Fluke and Fluke Reliability tools and vibration sensors help boost Skookum’s mission-driven approach to preventive and predictive maintenance while improving operational efficiency and workplace safety.
SUMMARY
Skookum is an infrastructure leader that maintains over $20B in plant value at 10 sites across a national footprint. Skookum is a leader in both digital transformation and employing veterans and people with disabilities under the AbilityOne program.
The company partnered with Fluke and Fluke Reliability to help align its goal of delivering exceptional service with its dedication to continually ensuring workplace safety, accessibility, and career advancement for its workforce.
After adopting Fluke technology and training, Skookum saw a 20% increase in operational efficiency and substantial cost savings. The use of Fluke handheld tools and Fluke wireless vibration sensors helped the company save time and money while implementing predictive maintenance strategies.
- Fluke ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager gave Skookum technicians a fast and easy way to detect leaks and mechanical issues before they escalated into serious and expensive problems. This tool alone saved the company $40,000 in costs.
- The Fluke 3563 Analysis Vibration Sensor system let Skookum teams detect faults early using a combination of piezoelectric sensor technology and eMaint condition monitoring software. The company’s improved maintenance planning helps extend machine lifespans.
- The Fluke 805 Vibration Meter allows teams to quickly diagnose machine health and set repair priorities to prevent recurring problems.
- Fluke TiS75+ Thermal Camera helped strengthen the company’s predictive maintenance program by equipping technicians with the ability to analyze asset images and diagnose issues to prevent machine failure.
The company also saw notable improvements in workplace safety and upskilling as a result of working with Fluke, benefiting both Skookum’s clients and employees.
BACKGROUND
Skookum is an infrastructure management leader, maintaining facility, utility, and fleet assets across 10 sites, some which include major military installations with a plant value of over $20 billion. Additionally, Skookum provides services in grounds maintenance, janitorial, logistics, and manufacturing.
Skookum is a digital transformation leader, earning several national awards, including the 2023 Uptime Award for Best Digitalization for Reliability and Asset Management (RAM). However, the company lacked a practical asset condition monitoring platform that could be easily integrated with Skookum’s mobility and maintenance systems. After significant research, Skookum turned to Fluke for this critical capability.
CHALLENGES
While the company has been a leader in the infrastructure management space, specifically within the world of federal contracts, they knew that they needed to enhance their value add when competing with bigger companies. Working with Fluke experts, Skookum developed an asset criticality analysis strategy that integrated well with their team while implementing the use of Fluke’s smart tools and sensors, therefore better positioning themselves among industry competitors.
At the same time, Skookum wanted to prioritize workplace safety and accessibility for its diverse team. Any new technology that Skookum adopted had to be efficient, easy to use, and help make the workplace safer.
RESULTS
After implementing Fluke technology, Skookum saw a significant improvement in operations — an incredible 20% increase in operational efficiency — alongside significant benefits for its workforce.
- Fluke’s advanced tools drove substantial efficiency gains
The introduction of Fluke handhelds and sensors let Skookum teams gain the efficiency benefits from condition monitoring and the ability to more practically leverage IIoT technology. These tools included the Fluke 3563 Analysis Vibration Sensor system, 810 Vibration Tester, 805 Vibration Meter, ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager, and TiS75+ Thermal Camera. - A single device saved Skookum approximately $40,000 annually
The Fluke ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager emerged as a standout device for Skookum’s operations, delivering a tenfold return on investment annually. It has been instrumental in detecting and preventing costly leaks in HVAC systems, natural gas, and compressed air, saving Skookum approximately $40,000 every year. - Fluke Reliability Asset Criticality Workshop boosted Skookum’s maintenance efficiency
An asset criticality assessment and workshop helped Skookum’s reliability leaders and maintenance personnel gain a complete and precise understanding of client assets. From there, the team could identify where to focus their efforts strategically. Adopting a predictive maintenance approach has enhanced asset reliability and longevity, helping them to continually improve the value they deliver to customers. - Aligning technology with core values of inclusivity and excellence
Fluke tools and training continually help Skookum improve workplace safety and upskill its workforce.-Fluke vibration sensors facilitate condition monitoring remotely, allowing technicians to safely oversee assets in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations without entering risky areas.-Skookum’s participation in the Fluke Reliability Asset Criticality Workshop helped unmask operational risks to personnel.-The simplicity and user-friendliness of Fluke tools have bolstered Skookum employee development efforts. The technology complements the company’s training programs by enabling employees to quickly learn new skills and advance their careers with practical experience using cutting-edge equipment.
Fluke’s technology plays a critical role in Skookum’s objective to improve infrastructure quality, workplace safety and reduce costs for customers. The technician ease of use and practical tool integration with Skookum’s mobility and maintenance systems have been a game-changer.