What percentage reduction in bearing purchases did the Japanese steel mill company achieve by improving their lubrication strategy?

The Japanese steel mill company's achievement of a 50% reduction in bearing purchases through the improvement of their lubrication strategy highlights the critical role that proper maintenance practices play in asset reliability.

Improving lubrication typically leads to enhanced operational conditions for bearings, reducing wear and tear and extending their lifespan. This not only diminishes the frequency of bearing failures but also lessens the need for replacement purchases. A 50% reduction suggests that the changes made to the lubrication strategy were significant enough to have a measurable impact on the company’s maintenance costs and asset management.

Moreover, this kind of improvement illustrates the value of effective lubrication practices in industrial settings, where machinery operates under high loads and conditions. By optimizing lubrication, companies can achieve savings on costs associated with inventory, procurement, and labor involved in changing out bearings. Hence, this percentage effectively captures the benefits of a meticulous approach to asset care and reliability.