When should you call in a specialist to troubleshoot an issue in Plant Operations?

1 Assess the urgency and impact of the issue

The first thing to consider is how urgent and important the issue is. Is it affecting your production, quality, safety, or compliance? How long can you afford to wait for a solution? How much will it cost you to delay or stop your operations? Depending on the answers, you may need to call in a specialist right away, or try to fix the issue yourself first.

2 Review your documentation and resources

The next thing to consider is how well you understand the issue and its possible causes. Do you have access to the relevant manuals, diagrams, logs, and data? Do you have the tools, spare parts, and skills to perform the troubleshooting steps? Do you have a backup plan in case something goes wrong? If you are confident that you have the necessary documentation and resources, you may be able to solve the issue on your own or with the help of your colleagues.

3 Seek advice from your network and peers

Another thing to consider is whether you can get advice from your network and peers. Do you know someone who has faced a similar issue before, or who has expertise in the area? Can you contact them for guidance, tips, or feedback? Do you have access to online forums, groups, or communities where you can ask questions or share your findings? Sometimes, a fresh perspective or a second opinion can help you overcome a challenge or avoid a mistake.

4 Evaluate the risks and benefits of calling in a specialist

The final thing to consider is the risks and benefits of calling in a specialist. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hiring an external expert? How much will it cost, and how long will it take? How will it affect your relationship with your customers, suppliers, and regulators? How will it impact your learning and development as a plant operator? You should weigh the pros and cons of calling in a specialist carefully, and make sure that you have a clear agreement on the scope, timeline, and deliverables of the service.

5 Prepare for the collaboration with the specialist

If you decide to call in a specialist, you should prepare for the collaboration as much as possible. You should provide them with all the relevant information about the issue, such as the symptoms, the history, the settings, and the data. You should also communicate your expectations, goals, and constraints, and agree on the roles and responsibilities of each party. You should also be open to learning from the specialist, and ask questions, provide feedback, and document the process.

6 Follow up and review the results

After the specialist has completed their service, you should follow up and review the results. You should check if the issue has been resolved, and if there are any recommendations or actions to prevent it from happening again. You should also evaluate the performance and satisfaction of the specialist, and provide them with feedback and appreciation. You should also reflect on your own learning and improvement, and share your insights and lessons with your network and peers.