What is Clean, Inspect, Lubricate (CIL) in Manufacturing?

CIL stands for Clean, Inspect, Lubricate — a critical process in manufacturing that ensures equipment operates at peak efficiency.

CIL in manufacturing is a proven method for improving machine reliability, reducing downtime, and increasing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). When combined with connected worker technology, CIL becomes even more powerful — enabling operators to work smarter, respond faster, and prevent issues before they escalate.

Read our article below to learn more about CIL in Manufacturing:

What is CIL in Manufacturing?
Why CIL Matters in Manufacturing
Steps in the Clean, Inspect, Lubricate Process
How Connected Worker Technology enhances the CIL process
Digitize Your Clean, Inspect, Lubrication Procesess with Augmentir

clean inspect lubricate cil in manufacturing

What is CIL in Manufacturing?

CIL stands for Clean, Inspect, Lubricate — a critical process in manufacturing that ensures equipment operates at peak efficiency. CIL is part of autonomous maintenance within Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), a fundamental principle of the Toyota Production System. This methodology empowers machine operators to take ownership of basic maintenance tasks to prevent breakdowns and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Autonomous maintenance places the responsibility of regular machine maintenance on the operator to ensure that there are no equipment breakdowns, stops, slowness, defects, and accidents. Essentially, they are in charge of maintaining their own machines to reduce workplace losses. Equipment cleaning, inspecting, and lubrication routines are critical components of autonomous maintenance.

By following a structured CIL process, manufacturers can minimize downtime, increase machine lifespan, and improve product quality.

Pro Tip

In recent years, Connected Worker Technology has revolutionized the CIL process by providing real-time data, automated workflows, and guided support to operators and maintenance teams. AI-powered connected worker platforms like Augmentir can provide a foundational platform for a manufacturer's CIL strategy.

Why CIL Matters in Manufacturing

Effective maintenance is the backbone of high-performance manufacturing. CIL helps manufacturers:

Reduce machine downtime
Prevent unplanned breakdowns
Improve product consistency and quality
Lower maintenance costs
Empower operators to take proactive ownership of machine health

When operators follow a consistent CIL routine, they catch small issues before they become major problems. This reduces the need for emergency repairs, extends machine lifespan, and increases production uptime.

CIL Checklist using Augmentir

Steps in the Clean, Inspect, Lubricate Process

The Cleaning, Inspection, and Lubrication (CIL) process is a fundamental part of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) aimed at maintaining equipment in optimal condition. Here is a checklist covering the typical steps involved in the CIL process:

1. Preparation:

Gather necessary tools, cleaning materials, and protective equipment.
Inform relevant personnel about the maintenance activity to minimize disruptions.

2. Cleaning:

Clean the equipment thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, oil, and debris.
Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas and critical components.
Use appropriate cleaning agents to avoid damage to machine parts.

3. Inspection:

Carefully inspect the cleaned areas for signs of wear, damage, or leaks.
Check for loose bolts, worn-out components, or abnormal sounds and vibrations.
Record any issues or abnormalities identified during the inspection.

4. Lubrication:

Apply lubricants to moving parts and joints as per manufacturer guidelines.
Ensure proper lubricant quantity and type to avoid over-lubrication or under-lubrication.
Check that lubrication points are clean and accessible.

5. Adjustment and Repair:

Tighten loose components, replace worn parts, and make necessary adjustments.
Address any identified issues from the inspection phase to prevent equipment failure.

6. Documentation and Reporting:

Record completed tasks, issues identified, and corrective actions taken.
Update maintenance logs and communicate results to the team.

7. Follow-Up and Monitoring:

Monitor the equipment during operation to ensure that cleaning, inspection, and lubrication have improved performance.
Schedule the next CIL cycle based on equipment usage and operational demands.

How Connected Worker Technology Enhances the CIL Process

Connected Worker Technology has introduced a new level of efficiency and accuracy into the CIL process by leveraging real-time data, smart devices, manufacturing collaboration software, and digital workflows. Operators can now access detailed maintenance information, receive instant feedback, and track machine health more effectively.

1. Digital Checklists and Guided Workflows

Operators use mobile devices or tablets to follow step-by-step CIL checklists.
Digital work instructions, personalized to the skill and competency level of the operator, provide clear instructions and reduce human error.
Checklists can be updated in real time to reflect changes in equipment or procedures.

2. Real-Time Data from IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) Sensors

Sensors monitor machine conditions (e.g., temperature, vibration, pressure).
Operators receive alerts when performance drops or issues are detected.
Historical data helps predict future failures and schedule proactive maintenance.

3. Automated Reporting and Maintenance Logs

Inspection results, lubrication records, and cleaning activities are automatically logged.
Maintenance history is stored for quick reference and compliance.
Data-driven insights help refine maintenance schedules and reduce costs.

4. Predictive Maintenance and AI Integration

AI platforms analyze sensor data and operator reports to predict equipment failures.
Machine learning algorithms suggest maintenance actions to prevent breakdowns.
Operators are alerted to potential issues before they impact production.

5. Mobile Technology and Smart Devices

Mobile or wearable devices provide visual instructions directly to the machine operator.
Operators can see real-time guidance, CIL checklists, and troubleshooting tips.
Experts can provide remote assistance through AR-based support.

Integrating CIL with connected worker technology offers manufacturers numerous advantages. It enables faster issue resolution through real-time data and expert guidance, boosting operator efficiency and confidence. This integration also helps reduce downtime and production disruptions while lowering maintenance costs through predictive insights. Additionally, it enhances machine performance and extends equipment life, making operations more reliable and cost-effective.

Digitize Your Clean, Inspect, Lubrication Processes with Augmentir

Augmentir helps manufacturing companies digitize their Clean, Inspect, Lubricate (CIL) processes by providing connected worker tools that replace paper-based procedures with dynamic, digital workflows. Through its AI-powered platform, frontline operators receive guided instructions, real-time data capture, and automated checklists, ensuring CIL tasks are performed consistently and accurately. This not only reduces human error but also provides visibility into equipment condition and task completion, forming the foundation for more proactive maintenance strategies.

As part of a broader digital frontline operations strategy, Augmentir enables continuous improvement by leveraging data from CIL and other frontline activities. Managers gain real-time insights into workforce performance, equipment trends, and operational bottlenecks, helping to prioritize maintenance and training needs. By integrating CIL into a connected digital ecosystem, Augmentir empowers manufacturers to enhance equipment uptime, increase operational efficiency, and create a more agile, data-driven workforce.

Augmentir’s solution includes a comprehensive suite of modules, templates, and digital tools that support your CIL and autonomous maintenance strategy, including:

Skills management tools that allow you to digitize the entire skills and training lifecycle for your frontline workforce
Digital workflow and smart forms technology that allow you to digitize CIL checklists and maintenance procedures
Issue management tools that allow workers to raise issues, track, and digitally manage maintenance notifications with a visual Kanban board
Standard work schedules
Collaboration tools that drive team communication
Visual reports for daily production schedules, standard work, and KPIs

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