In the realm of maintenance operations, achieving a high First-Time Fix Rate (FTFR) is akin to hitting the efficiency jackpot. In this guide, we delve into the significance of FTFR, strategies to boost it, how to calculate First-Time Fix Rate, and the top 4 benefits that come with a stellar FTFR.
What is First-Time Fix?
At its core, First-Time Fix is a metric that measures the percentage of maintenance issues or breakdowns that are successfully resolved on the initial visit. It is a pivotal indicator of operational efficiency, highlighting the ability to diagnose, plan, and execute repairs accurately in a single intervention. A high FTFR is a testament to streamlined maintenance processes and effective problem-solving.
How to calculate First-Time Fix Rate
Understanding and calculating FTFR is pivotal for organisations seeking to measure and improve their maintenance efficiency. The formula for FTFR is pretty straightforward:
FTFR% = (Total Number of Jobs Performed/Number of First-Time Fixes) × 100
Breaking it down:
- Number of First-Time Fixes: Count of instances where an issue is resolved successfully on the first visit.
- Total Number of Jobs Performed: The overall number of maintenance interventions.
Let’s walk through the calculation with an example: If there were 80 instances of issues resolved on the first visit out of a total of 100 service calls, the FTFR would be 80%.
How to increase First-Time Fix Rate
Here are the best practices to boost your FTFR and elevate your maintenance performance.
Thorough diagnostics
One of the key pillars of improving FTFR is investing time and resources in comprehensive diagnostics. Ensure that your maintenance team has access to advanced diagnostic tools and technologies, such as an Intelligent Maintenance Management Platform. This empowers them to identify the root causes of issues accurately during the initial assessment, laying the foundation for successful first-time resolutions.
Meticulous planning
Effective planning is crucial for a high FTFR. Develop a robust maintenance strategy that includes preventive measures and anticipates potential issues. Prioritise tasks based on criticality, and schedule maintenance activities proactively. This foresight allows your team to address potential problems before they escalate, contributing to a higher FTFR.
Once again, an IMMP can be of great help here — you can oversee the weekly maintenance schedule and balance your team’s workload with real-time insights and, at the same time, prolong the lifecycle of all your assets through targeted maintenance.
Efficient resource allocation
Ensure that your maintenance team has the right resources available when needed. This includes skilled technicians, necessary tools, and spare parts. Efficient resource allocation prevents delays caused by waiting for essential elements, contributing significantly to resolving issues on the first visit.
Proactive maintenance
Embrace a proactive maintenance approach. Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to identify and rectify potential issues before they lead to breakdowns. This proactive stance minimises the likelihood of unexpected failures, enhancing your chances of achieving a high FTFR.
Infraspeak can help you reduce the risk of operation stoppages, unpredictable costs and suboptimal performance — full control, at last!
Advanced and intelligent technologies
Take advantage of advanced technologies such as predictive maintenance tools, condition monitoring systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. These technologies provide real-time data on equipment health, enabling your team to detect potential failures early and address them proactively, contributing to a higher FTFR.
Standardised procedures
Establish standardised maintenance procedures and protocols. Consistency in your approach ensures that every maintenance intervention follows a structured process. This reduces the likelihood of oversights and increases the chances of successful first-time resolutions.
Feedback loops
Implement feedback mechanisms to gather insights from completed maintenance tasks. Analyse the reasons behind revisits and identify areas for improvement, and then use this information to continuously refine your processes and enhance your team’s capabilities.
Top 4 benefits of a high First-Time Fix Rate
Reduced downtime
Swift and accurate issue resolution on the first visit minimises downtime, ensuring that assets are back in operation promptly.
Operational disruptions mitigated
A high FTFR means fewer disruptions to daily operations, contributing to a smoother workflow and increased productivity.
Cost savings
With fewer revisits and reduced downtime, organisations experience cost savings in terms of labor, resources, and potential secondary damages.
📝 You may also like: The complete guide to maintenance costs
Improved customer satisfaction
Efficient issue resolution translates to satisfied customers. Reduced downtime and reliable equipment performance contribute to an enhanced customer experience.
