Industrial Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul: Future-Proofing Operations Through Training - Interplay Learning
The article discusses how rising unplanned downtime costs and increasingly complex industrial systems have made skilled technician training essential for effective Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) readiness, highlighting a fireside chat with industry veteran Tim McDaniel and training specialist Sarah Brogna who advocate for a blended learning approach combining on-demand courses, simulations, and live instruction to upskill maintenance teams, reduce downtime, and future-proof operations.
Since 2019, the cost of unplanned downtime has surged by over 50%, fueled by rising inflation and higher-capacity production. As industrial systems grow more advanced, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) readiness has evolved beyond inventory management. Even the best-stocked storeroom won’t save you if your team doesn’t know how to use what’s inside. Whether you’re facing persistent downtime, struggling with skills gaps, or looking to extend equipment life, skilled technicians are critical to operational efficiency and reliability.
Join industrial maintenance veteran Tim McDaniel, who brings over 35 years of field and engineering experience, for a fireside chat on why training is the missing piece in many organizations’ MRO strategies. Led by Industrial Training Solutions Specialist Sarah Brogna, explore how a blended learning approach that combines on-demand courses, immersive simulations, and live instruction can elevate your team and reduce costly downtime.
You'll Leave With:
- A new framework for thinking about MRO readiness that prioritizes both spare parts and skilled people.
- Methods to implement a blended learning strategy to upskill your maintenance team and future-proof operations.
- Examples of how training can cut downtime and lower maintenance costs.
Meet the Speakers
Tim McDaniel – Industrial Solutions Consultant, Interplay Learning
Tim draws from his 35-plus years of field and engineering experience to provide consultation on quality engineering solutions, maintenance training and support, and designs for training for the existing and future workforce. Prior to joining Interplay, Tim served as Executive Vice President of TPC iSchematic, where he not only led a team that provided products and services to various industrial and commercial clientele but also supported online and instructor-led training across various divisions.
Sarah Brogna – Industrial Training Solutions Specialist, Interplay Learning
Sarah is an expert in industrial training solutions, specializing in helping organizations build skilled, future-ready workforces. As an Industrial Account Executive at Interplay Learning, she partners with manufacturers and industrial leaders to implement scalable, tech-forward training programs that reduce downtime and boost productivity. With a strong background in enterprise partnerships and workforce development, Sarah brings a strategic lens to solving complex skills gaps through innovative, hands-on learning approaches.
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