illustrating how practical knowledge, cultural alignment, and disciplined processes can bring automation initiatives to fruition. For organizations eager to reduce downtime, enhance reliability, and build maintenance teams prepared for the future, this conversation — and the entire summit — is essential.
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