In this episode of The Maintainers, hosts David Lee and Jake Hall dive deep with Sam Hancock, the maintenance manager at Sumitomo Drive Technologies. Sam's journey, spanning decades in the industry, offers a wealth of insights into the world of maintenance and reliability.

The discussion delves into practical advice for developing robust maintenance programs, leveraging advanced CMMS systems, and cultivating a safety-first culture inspired by Sam's time at DuPont. He emphasizes the critical need for proper training, team collaboration, and smart technology integration. He also shares intriguing insights on bridging the gap between engineering design and real-world application, peppered with lighthearted anecdotes about challenges faced and lessons learned. The conversation then shifts to the future of factory maintenance, exploring emerging technologies like robotic thermography and the ongoing evolution of CMMS.

With an optimistic outlook, Sam discusses how his team has embraced digital work orders and other technological advancements to enhance efficiency. The episode concludes with Sam's personal tips for maintaining work-life balance and his curiosity about developments in autonomous vehicles, offering listeners a blend of professional wisdom and relatable experiences.

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Guest Bio

Sam Hancock is an accomplished maintenance manager at Sumitomo Drive Technologies, with over a decade of experience at the company. He began his career at DuPont, where he gained invaluable experience in various roles related to maintenance and reliability. Known for his innovative approach, Sam has worked across different industries, excelling in both engineering and management. Currently, he is deeply involved in advancing maintenance practices at Sumitomo, ensuring that equipment is always operational and effective.

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Guest Quote

"Stay grounded. Machines are still machines and people are still people. That being said, there's a lot of technology that makes things easier. That make the paperwork and administration work so much better. Take advantage of the technologies there.” – Sam Hancock

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Time Stamps 

00:00 Episode Start 

01:40 Opening Icebreaker 

02:15 Sam's Background

08:00 Segment 01: The Maintainer Mashup

08:30 Sam's journey with Sumitomo

10:45  How Sumitomo approaches maintenance

12:50 The push for more customized machinery

14:45 Where you can turn to software for assistance

16:45 Segment 02: What's in Your Toolkit?

17:10 The importance of safety & mentorship

18:40 Advice for those starting out their careers

22:10 Segment 03: The Future of Factories

22:40 Don't forget the human element while adopting new tech

26:40 Dedicating roles for software management

29:20 Segment 04: Fix It Funnies

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Links

• Connect with Sam Hancock on LinkedIn
• Check out Sumitomo Drive Technologies
• Connect with David Lee on LinkedIn
• Connect with Jake Hall on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Tractian