Being a good vibration analyst means staying educated on the latest and greatest equipment. (Pictured: analyst using VIBSCANNER by PRUFTECHNIK)
What makes a good vibration analyst these days?
It used to be that all you needed to enjoy a successful career in the manufacturing industry were dexterous hands, a strong back, and a committed work ethic. Generation after generation of workers used these hands-on skills and the American manufacturing industry soared.
However, technology is profoundly changing the face of manufacturing. As automation, big data, robotics, and AI continue coming on fast and furious, the qualities and skills that companies are looking for in prospective talent are also significantly changing.
Today’s skilled workers need to have a broader scope of skills to be successful. The following are six qualities that we have found make a good vibration analyst:
1. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking involves evaluating sources such as data and firsthand observations and then drawing reasonable conclusions, discriminating between useful and less useful details to solve a problem or make a decision.
A good vibration analyst is one who uses logical thought to evaluate a situation and come up with the best solution. An analyst with critical thinking skills can be trusted to make decisions on his or her own and does not need constant handholding.
2. Visualization
The best vibration analysts in the field seem to have the superhuman skill of x-ray vision. They’ve honed their visualization skills so well they’re able to mentally crawl inside a machine and figure out why it’s demonstrating the vibration characteristics that are observed on the exterior of the machine.
3. Confidence (without arrogance)
Some say that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. In reality, the gap between the two is as wide as the Grand Canyon. Confidence is a powerful, positive trait that every good vibration analyst should possess.
Confidence means feeling sure of yourself – your knowledge, skills, and abilities – and conveying this effectively through your words and actions. It also means being an observant listener, picking up on customers behaviors that others might miss. Confident people capture the attention, trust, and respect of those around them. Confidence allows a vibration analyst to communicate findings in a way that both their fellow analysts and customers easily understand.
Arrogance, on the other hand, is a trait appreciated only by others who share it. Arrogant people feel good about themselves only through pointing out their superiority to others. Their brazen, know-it-all attitude can be so off-putting that fellow analysts and customers have a hard time taking in the information the arrogant analyst is trying to convey.
4. Drive/Ongoing Desire to Learn
Technology is continually evolving and changing the way manufacturing workplaces operate, as well as how they maintain their machine assets. Likewise, the vibration analysis industry is continually adding new devices and methodologies to enable analysts to provide customers with the most concise and consistent data possible.
Good vibration analysts strive to stay current with the latest industry innovations and trends by participating in ongoing education and certification programs and hands-on workshops. Also, the best analysts in our industry believe in the value of sharing their knowledge and expertise with fellow analysts. The collective knowledge of a group of analysts can be immense. However, this knowledge is of limited value unless it’s shared.
5. Integrity
Having honesty and integrity in the workplace are essential qualities of a good vibration analyst. Integrity builds character and defines who you are. People want to work and do business with people they can rely on and trust.
6. Patience
Machine diagnostics can take time. The problem isn’t always easy to uncover and can require a lot of trial and error on the path to a solution. Good vibration analysts understand that solving complex machine problems can be quite frustrating – not just for them but for the customer as well. They realize the importance of remaining calm, cool and collected while at the same time maintaining attention to detail, persistence, and innovation in pursuit of a resolution.
There’s never a better time than now
For more than 30 years, IVC Technologies has been home to some of the top vibration analysts in the industry. Vibration is our core competency, and we understand the qualities that make an outstanding vibration analyst. The vibration field is ripe with opportunity. Our onsite training facility and world-class instructors are always looking for motived individuals looking for an exciting new career path to join our IVC family.
Contact us for more information on vibration analysis. Resumes can be emailed to gallardof@ivctechnologies.com.