I read an article the other day and it made a lot of sense when considering the combination of human and technology to make better decisions. The timing was great; especially with the IBM presentation (click here for details) last week regarding the Maximo Inspection Work Centers that are now available in version 7.6.0.8. These simple to configure inspection forms allow the technician to easily and electronically access the information instead of having to write and then re-type their findings.
As y’all know, asset intensive companies must perform inspections on their equipment to verify and manage the health of their equipment. It’s not a single use case of using entirely all sensors, nor is deploying people always the best. In some cases technology can greatly help by getting into places a person can’t reach. In others, restrictions may prevent wireless communications or require physical wiring.
So, how does one use both? When sensors are deployed and able to gather information, these details are electronically recorded and stored on the inspection report or within the meter reading. Once captured the CMMS system, like Maximo, you can run reports on the information to help the technician make decisions on the equipment’s health.
Sensors like ultrasound, vibration, motor / electrical current, ultrasound and thermography can greatly help by providing more information than able to gather visually or audibly. When using these technologies on repeat measurements across similar types of equipment, you can start to develop patterns that might apply to other similar assets / data. If you can’t afford all of these at the beginning, start with those that make the most sense to your assets and abilities and continue to grow.
Combine analytic capabilities, technologies like IBM Watson with failure reporting and you have a powerful set of data to make decisions with. Now you can start to make better and more informed decisions before heading out into the yard, field, plant, etc.
With technologies to take equipment readings, you can gather more data and get closer to real time results. Unlike walking around with a pencil and clip board, these technologies can report results quicker and without human intervention and/or possible error. Inspection sheets work, but if your hand writing is like mine, I pity the clerk who has to try to read my results and record them. Take now the electronic inspection sheet for items that might not have sensors and it reduces one more step in the process; thus reducing time, cost and risk of error.
Combining human knowledge, experience and technology can help transform the process of performing your much needed inspection routines.
