The International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) has made a significant stride in the industry of lubrication with the new ICML 55. In an article published by Machinery Lubrication, it was stated that this advanced system now consists of three key documents: ICML 55.0 Overview, ICML 55.1 Requirements, and ICML 55.2 Guideline, offering an in-depth approach to optimizing lubrication processes for mechanical physical assets.
This suite is designed to work in alignment with the ISO 55000 Asset Management Standard, positioning it as an invaluable resource for organizations seeking to streamline their lubrication practices.
A Holistic Approach to Lubrication Management
The ICML 55 Standard provides a structured framework for developing, implementing, and maintaining a Lubrication Management System (LMS) within organizations. ICML 55.1 Requirements, released in 2019, outlined the key components necessary to establish a sustainable lubrication program, while the newly added ICML 55.0 Overviewexplains the strategic importance of LMS in the context of broader asset management goals. The ICML 55.2 Guideline, meanwhile, serves as a practical roadmap for implementing the requirements, offering actionable insights and examples to help organizations execute the standards effectively.
According to Leslie Fish, Executive Director of ICML, the completion of this standard is a major advancement for the lubrication industry. It provides companies with the tools they need to align their lubrication practices with wider operational goals, such as enhancing machine reliability, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing environmental impact. Fish also emphasized how ICML 55 can positively impact the careers of lubrication practitioners and managers by giving them a clear framework for achieving success in their roles.
Global Industry Impact
Ken Bannister, Program Director for ICML 55, hailed the new standard as a milestone that marks the beginning of a new era for industrial lubrication. He describes it as a game-changer, providing companies with the opportunity to improve their lubrication systems systematically. By adopting ICML 55, companies can better position themselves in the marketplace by showcasing their commitment to best practices in lubrication and asset management.
Jim Fitch, ICML’s Founding Director and CEO of Noria Corporation, shared his excitement about this accomplishment, calling it a "crowning achievement" for ICML. He stressed that this standard not only strengthens ICML's global leadership in lubrication asset management but also serves as a reliable and actionable guideline for companies looking to improve their lubrication processes.
Alignment with ISO Standards
One of the key features of ICML 55 is its strategic alignment with the ISO 55000 Asset Management Standard, which emphasizes the importance of optimizing physical asset management to achieve organizational objectives. ICML 55 builds on this foundation by providing a more specific focus on lubrication. This allows organizations to integrate lubrication management into their broader asset management strategies, ensuring that the maintenance of machinery and mechanical assets is carried out in a way that maximizes reliability, safety, and efficiency.
ICML 55 covers twelve interrelated areas crucial for any successful lubrication program, including job training, machine lubrication readiness, lubricant selection, maintenance tasks, inspection, energy conservation, and environmental impact. This structured approach ensures that companies have a clear understanding of what is needed to optimize their lubrication systems and can implement these processes in a way that is both efficient and sustainable.
Certification and Future Plans
Looking ahead, ICML plans to introduce a certification process—dubbed ICML 55.3—in 2025, allowing companies to undergo audits that will verify their compliance with the ICML 55 standards. This certification will serve as a public validation of a company's dedication to lubricated asset management, highlighting their commitment to achieving optimal machinery performance and reliability. Even for companies not seeking certification, the ICML 55 series can be utilized as a practical reference guide, providing insights and best practices that can be applied in any lubrication management setting.
Rendela Wenzel, a senior consultant and chair of ICML’s board of directors, praised the standard as a comprehensive guide for lubrication excellence. She emphasized that ICML 55 combines best practices from experts around the world into one easily understandable document, making it an essential tool for companies striving for world-class lubrication management.
Conclusion: A New Standard in Industrial Lubrication
In partnership with River Publishers, ICML has made the ICML 55 Standard available in both print and digital formats, with additional language translations to follow based on demand. This global reach further establishes ICML as a thought leader, providing companies with the resources and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.
By embracing ICML 55, companies can significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of their best practices, while also aligning with broader asset management goals. This comprehensive standard is not just about maintaining machinery; it’s about fostering sustainable, long-term growth for companies and professionals in the lubrication field.