What are the most effective ways to diagnose and fix complex system issues?

As a field service engineer, you may encounter complex system issues that require more than just following a standard procedure. How can you diagnose and fix these problems effectively and efficiently? In this article, we will share some tips and best practices that can help you troubleshoot complex systems and deliver quality service to your customers.

1 Understand the system

Before you can diagnose and fix a complex system issue, you need to understand how the system works and what are its components, functions, and interactions. You should have access to the system documentation, schematics, manuals, and software tools that can help you learn about the system's design, specifications, and performance. You should also familiarize yourself with the system's operating environment, history, and maintenance records to identify any potential factors that could affect the system's functionality.

Add your perspective

2 Gather information

Once you have a basic understanding of the system, you need to gather as much information as possible about the issue. You should ask the customer or the end user about the symptoms, the frequency, the duration, and the impact of the issue. You should also observe the system's behavior, check the system's status and error codes, and perform any relevant tests or measurements to verify the issue. You should document all the information you collect and use it to narrow down the possible causes of the issue.

Add your perspective

Fábio R. Paschoalini

Agricultural Engineer
Report contribution
Something that help is use diagnostic tools where you are abre to get real time information about parameters and compare what are the ideal numbers especified by the fabricant and how the real value is diverging from that reference.

Like

3 Analyze the data

After you have gathered enough information, you need to analyze the data and look for patterns, correlations, or anomalies that can help you pinpoint the root cause of the issue. You should use a logical and systematic approach to eliminate any unlikely or irrelevant causes and focus on the most probable ones. You can use various methods and tools to analyze the data, such as fault tree analysis, root cause analysis, Pareto analysis, or fishbone diagrams.

Add your perspective

Fábio R. Paschoalini

Agricultural Engineer
Report contribution
Using this kind of qualitative tools could accelerate to identify and verify the root cause of failure. Where systems help to measure quantaty of a particular system or component fault tree will help understanding by probabilistic the impact of each failure in the system.

Like

4 Implement a solution

Once you have identified the root cause of the issue, you need to implement a solution that can resolve it effectively and permanently. You should follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations, as well as any safety and quality standards, when implementing the solution. You should also test and verify the solution to ensure that it works as intended and that it does not cause any adverse effects on the system or the customer. You should document the solution and communicate it to the customer or the end user.

Add your perspective

Fábio R. Paschoalini

Agricultural Engineer
(edited)
Report contribution
Depending of the issue and steps to identifify the root cause you should implement some interim action to return machinery in production before you are able to implement the definitive solution that eliminate the root cause. I Like the 8D metodology where you walk through each of this steps until you reach de solution.

Like
Meloshan Moodley

SEM Specialist and Field Service Engineer – Enhancing Knowledge and Ensuring Excellence in Electron Microscopy
Report contribution
From my experience, everyone has a different path to a solution ,the only factor is the time that changes in every aspect. However, to be as efficient as possible, I would start at when did the issue occur, this will rule out external influences like user error as well as to understand the sequence of events that resulted in the error/fault. After dismissing these, we can look at all components/boards that are directly responsible for the symptom and slowly move to the next connected part. So if a electronics board were responsible for activity where the symptom is found, start with the electronic board( ensure no faults ) then move to cables ,PSUs etc connected to it until a fault is found. Also , stay positive!

Like

5 Follow up and learn

After you have implemented the solution, you need to follow up with the customer or the end user to ensure that the issue is resolved and that they are satisfied with the service. You should also collect feedback and evaluate your performance to identify any areas for improvement or learning. You should update your knowledge and skills based on your experience and share any lessons learned or best practices with your colleagues or peers.

Troubleshooting complex system issues can be challenging, but also rewarding. By following these tips and best practices, you can diagnose and fix complex system issues effectively and efficiently, and provide quality service to your customers.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What are the most effective ways to diagnose and fix complex system issues?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the system

2 Gather information

3 Analyze the data

4 Implement a solution

5 Follow up and learn

6 Here’s what else to consider

Field Service Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Field Service Engineering

More relevant reading

What are the most effective ways to diagnose and fix complex system issues?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand the system

2 Gather information

3 Analyze the data

4 Implement a solution

5 Follow up and learn

6 Here’s what else to consider

Field Service Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills