KNOWLEDGE Crane management strategy
Brian Cook, senior product manager at Conductix-Wampfler, says there are five considerations for building a crane management strategy.
W
n Brian Cook, senior product manager at Conductix-Wampfler.
ithin the manufacturing space, a crane management strategy is a critical puzzle piece for your facility’s success.
It ensures your crane equipment – and those managing the machinery – operate as efficiently and safely as possible. By prioritising proficient crane management, you maximise your machinery investment, improve throughput, and increase your overall business profitability. Inarguably, countless benefits come with a thoughtful crane management strategy. But it can be overwhelming to know where to start in crafting one for your specific business and goals. Here are five considerations that can serve as a guide for effective crane management in the years to come.
r Crane operators need effective training and support to ensure they are prepared to operate, maintain and repair the equipment when needed.
1. Don’t go cheap Cranes are one area of your business where quality is key to running a successful facility while keeping employees safe. It’s important for facility managers to understand what type of crane is right for them and to invest in a good product that will last. Cranes can last between 15-50 years, so don’t skimp on quality. Investing in premium equipment means increased performance and safety. If employees know that the equipment they’re handling is high- quality, they will have more confidence in operating, which can lead to reduced injuries.
A good product also means less maintenance is needed. If a facility continuously takes time to repair and retrofit its products, that means increased downtime, compromising productivity and profitability. Investing in a quality crane that fits your needs will alleviate this pain point and positively impact your bottom line.
2. Prioritise safety
Safety is one of the most essential areas to prioritise when considering a crane management strategy and is critical in any industrial or manufacturing setting. According to a study from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 300 crane-related deaths occurred from 2011 to 2017. Just over half of the fatal injuries involved a worker being struck by an object in motion by a crane. Cranes are complex equipment and can weigh
several tons. If something goes wrong with one of your cranes within a facility, that can lead to equipment damage and, ultimately, workforce injury. By integrating modern safety features, plants and facilities can bolster crane safety, reduce occupational injuries, and optimize crane operations. A few examples of safety measures are below: £ Sensor-based systems: Modern cranes are beginning to include advanced sensor technologies such as load moment indicators, anti-collision systems and zone monitoring. These systems provide real-time data on load capacity, stability, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safer operations.
£ Predictive maintenance plans: Leveraging operational data from all cranes within a plant or facility can help detect maintenance issues before they escalate into safety hazards. Predictive maintenance plans help facility managers schedule maintenance proactively while reducing the risk of crane breakdowns, accidents, and downtime.
£ Radio remote controls: Radio remote controls have revolutionised crane operations by offering operators increased flexibility, convenience, and safety. They are commonly used in place of pendant pushbutton stations or fixed control stations and cabs. Radio remotes provide greater freedom of movement, visibility, and accuracy, which help to reduce the risk of collisions or accidents during complex lifting operations. Modernised radio remotes also include added safety features, including tandem
32 | Winter 2023 |
www.ochmagazine.com
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