# Getting Out of Break-Fix Mode: Using Maintenance Data for Better Manufacturing Decisions w/ Paul Ross

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2026-03-31
- Length: 29m
- Episode: 303
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-b30d26a4-4402-408b-9da6-e442463a759f

## Summary

Paul Ross, CMO of Limble, discusses findings from Limble’s 2026 Maintenance Benchmark Report, revealing that 72-78% of manufacturers remain in a reactive 'break-fix' mode due to poor data quality. He explains that only 20% of organizations trust their maintenance data for capital expenditure decisions, a figure that jumps to 51% when data quality is high. Ross highlights how shifting to preventative maintenance reduces unplanned work from 64% to 34%, citing Alagash Brewing as a case study that achieved a 40% reduction in downtime by digitizing asset tracking.

## Chapters

- [0:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=38) Introduction and Limble Overview
- [5:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=303) The Data Discipline Gap Survey Findings
- [7:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=450) The Trust Gap in Capital Expenditure Decisions
- [10:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=617) Root Causes: Spreadsheets and Data Capture Failures
- [13:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=819) AI for Asset Capture and Maintenance Maturity
- [16:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=961) Outcomes: Unplanned Work Reduction and Morale
- [20:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=1205) Case Study: Alagash Brewing Transformation
- [23:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=1402) Generational Shifts and Retention Challenges
- [27:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-03-31-getting-out-of-break-fix-mode-using-maintenance-data-for-better-manufacturing-de#t=1625) Strategic Advice for Manufacturing Leaders

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Factory operations & automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/factory-operations)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Limble (company)
- Alagash Brewing (company)
- Guerrilla 76 (company)
- SAP (tool)
- Affinity (company)
- Microsoft (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Value of Data Democratization in Manufacturing | MachineMetric's Graham Immerman](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2020-09-01-the-value-of-data-democratization-in-manufacturing-machinemetrics-graham-immerma) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [281: How AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance Enhances Operational Reliability with Colin Morris of MaintainX](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-03-31-281-how-ai-powered-predictive-maintenance-enhances-operational-reliability-with) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [206: How Maintenance Leaders and Frontline Workers Can Drive Digital Transformation with Nick Haase, Co-Founder of MaintainX](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-10-08-206-how-maintenance-leaders-and-frontline-workers-can-drive-digital-transformati) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [123 - Uncovering HUGE Quality Issues, Inspection Readiness in 2024, Data Integrity, AlCOA+/PIC/S and Critical Thinking in Quality Management with Peter Baker](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2024-02-14-123-uncovering-huge-quality-issues-inspection-readiness-in-2024-data-integrity-a) (Let's Combinate)
- [BONUS: Predictive Maintenance: The Key to Replacing Unplanned Downtime with Personal Downtime (Sponsored by AssetWatch)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-08-25-bonus-predictive-maintenance-the-key-to-replacing-unplanned-downtime-with-person) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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