PdMA 12^th Annual Motor Reliability Conference

Over 150 predictive maintenance personnel from around the world met to exchange information, problems, solutions, and network at the 12th Annual PdMA Technical Conference held May 9-11, 2006. In addition to the networking opportunities, the conference presented case studies, information about fault zone analysis and future PdMA developments, and unveiled MCEGold^tm. The theme of this year’s conference was “Take The Fast Track To Motor Maintenance.”

The Welcome Reception on Tuesday night kicked off the conference with attendees enjoying NASCAR themed decorations and a “race” for the grand prize. Before the race, there was ample opportunity to view the product demonstration tables, see MCEGold in action, and interact with the PdMA personnel and other conference attendees while enjoying cool refreshments and tasty hors d’oeuvres. Drawings were held for door prizes and six lucky people were selected to “race” for the grand prize. John Jones with Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation won the grand prize, which was an Xbox.

Continuing the conference theme, the keynote speaker Robert Williamson of Strategic Work Systems, Inc. presented “NASCAR Racing: Model for Equipment Reliability and Teamwork.” He related how far auto racing and equipment reliability has come from 1950 to 2006. In 1950, 70 cars started the race, 39 (56%) finished and 19 (28%) had mechanical failures. In 2003, 43 cars started, 37 (86%) finished and 1 (2%) had a mechanical (electrical) failure. The average pit stop in the 1950s was 3 to 4 minutes. In 2004, the #48 Lowe's team completed three 12.6-second pit stops. Mr. Williamson emphasized how the increased equipment reliability and pit crew teamwork gives the racing team the winning edge.

Presentation of case studies is always one of the highlights of the conference. This year there were eight presentations. Thanks to our presenters: Ronnie Farmer, Georgia Power Company; John Brown, South Carolina Electric & Gas; Geoff Generalovic, Dofasco, Inc.; Stu Mugford, Kadon Electro Mechanical Services; Elmer DeForest, Snell Inspections; Rick Waters, Rockwell Automation; Jason Plymal, T&N Electric Motor Exchange; Rick Ratz & Tom Holloway, General Motors; and Ken Gilliam, Naval Sea Logistics Center.

Highlighting the first day was the announcement of the recipient of the Excellence in Reliability Award. Tim Owens, PdMA President and CEO, presented the 2006 award to Stu Mugford of Kadon Electro Mechanical Services in Calgary, Canada. Read about Stu and the award.

Congratulations Stu!

The BBQ on Wednesday night provided additional networking opportunities while everyone enjoyed great food, music, beach volleyball, and the always-popular caricaturists. PdMA Regional Area Manager George Valaes and his band The Reliabilities provided the music.

The final day of the conference was packed with more case studies and PdMA fault zone presentations. At the conclusion of the day everyone dispersed to their corner of the globe, taking with them the rich conference experience and an increased knowledge of motor reliability.

  See you in 2007!