This blog post is derived from the Reliability Hero podcast, where industry expert Peter Durrant shares his extensive experience in reliability and maintenance. In this episode, Peter delves into his career journey, the challenges he's faced, and the key lessons he's learned. To hear the full interview and gain deeper insights from Peter, listen to the episode on the Reliability Hero podcast here.

Andrew Daddo: In today’s interview, we sit down with Peter Durrant, a veteran in the field of maintenance and reliability, to discuss his career journey, the challenges he's faced, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Peter’s experience offers valuable insights for professionals in the industry, and his passion for reliability shines through in every aspect of his work.

Can you tell us about your early career and how you got into the field of reliability and maintenance?

Peter Durrant: My journey started in a rather unconventional way. I initially worked in a different industry altogether but gradually found myself gravitating toward maintenance and reliability. It was the problem-solving aspect that really attracted me. Early on, I realized that reliability is not just about fixing things when they break, but about preventing those breakdowns in the first place. That shift in mindset was pivotal for me. 

What were some of the challenges you faced when you first entered this field?

One of the biggest challenges was changing the perception of maintenance from being a reactive to a proactive discipline. Many organizations I worked with initially saw maintenance as a necessary evil—a cost center rather than a value driver. Convincing stakeholders to invest in preventive measures and reliability programs was tough, but overtime, the results spoke for themselves.

How did you approach building a culture of reliability within organizations?

Building a culture of reliability starts with education and communication. I made it a point to explain the long-term benefits of reliability to everyone from the shop floor to the C-suite. I also focused on building a team that shared this vision. It’s about creating a mind set where everyone understands that their role contributes to the overall reliability of the operation.

Can you share a particularly memorable project or achievement in your career?

There was a project where we managed to significantly reduce downtime in a critical production line. This was a game-changer for the organization, as it directly impacted their bottom line. The success of this project hinged on a thorough analysis of failure data and implementing targeted improvements. Seeing the tangible impact of our work was incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the field?

I would say, never stop learning. This field is constantly evolving, and staying on top of new technologies and methodologies is crucial. Also, don’t underestimate the power of collaboration. Maintenance and reliability aren’t siloed disciplines; they touch every part of an organization. Building strong relationships and working closely with other departments can make all the difference.

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Peter Durrant’s journey in maintenance and reliability is a testament to the importance of proactive thinking and continuous improvement. His insights provide a roadmap for anyone looking to make an impact in this critical field. As Peter’s story shows, the path to reliability is not always straightforward, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Peter is the instructor for the following Asset Schools training courses:

• Asset Management School
• Planners' School Level 1
• Planners' School Level 2
• Reliable Assets School
• Shutdown School