Asset availability refers to the proportion of time an asset is ready and capable of performing its intended function when required. In the context of industrial and maintenance operations, it is a key performance metric that reflects how often equipment, machinery, or systems are operational and accessible for use. The higher the asset availability, the more reliable and efficient the operations are. It is a crucial indicator for optimizing production schedules and ensuring minimal downtime.
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Asset availability is often expressed as a percentage, where 100% indicates that the asset is always available for use, and lower percentages show the amount of downtime the asset experiences. This metric is vital for operations where consistent functionality is critical to meeting production targets.

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Several factors can influence asset availability, including:
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• Maintenance Practices: Regular preventive maintenance (PM) and corrective actions play a significant role in maintaining equipment functionality. Inefficient or infrequent maintenance schedules can lead to more downtime.

• Unplanned Downtime: Unexpected breakdowns, component failures, or accidents lead to unplanned downtime, significantly reducing availability. This is often the biggest drain on asset availability.

• Equipment Age and Condition: Older equipment or poorly maintained machinery tends to break down more frequently, reducing availability. Regular inspections and proactive part replacements can extend the life of assets.

• Spare Parts Availability: Having an efficient inventory management system to ensure that spare parts are readily available when needed is critical. Any delays in acquiring parts can lead to longer downtime.

• Operational Practices: Operator training and standardization of procedures affect how well assets are utilized and maintained. Proper handling and operational guidelines can prevent unexpected failures.

• External Factors: Issues such as supply chain delays, environmental conditions, and changes in operational requirements can also affect asset availability.

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Calculating asset availability is essential to understand how effectively your equipment is utilized compared to potential downtime. The key to calculating asset availability is understanding the relationship between uptime, downtime, and critical metrics such as Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR). These factors help you assess how often an asset is operational and how quickly it can be brought back online when issues arise.

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1. Using Uptime and Downtime

The most straightforward way to calculate asset availability is by comparing the time an asset is operational (uptime) to the total time it is expected to be available. This is done using the following formula:
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Asset Availability = (Uptime/(Uptime+Downtime))*100

Here:

• Uptime refers to the total time the asset is fully operational, carrying out its intended function without interruption.

• Downtime is the total time the asset is out of service, either due to maintenance, repair, or failure.
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For example, if an asset is available for 100 hours in a week and it experiences 10 hours of downtime, the asset availability would be:
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Asset Availability = (100/(100+10))*100 = 90.91%
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This calculation shows that the asset is available 90.91% of the time, meaning it's functioning and ready for use nearly 91% of the total potential operating time.

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2. Using MTBF and MTTR

Alternatively, asset availability can be derived using Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR). These metrics provide a more data-driven approach to availability by incorporating the reliability and maintainability of the asset. The formula is:
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Asset Availability = (MTBF/(MTBF+MTTR))*100

In this formula:

• MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) measures the average time between failures of an asset, indicating how long the asset typically operates before a failure occurs.

• MTTR (Mean Time to Repair) reflects the average time it takes to restore the asset to its full operational state after a failure.
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For instance, if an asset has an MTBF of 200 hours and an MTTR of 20 hours, the availability can be calculated as:
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Asset Availability = (200/(200+20))*100 = 90.91%
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This calculation tells you that the asset is available approximately 91% of the time, factoring in both the reliability of the asset and the efficiency of the repair process.

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Improving asset availability requires a proactive and strategic approach. Here are some key strategies:
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1. Incorporate Fault Tolerance at the Design Stage

When selecting or designing new equipment, consider built-in redundancies and fail-safe mechanisms. This approach allows equipment to continue operating even if a component fails. This can be a bit more expensive upfront, but the long-term benefits of availability are well worth it.
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2. Create Asset-specific Maintenance Programs

Implement preventive maintenance schedules tailored to each asset's needs based on manufacturer guidelines and operational history. These programs should include regular inspections, lubrication, part replacements, and predictive maintenance activities. This helps to catch problems before they result in downtime.
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3. Implement a CMMS System

A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) can streamline maintenance processes by tracking work orders, scheduling preventive maintenance, managing spare parts inventory, and providing valuable data on asset performance. This data is key to making informed decisions for improved availability.
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4. Train Technicians and Operators

Ensure your maintenance personnel and equipment operators are well-trained in proper procedures, preventative maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting techniques. Proper training reduces the likelihood of operator errors that could lead to downtime.

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Cryotos is a maintenance technology that can significantly impact asset availability by:
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• Providing Real-Time Data: Cryotos can collect and analyze real-time data from your assets. This enables predictive maintenance, identifying potential issues before they cause downtime.

• Automating Maintenance Processes: Cryotos can automate maintenance tasks, such as scheduling inspections, generating work orders, and managing spare parts. This increases maintenance efficiency and reduces downtime.

• Real-time Monitoring: Cryotos offers real-time monitoring of assets, providing up-to-date information on asset performance and health, enhancing decision-making, and quickening response times.

• Comprehensive Reporting: With detailed reports on asset performance and maintenance history, Cryotos helps teams identify trends and address recurring issues that might impact availability.

• Improving Communication: The platform can improve communication between maintenance teams, operators, and management, ensuring that everyone is informed of any issues and can work to resolve them quickly.

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Asset availability is a vital metric for any organization that relies on physical assets. By understanding the factors that influence availability and implementing effective strategies, you can minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and ensure the reliability of your operations. Remember, it is not just about fixing things when they break; it's about proactively maintaining equipment to ensure it's ready when needed.