The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is still a relatively new concept. It leverages the interconnectivity of modern technology to gain new insight on the reliability of assets within industrial and manufacturing plants. It allows maintenance teams a greater deal of control over their operations, resulting in increased efficiency and higher ROI. As the transition to IIoT technology accelerates, organizations see evidence of how emerging technologies provide a competitive edge.
There are multiple factors in a successful digital transformation, starting with developing a comprehensive roadmap to set your predictive maintenance program in motion. This will help provide an overview of the process, revealing opportunities to implement predictive maintenance strategies that improve overall equipment effectiveness and give insight into potential roadblocks.
IIoT Implementation Challenges
Early adopters of IIoT-driven technologies encountered several challenging technical and practical barriers. Thankfully, providers started understanding the common hurdles associated with implementing new systems. As a result, global, full-scale IIoT system innovators now offer multiple high-value services to support transitions to an IIoT-based system.
Examples of solution services include:
- Best practices workshops.
- In-depth consultations.
- Expert remote and onsite collaboration.
- Guidance on building an overall roadmap to reliability.
- Ongoing support services to ensure IIoT transformation into the future.
If your company is struggling to implement IIoT technologies, you should consider partnering with a service provider and their experts to overcome obstacles.
Seven Critical Predictive Maintenance Services
1. Asset criticality analysis
To focus efforts where they’re needed most, organizations must identify the business value of a machine or component. During an asset criticality analysis, your team works with reliability experts like eMaint’s to rank critical assets — ones that would have a significant impact on your bottom line should they fail. By identifying high-value assets, the organization knows which machines would most benefit from predictive maintenance strategies.
2. Connected reliability assessment
Building a reliability roadmap is not an easy affair. A solution services provider knows how to best move forward from your current position, whether starting a new program or overhauling an existing one. A reliability assessment examines:
- Available networks.
- Types of assets.
- Mobile capabilities.
- Current personnel training and skill levels.
- Existing devices or tools.
3. CMMS critical success factors
Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) are software programs that help optimize and streamline the maintenance process. One of the main reasons IIoT implementations fail is because the software is not optimized once implemented. Instead, it becomes a repository, or falls into disuse. A Critical Success Factors Workshop sets users up for success from the start. When optimized correctly, CMMS software data substantially impacts asset reliability and availability.
4. Kickstart the implementation
Fast-track CMMS implementation with a Kickstart Meeting. During the consultation, provider experts discuss how to quickly accelerate and achieve an organization’s goals. With a walkthrough and analysis of a company’s current state, they can hit the ground running as the CMMS implementation is completed. A kickstart should include an analysis of maintenance operations, reporting on:
- Asset hierarchies.
- Preventive maintenance programs.
- Inventory processes.
- Work order or request details.
5. Remote condition monitoring (CM) services
To determine if your organization has the resources and infrastructure to maintain a long-term remote condition monitoring program, developing a primer is a must. Remote condition monitoring services identify potential IIoT implementation challenges unique to your plant. The best reliability partners understand every organization is different, and there are no one-size fits all solutions.
6. Connected thermography assessment
Organizations can leverage thermography to increase the reliability of their most critical assets, detect leaks in building envelopes or pipes, and other critical functions. Through these various assessments, experts can assess the resources, processes, and existing technology, and where best to deploy it.
7. Vibration analysis measurement
It is normal for machinery with moving or rotating parts to vibrate. However, excessive or abnormal vibration patterns can indicate potential issues. Complex vibration issues associated with critical assets often require the support of certified and trained experts. Bringing in experts also eliminates frustrating consequences, like do-overs caused by a lack of technical knowledge.
The IIoT adoption journey must remain fluid to grow alongside your business needs. An outside party such as an IIoT service can help provide the support your organization requires to get an effective program up and running — and most are more than eager to assist you in finding workable solutions.
If you’re interested in expert help to kickstart your team’s maintenance strategy, speak to one of our specialists.