Tips tricks hints and solutions

[Earl Weiss]

Periodicaly we get the same or similar questions.

VAc doesn't suck.

Solution / Hydrominder / non foaming issues.

Thinking of putting together a checklist starting with simplest first. HAs this been done?

If I do it I would like to submit for input / refinement. Operators such as you come up against wierd things that make you pull your hair out until you find a solution. This could save headaches for others.

MAybe a specifice trooubleshooting category?

 

[robert roman]

Checklist approach requires isolating key factors which affect directly the problem and dividing each of these factors into several attributes to form a profile. The actual condition is compared against the profile and a solution is obtained.

Problem with this approach is rule-based methods like this are overly simplistic and subjective. Moreover, the more comprehensive the larger it gets and more unwieldy to use.

Assume it takes a full page to diagnosis everything that might cause “vacuum doesn’t suck.” If each problem required one page, 50 problems equals a 25 or 50 page manual.

I know because I tried to make one when I operated.

A more efficient and powerful approach is to build a computer model.

For example, one computer expert constructed a system for creating “smart” models that provides a set of objects from which to build carwash models that allows for constraints, queries and rules for translating the model into one the system can solve.

This model solves problems because expert knowledge is embedded that transforms the original problem into the appropriate problem and the answer to the question is computed from answers to sub-queries.

This can be done for waiting line problems, net present value like should I raze and build or remodel, repair or replace equipment as well as why doesn’t vacuum suck.

Nice project for a grad student.

 

[Waxman]

I do keep a troubleshooting and maintenance log for the touchfree. It has helped a great deal. My Self Serve troubleshooting log is 1 paragraph. Things like the vacs and hydrominders are so simple that I can pretty easily fix most problems or describe over the phone to employees the course of action.

I suppose it doesn't hurt to create a log for your employees to use, as long as you realize you'll be entering things like:"check vac hose for obstructions'.