Lubricant Tips

By Martin Williamson

Case Studies

We all love a good case study! Especially when it supports our argument!

So who's arguing?

Manufacturers like to support the benefit of their products through case studies.

Engineers like to support their project proposal through case studies.

Case studies will support technical proposals, and the allied financial information can be crucial to getting the necessary approval to go ahead with a project.

And more importantly, if you have a good case study then let us know so we can feature it on this site.

We look forward to your feedback.

Regards,

Martin Williamson at KEW Engineering Ltd.

Tips for a Successful Case Study

In order to do a successful case study, it's important to clearly understand the problem in the first place. This means gathering as much information as possible prior to starting. Without this, there is no real comparison of past performance.

Once all the historical data is collated, it will then be necessary to determine the appropriate and relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) against which you will measure the new. If this is an oil comparison, for example, then ensure at least two or more comparative samples are drawn before the change-over to establish all the values that need to be compared. Alternatively, select two comparable units for the test so that one remains the benchmark. Don't forget to consider other indirect factors in the study, such as environmental, health & safety and power demand issues.

Presumably you will have been working with a supplier, so start by asking if they have any case studies releavant to your industry or your application. If they do, then the results may be sufficient to justify your proposal.

If not, then consider how you will evaluate the test units or processes against your current benchmark. This is particularly important to get right at this stage. Also ensure you have all the associated financial information to hand from your accounting department for both your current set-up and planned savings.

Let the test begin. Make sure everyone is aware of the trial and its importance and clearly label the system to avoid any problems such as accidental mixing of the oils, for example. Once sufficient test data has been gathered, review the results with colleagues and agree on the conclusion of the testing.

Write up a report of the case study and where allowed, submit for publication for the benefit of the supplier and other users.

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