Know Your Equipment: Proper Installation and Commissioning is Essential to Machine Reliability

In almost any industry, machines and equipment play a critical role in any process whether it’s in the manufacturing of products or operating services. Without these, progress will either be slow or quality severely compromised.

For Jay Marzan, Chairman of JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc., one of the leading logistics providers in the country, the proper installation of vital equipment or machinery is of paramount concern if the project is to be completed properly and at the least amount of time.

"Multiple companies and projects rely on their machines and equipment to finish difficult tasks quicker and safer. For these businesses to receive the reliability they expect from these machines, it is important that the people handling it are well-trained and knowledgeable about it in each step it takes to install and commission it," Marzan added.

To ensure that the machines and heavy equipment are used properly, JP Marzan designed a step-by-step plan to guide companies on the right machine installation.

Preparation Phase
Before installation of any machine, companies need to coordinate with the persons who will be involved in the process. It is also important that there is proper communication between contractors and personnel regarding the technicalities and timelines. Ensure that the space the machine occupies is adequate.

Installation Phase
After finishing the preparation phase, it is time to bring in the machine for installation. Make sure that the persons who are doing the installation are properly trained and qualified for the task and are capable of handling the machinery and are equipped with the right safety gear such as hard hats, gloves, hard-toe boots, and even goggles.

When performing the actual installation, consider draw rough outlines first on the floor to serve as guide for the placement of the machinery. Also, examine the machine's proper installation order, starting with larger machines and work toward smaller pieces to avoid missing any important detail.

Evaluation Phase
Before starting the machine's production, personnel must conduct a preliminary evaluation to ensure that it works correctly. Personnel needs to verify all safety devices, system interlocks, temperature, speed, and other factors if it is working at its standard, which then they can run a complete dry test.

Training Phase
Training staff who will handle the machine is the last step before fully operating it for work. It's challenging to troubleshoot equipment issues while training people at the same time. Operator training is best handled independently after the system is up and running.

This step-by-step plan will ensure the machine will operate at its best and excellent reliability. Another way to ensure proper installation and commissioning of machines is finding a reliable partner equipped with expert knowledge in handling the machines and the knowledge to train personnel.