After Wireless
A maintenance technician arrives at work and is greeted by a grim-faced plant manager. One of the surface mount machines is generating a high rate of rejects. The technician goes to the machine for a visual review but is unable to detect the problem. Using his Bluetooth-enabled RFID device, he reads the RFID asset tag that retrieves the machines make, model and serial number. This information is then displayed on his mobile application. He selects "History" from the dashboard menu of icons to retrieve the latest service records and related contact information. He opens a trouble ticket, which is already populated with the RFID information.

Benefits

Mobile solutions enable the maintenance worker to access critical data while in the field. Supported by virtual real-time, bi-directional communication using phone, email and instant messaging, results in the increase of asset lifespan as there is more time for preventive maintenance; lower service costs (less technician idle time, reduced downtime, less travel time, better warranty tracking and leveraging, reduced operation costs/travel, lower overtime costs, less MRO inventory); improved intelligence (more accurate analytics, eg, MTTR, better compliance with maintenance agreements, more accurate asset inventory, up-to-date asset condition reports, better visibility into outsourced activity, lease management compliance, ensure regulatory compliance); and better worker morale (reduce paperwork/less redundancy, less need for office visits, less wasted time retrieving information).

The ticket is automatically transmitted to the asset management system. He notices the machine has not had many problems, but it has recently been upgraded by the manufacturers service technician. He also notices that another internal technician assisted in the work. The contact information for both is already displayed. Since they have a WLAN installed and all internal technicians carry mobile applications that can operate on Wi-Fi networks, he is able to reach her immediately, even though she is working in a remote warehouse where standard pager and cell phone devices are ineffective. She suggests contacting the technician who did the work since she was just observing. He calls and leaves a voice mail, and also sends an instant message asking for help. Within seconds he receives an instant message in reply from the manufacturers service representative saying that he is in a meeting but will excuse himself and call immediately.

The technician receives a technical note from the service representative followed by a phone call. Using a push-to-talk capability on his mobile application, he is walked through some routine tests. Fortunately, the diagnostics work and operation is restored. He thanks the technician and then closes the trouble ticket from his mobile application. While doing his regular maintenance rounds, his supervisor catches up with him and asks how is his day going. The technician shrugs his shoulders and says, "Oh, you know, the usual."

Back of the Envelope RoI
In industries that are machine and facility intensive, asset management costs can equate to 5% of revenue. A workforce of 100 maintenance technicians with annual labor costs of Rs 2 mn could generate an annual savings of Rs 200,000 with just a 10% increase in service efficiency and this doesnt include additional savings in supporting assets.

Ravi Subramanyam
The author is CEO of MobileOne
maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in

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