Asset Management systems like IBMs Maximo, which are migrating to cloud-based solutions, are aimed at streamlining maintenance operations and extending the lifecycle of all types of asset from municipal infrastructure, facilities, manufacturing plant to industries and transportation systems.
These assets, from pumps to chillers to turbines are of increasing complexity and cost. With this increase complexity, from increased instrumentation to embedded control systems, comes increased complexity to manage; the job to operate and oversee becomes more difficult. This is where the asset management systems like Maximo come to the rescue to enable enables you to manage physical assets, and the digital monitor and control systems together.
The interface to these systems are web and browser based which may be based on the latest web services, JMS, HTTP, EJB, XML and have built-in reporting systems. But are the easy to use, provide a clear picture of the overall asset. Is it easy training up new personnel on the system with all their complexity? It could be when we are able to marry the power of these cloud based systems with visual richness of the point cloud. Harnessing the richness of the point cloud, keeping it up to date and accurate, is part of the goal of LFM Software with NetView and Server.
With todays ability to capture complete facility data sets in lieu of smaller, project specific areas, facility owners now have the ability to implement previously unfeasible programs for asset management, operations and compliance. LFM Software refers to facility wide data sets as the Trusted Living Pointcloud.
The key to a successful implementation is the combination of data capture work processes with easy to use, easily distributable software. Facility owners are able to maintain their laser databases using management of change programs to rescan and update the database so that it is a continual record of the as-is facility.
NetView 4.0 provides the optimal means to view and interact with the facility database. NetView 4.0 allows users to access the continually up-to-date database from either workstations or tablets using nothing more than their web browser. The facility is stored on the cloud and is accessible to whoever requires it at any location. Users can take data offline from the cloud for a limited time and sync any changes when they return. The NetView interface utilizes the 3D bubble views as the primary interface, opening it up to more users than just those that can visualize 3D design. Statistically, the most efficient way to process, understand and retain information is to see a picture. With images we make decisions more rapidly.
In addition to being a visual interface to a physical asset, NetView 4.0 also allows users to perform measurement commands including distances and pipe measurements. This functionality ultimately leads to less time in the field and improved safety. Users can also tag items using points or shapes. Tags provide further intelligence to the data by assigning unique asset names that are stored in the searchable NetView database. Users can type in the name of the asset and NetView will take them to the scan that contains that asset. Users can then also link URLs and documents to the tags which enable spec sheets, manuals and other important information to be accessible directly from inside the NetView application.
Now the interface to these asset management systems can be a much more intuitive web experience. The user can navigate through NetView portal, jump to the equipment of asset of interest, and link to the Maximo screen that has the maintenance information. Tags with intelligence can provide the link what is going in the plant.
LFM Softwares North American User Group meeting is going to provide a look at the new LFM Server 4.3 and LFM NetView 4.0, with exciting features geared to providing that visual interface to a physical asset.
LFM North America User Meeting – 5th February 2015
Eaton’s Houston Experience Center