Mobile Asset Management: Optimizing Productivity, Efficiency And Profitability

By Motorola

Automating manual processes and implementing a mobile asset management solution ensures the accuracy of information regarding the asset from a tracking, usage and maintenance perspective — making reporting requirements a simple proposition. With mobile technology, you can empower your on-the-move technicians with the information they need to succeed in their jobs while ensuring that the right routines are performed on the right machines with the right tools and parts, avoiding costly delays and machine downtime.

Many manufacturers have invested considerable resources implementing Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems to track, maintain and improve the performance of assets and these systems help create a more effective maintenance organization. In addition, these systems provide a database from which engineers can analyze asset performance and identify areas for improvement.

EAM systems offer several modules such as workflow management, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, compliance reporting, time and attendance, and inspection rounds. While many companies are feeding and accessing information from these systems, most have not automated the field activity itself and therefore are not realizing the full benefits or value from their EAM investment. Engineers and field technicians are still relying on paper-based manual processes, causing significant lag times in visibility to data as well as data that is not always as accurate as it could or should be. Your EAM systems may be largely limited to improving back office functions rather than the functions of your mobile workers. Implementing a mobile solution presents an opportunity to:

• Improve technician productivity.
• Prevent production incidents.
• React faster to potential problems and to take corrective measures that keep your assets up and running.

Field technicians may not have access to the latest troubleshooting procedures, or repair history — often costing precious time to seek out answers that are readily available in your EAM system. Production or plant managers may not have access to the latest Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that could prevent production downtime. Closing this gap between your EAM system and your technicians, engineers and plant operators can make a major difference in keeping your assets up and running and your operation profitable.