$In$ the Learning Activity $Ten$ Steps $to$ Operational Efficiency$$ you are given a list $of$ steps. The Federal Energy Management Program $(FEMP)$ offers $10$ steps for improving operational efficiency:

$1.$ INCREASE MANAGEMENT AWARENESS $OF$ THE OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT. Keep them $in$ the loop about your department$s$ concerns and successes. They probably agree with you $on$ the benefits $of$ proactive maintenance, but they may $be$ reluctant $to$ authorize money for projects, unless they see a clear need and potential benefit. Become fluent $in$ their language $to$ persuade purse$-$string holders $to$ authorize your maintenance projects.

$2.$ TRACK YOUR $O$&$M$ ACTIVITIES. This tells you exactly where your maintenance time and dollars are being spent. Look $at$ any available maintenance records. Log current repairs, scheduled maintenance, downtime and overtime. This will help you document efficiency gains and cost savings when your project $is$ completed.

$3.$ IDENTIFY TROUBLED EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS. Use the tracking from Step $2to$ help identify your facility$s$ weakest areas. Also, consider outside clues. $Do$ you regularly receive occupant complaints about the air conditioning? Does management complain about spiraling energy bills?

$4.$ ADDRESS ONE $OF$ THESE TROUBLED SYSTEMS. You$ll$ want highly visible success, especially $if$ this $is$ your first project. Pick a system with a problematic history, $or$ with increasing operation costs.

$5.$ AIM FOR OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY $OF$ THIS SYSTEM. Make sure your staff understands how $to$ properly operate and maintain the system. Training $is$ usually straightforward $-$ vendors, $or$ distributors, can often help. Contract for outside assistance, $if$ necessary.

$6.$ PURCHASE DIAGNOSTIC, METERING $OR$ MONITORING EQUIPMENT $IF$ NEEDED. There are simple diagnostic tools that will help you pinpoint problems. For instance, a scope identifies scaling and corrosion $in$ your tubes, while a pneumatic gun helps detect system leaks.

$7.$ COLLECT AND TREND TRACKING AND DIAGNOSTIC DATA. This $is$ where performance trending comes $in.$ Your system may already record the data you want $-$ often $itis$ logged and then never used. For example, chillers usually have hard$-$mounted temperature and pressure gauges. $By$ regularly reviewing the readings, you would notice the elevated condenser temperature and pressure that indicate tube fouling.

$8.$ SELECT, REQUEST FUNDING FOR AND COMPLETE YOUR FIRST OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY PROJECT. Start small $-$ pick a project that $is$ most likely $togo$ through the approval process. Perhaps, your chiller tubes are fouled. Request the funding for a cleaning system. Then document the resulting changes $in$ system data, after performing the cleaning. What effect did the cleaning have $on$ temperature and pressure readings? How does this translate into more efficient operation and cost savings?

$9.$ HIGHLIGHT THIS SUCCESS. Make sure that your management team sees the results $of$ their investment. Present success $in$ their language $-$ savings $in$ energy spending, delayed capital expenditure, reduced downtime. Write $up$ a case study for internal use. People love a success story, and management $is$ more likely $to$ approve future projects when they have $tangible$ evidence $of$ recent success.

$10.$ CHOOSE THE NEXT PIECE $OF$ EQUIPMENT AND REPEAT!

Research the topic $ofoperational$ efficiency$on$ the Internet and find another list for operational efficiency. Provide the link $to$ the list you found. Compare and contrast the steps outlined $in$ each list and list $at$ least one similarity and one difference between the lists. Which list $do$ you feel would $be$ the most beneficial for operational efficiency? Why?