M A I N T E N A N C E
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Machinery and Equipment MRO
ADAPTING TO MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY This year it seems like we are on the front steps of maintenance technology. Manufactures are talking about new advanced maintenance tools, and many are moving toward implementing technological applications to be used by plant engineers and tradespeople. BY PETER PHILLIPS
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ith technological developments such as additive layer manufacturing (ALM), Industry 4.0 and IoT, there is a paradigm shift in our ability to better repair or replace individual components, better understand the health of equipment, and plan maintenance based on the availability of significantly large volume of data provided through technology. Let’s look at a few of the maintenance applications available to help analyze equipment health. Also, how this paradigm shift affects the culture within the maintenance department.
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December 2020
New tools and applications Over the past several months I’ve implemented maintenance tablets with CertainTeed Gypsum. First, we needed a device that can house all applications, and provide a connection for external testing devices. Android Tablets that allow the maintenance staff to remotely connect to the new applications, were chosen. Armed with Wi-Fi connectivity, the tablets communicate directly with the software applications, and store data on the company’s network. Initially, the push was to get the work order system mobile. While working through the implementation, maintenance managers began to ask what other apps could be added to the tablet that would give the techs more tools to help maintain the equipment. The plants created a list of apps they would like, and explained how they would benefit the maintenance department.
Mobile applications that were asked for FLIR ONE - a lightweight accessory that transforms the Android device into a powerful thermal infrared camera. FLIR ONE displays live thermal infrared imagery using the FLIR ONE app, so you can see the world from a thermal perspective. Proaxion and SKF Condition Based Monitoring - applications that use sensors to monitor equipment health in real time. With 24 and 7 remote monitoring, maintenance staff receive emails and SMS text alerts in advance of equipment failure. This apps also provide graphical data to provide measurement trends over time. Yammer - helps with communication between shifts and facilitate communication with supervisors and troubleshooters. The Yammer mobile app allows maintenance personnel stay connected from anywhere. Yammer provides a connection with leaders and peers to share, and discover knowledge and
Photo: Getty Images / NanoStockk
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2021-01-13 8:48 AM
