Programme principle
Start with the maintenance decision, not a generic test list
A useful programme connects every result to a clearly identified component, lubricant, sampling point, interval and maintenance objective. This prevents unlike assets or inconsistent samples from being treated as one trend and gives the laboratory the context needed for a controlled review.
Agree the assets, criticality, lubricant identities, sampling points, initial scope, sample volume, interval and people responsible for responding to exceptions.
Six-stage framework
Build continuity from registration to verification
- 01
Define the decision
Identify the asset risk, maintenance question and evidence needed before choosing the test scope or interval.
- 02
Register the asset
Preserve the site, equipment, component, lubricant, sampling point and operating-hour identity for every repeat sample.
- 03
Sample consistently
Use a representative point, comparable operating state, clean container and documented sampling procedure.
- 04
Analyse the right signals
Select condition, contamination and wear-related tests for the lubricant, component and monitoring objective.
- 05
Review the trend
Compare the result with the correct baseline, prior samples, intervention history and available operating evidence.
- 06
Act and verify
Assign a controlled next step, record the intervention and resample from the same point when verification is required.
Asset register
The minimum context that should follow every sample
Identity
Site, asset, component, manufacturer or model where relevant, and a stable internal identifier.
Lubricant
Product, grade, charge date, oil hours, top-up product and quantity, and any recent changeover.
Sample
Sampling point, date, operating state, equipment hours, container and person or team collecting it.
Maintenance
Filter changes, purification, repairs, inspections, abnormal events and the action taken after the previous report.
Programme film
A visual summary of the controlled workflow
The film summarises the operating loop: register, sample, analyse, review, act and resample. It is a framework, not a substitute for the component-specific sampling plan or test scope.
Explore Chem-Tech reportingException management
Predefine what happens when the trend changes
Verify
Check identity, sample quality, method context, lubricant history and recent maintenance before assigning a diagnosis.
Correlate
Compare with inspection, filter or debris observations, temperature, vibration, pressure, telematics and operator reports where available.
Respond
Select the controlled action appropriate to the evidence: resample, inspect, filter, correct contamination, repair or escalate testing.
Confirm
Document the intervention and collect a planned follow-up sample from the same point to verify the effect.
Frequently asked questions
OCM programme FAQs
What is the difference between one oil test and an OCM programme?
A single test describes the submitted sample against the agreed scope. An OCM programme adds a stable asset identity, repeatable sampling point, planned interval, comparable test set, historical trend and a documented response to exceptions.
Which information should be registered for each component?
Record the site, asset, component, lubricant product and grade, sampling point, equipment hours, oil hours, top-up history, filter changes and relevant maintenance events. The exact fields depend on the programme and equipment.
How often should oil samples be collected?
Sampling frequency should be risk-based and consistent. Consider component criticality, duty severity, environment, reservoir size, OEM guidance, failure history, access and trend stability. A universal interval is rarely appropriate for every asset.
Can Chem-Tech provide sample containers or a sampling plan?
Container, sample-volume and dispatch requirements can be confirmed with the agreed scope. Ask the Chem-Tech team about a recurring sampling plan and available programme support before collection.
Does an abnormal result identify the exact failing part?
Not by itself. Oil analysis provides lubricant-condition, contamination and wear-related evidence. A specific diagnosis may require metallurgy, trend history, inspection, filter or debris review, vibration, temperature, pressure, telematics or other maintenance evidence.
How does the Zylon portal support an OCM programme?
Authorised users can use Chem-Tech's connected reporting workflow for sample submission, status visibility, report access, trend review, data export and site or equipment organisation. Current account features and access are confirmed during onboarding.
What should happen when a result is outside the expected pattern?
First verify sample identity, sampling quality, lubricant and maintenance context. Review the result pattern and history, then assign the appropriate next step—such as resampling, inspection, filtration, contamination control or targeted diagnostics—before changing a service interval.
What should be recorded after an oil change or repair?
Record the date, action, lubricant or filter change, quantity added, component work and any flushing or purification. A planned follow-up sample should be treated as the start of a documented post-intervention trend phase.
Programme planning