May 2019

Thomas Boswell, ERIKS’ reliability engineering manager, examines how digital industrialisation is transforming MRO and underpinning proactive asset management strategies. H ow data is stored, collected, managed and analysed that dictates the success of asset management from company to company. From condition monitoring to informing a spares strategy and even predicting which assets are needed in the future, data, when used well, can provide indispensable information for organisations of any industrial sector. Condition monitoring Condition monitoring essentially informs an asset management strategy by improving a business’ understanding of its assets, how they are functioning, and whether or not they are detrimental to productivity in the long, medium or short term. It is more than just sticking a sensor on a machine. It’s a consistent evaluation of machine performance over time. In the same way that when a patient’s heart rate, temperature or other readings deviate from the norm, data associated with failure modes of machinery can indicate the health of assets. This data, such as variations in vibration, temperature or noise, can be collected manually or automatically using sensors and telemetry solutions. Its analysis provides valuable insight into what is, or is not, working as it should, to inform what 22 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk May 2019 Smart Maintenance Management Focus Shaping modern asset management