Interview with Dan Flood, Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Superintendent at Xcel Energy

Jan. 8, 2013 - PRLog -- Maximize Efficiency by Streamlining Communications Between Operations and Maintenance Teams in Power Plants

Interview with Dan Flood, Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Superintendent at Xcel Energy, Allen S. King Generating Station

Dan Flood answered a series of questions written by marcus evans before the forthcoming Power Plant Operations and Maintenance Excellence Conference, January 23-24, 2013 in Dallas, TX. All responses represent the views of Mr. Flood and not necessarily those of Xcel Energy.

ME: What is lacking in communication between maintenance teams currently? What are some strategies supervisors can use to overcome those challenges?

DF: Communication between maintenance teams is always a struggle. Many groups get into the habit of prioritizing their work ahead of others and do not communicate the support that they will need. Supervisors from all groups including operations need to work closely with each other to determine not only what support is required from everyone but also any plant conditions that may be required. Consistently scheduled meetings with attendance from all work groups and a published plan ahead of time that is communicated with all groups helps in coordination.

ME: What are the benefits of regular meetings to discuss duties, work orders, etc.? Who should be involved in these meetings?

DF: The benefit of regularly scheduled meetings is that the work groups get accustomed to them and will start to use these meetings to improve all aspects of the process. With planners, schedulers, supervisors, and leads being part of the meeting you can expect more information on potential conflicts, parts issues, operational limitations and resource concerns.

ME: Why is it important to incorporate plant shut downs and start-ups in the schedule?

DF: Plant shutdowns and start-ups in the schedule assist in determining the priority of work and resources required to successfully complete the schedule.

ME: What are the benefits of forecasting planned maintenance? How does the number of workers impact this process?

DF: Preventative maintenance needs to be planned well ahead of time. During peak operating months many systems may not be available to perform work on or during other times of the year vacations may be the limiting factor. A well thought out year-round plan for completing PM's is vital to successful completion of your preventative maintenance program.

ME: What do you think attendees will gain from this conference?

DF: Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to and speak with their industry peers about productivity, budget constraints and resources. Everyone should be able to leave the conference with several new ideas on how to improve their facilities' productivity.

Dan Flood has spent 10 years with Xcel Energy as a maintenance supervisor, FIN team supervisor, operations superintendent and currently the online and outage planning and scheduling superintendent who is responsible for planning all online and outage activities for both in-house maintenance personnel and supplemental construction forces. He also has 20 years of Navy nuclear power experience.

For more information about this conference, please contact Kara Drapala, Marketing & PR Coordinator, marcus evans at 312.540.3000 x6491 or at karad@marcusevansch.com.

About marcus evans

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