Organizational Control

A successful FOD Program is dependent upon organizational control of its tool and hardware programs. Total organizational tool and hardware control must be developed, maintained, and enforced for a FOD Program to be viable.

Development:

Great care must be taken when developing organizational control of these vital programs. Tool and hardware loss make up a large part of FOD related issues. Control of these issues is imperative for any organization.

Maintenance:

Organizational needs and culture can change, and therefore, its tool and hardware control programs must be able to change with organizational needs. Program maintenance meetings should occur on a regular basis. The frequency which these meetings occur are based upon organizational needs, but at a minimum, annual meetings should be scheduled to ensure that the program is meeting the needs of an organization.

Enforcement:

Meetings and operating procedures can be developed, but if the program is not enforced, the program is worthless. Periodic self-audits need to be performed to ensure the programs are being used and enforced.

An audit should consist of management ensuring that tools and hardware are being dispensed and returned properly. An example would be a Manager going to the tool shop, looking up a tool that is checked-out, then easily finding the location of the checked-out tool. If a program is running properly this should be a quick exercise, if the program is flawed or is being operated improperly, it will be a difficult task.

Periodic inspections are vital in ensuring a program is operating as it should. These inspections should be documented. Any issues that arise from these inspections should be resolved quickly to ensure that they do not become larger problems.

Total organizational control over tool and hardware programs are imperative to a successful FOD Program. For an organization to receive an FPS 2020 Certification, it must have total control over its tool and hardware programs.