We did a reliability user forum in Shenzhen last July. One of the most asked question was “How do we increase plant availability and reliability?”. In my opinion this is a 3-step process of data collection, data analysis, and asset optimization. Data collection is the basic building block to improving plant availability and reliability and thus it is imperative we get the data collection part right. We need to ensure data collected is comprehensive and error-free. The data collection system must also be well integrated to provide correct data to correct people. A well integrated machinery protection and prediction system allows operations and maintenance group to work together on plant asset management to improve plant availability and reliability.