26 WORDS IN ACTION http://www.abrbuzz.co.za
Yes, it Matters
A few years ago, aBr introduced a regular topic in the magazine, titled Lubrication Matters. It was a play on words, because after all,
our slogan is Words in Action. The strapline is in line (ahem) with this promise, because if used as a noun Matters denotes “a subject
or situation under consideration”, whereas if used as a verb Matters means lubrication is “of importance or signifi cance.” So, in one
fell swoop I get many messages across with one double entendre, and I do need to add that I am not being risqué or indecent, which
is usually associated with this phraseT
he reason for this introduction is that I want to make
sure that all my readers get the play on words, although
I am pretty sure that my regular readers worked it out
long ago, and because I want to make very sure that
the subject under consideration in this article is all about the vital
importance of lubrication in fl eet management, and of course, for
all things that move.The information that I am passing on originated from a white paper
released by Shell International at the Shell Rimula 2017 Global
Promotion, held in Milan Italy in October 2017, and attended by
yours truly as a representative of aBr. This promotion’s major
thrust was to update the media and Shell customers on the latest
innovations in truck engine and lubricants technology, a subject
that should be dear to the hearts of everyone, as
road transport forms the backbone of every
single economy on our planet.According to a recent study by
Shell Lubricants, companies
are missing an opportunity
to significantly reduce
the cost per kilometre
of their fl eet, due to a
lack of understanding
around vehicle
lubrication. Shell adds
that the fi ndings show
that many companies
do not realise how their
lubrication procedures can
infl uence critical operational
factors. Shell says that
defi ciencies in vehicle lubrication
are having a fi nancial impact on
fl eet operations, at a time when
cost competitiveness and vehicle
reliability is a priority. Fleet
operators admit that 54% of their
vehicle breakdowns or unplanned downtime in the last three years
were likely due to their incorrect selection and/or management of
lubricants. The resulting costs are signifi cant – 32% estimate that
this unplanned downtime cost their business US$100 000 or more,
and 19% believe the sum could have exceeded US$250 000.The international study of fl eet and transport companies across
Asia, Europe and the Americas commissioned by Shell Lubricants
reveals that 63% of fl eet operators do not understand howeff ective vehicle lubrication can infl uence unplanned downtime
and 53% do not understand how lubricants can help lower costs
through improved fuel effi ciency. John Walters, Shell global sector
manager for Fleet, says, “Fleet operators are under pressure
to achieve high standards of reliability, whilst at the same time
minimising operating costs to stay competitive. Vehicle availability,
maintenance costs and fuel expenditure all infl uence the ‘cost per
kilometre’ of the fl eet, but the impact of lubrication on these critical
factors is too often underestimated. Shell Lubricants has delivered
over US$21 million in savings to fl eet customers globally over the
last fi ve years. We work closely with fl eet customers of all sizes,
all around the world, to help deliver signifi cant business value
by properly looking after the lubrication needs of their vehicles.”The study uncovered a number of barriers that
mean businesses are not well equipped to
take action. 67% of companies think
they don’t conduct staff training
on lubricants as regularly as
they should, and only 33%
have all the recommended
procedures in place
to manage lubricants
eff ectively. Additionally,
only 52% of those
surveyed regard
product performance
as an important
consideration when
purchasing lubricants.Walters adds that “when
under pressure to lower
maintenance costs fl eet operators
often look to reduce spend on
lubricants, but the detrimental
effect of cheaper oils and
greases on equipment can prove
more expensive over time. 52%
of companies surveyed wouldn’t expect a higher quality lubricant
to help reduce maintenance costs. However, a lubricant that
off ers improved wear protection, longer oil drain intervals, and
enhanced fuel effi ciency has the potential to deliver signifi cant cost
savings. Beyond helping customers choose the right lubricant,
Shell Lubricants also has in-fi eld experts and a range of services
to advise on correct application and management.”To read more, you can visit http://www.shell.com/lubricantsLUBRICATION MATTERS #2
by Austin GambleLubricant samples ready for testing in a Shell R&D lab