Operations and Maintenance (O&M) programs traditionally are formulated plans for training, cleaning, work practices and surveillance to maintain equipment and buildings in good condition. The goal is to effectively and efficiently support the life-cycle of the facility. A robust O&M plan can help eliminate unplanned shutdowns, maximize system operation and reduce costs over the life-cycle of each piece of equipment and building system. Successful O&M programs don’t just save money and time, they can be the difference between a safe facility and an extremely hazardous one – critical systems degradation or part failures can create unacceptable safety risks and the accompanying legal liabilities for a facility. Facility Augmented Reality for Maintenance And Repair (ARMAR) is the solution.
A robust O&M process includes:
- Preventive maintenance schedules and procedures
- Corrective maintenance including comprehensive repair requirements
- Equipment and system surveys and audits
- Performance modeling and benchmarking of systems, equipment and parts
- Identification of potential risks and development of corresponding troubleshooting strategies
- Developing and executing O&M plans for each piece of equipment
- Making considered improvements and capital investment options to reduce costs over time
Modern O&M has evolved with technology to include advanced systems that give insight into data that before simply had to be estimated. These are systems may track, supply and manage energy in commercial buildings and facilities or could be interconnected WiFi sensor networks embedded within equipment that can monitor operating parameters or the lifespan of parts. Understanding this modern real-time O&M data can be a challenge, especially for the multi-disciplinary groups that often are tasked with evaluating O&M data and implementing recommendations.
ARMAR technology takes data out of the database and places it in a visual medium that can be leveraged by engineers and executives alike. The visual data inherent to AR can be used directly on the factory floor as part of an ARMAR solution, then directly leveraged in Virtual Reality (VR) systems for the boardroom or for training. When monitoring equipment operational metrics augmented reality (AR) allows the instant visualization of critical data. When replacing key components, AR delivers key maintenance procedure information directly into the view of the technician at each stage of a repair. Executives and other decision makers can see key data and trends visualized whether walking through the facility or watching a conference room projection. Every aspect of O&M, from training to monitoring to executing retrofits and replacements, is enhanced by the visualization of critical information through ARMAR.
Implementing AR does not have to be a huge one-time capital investment and grand undertaking – it can be accomplished in phases based on existing replacement and retrofit timelines. As wireless sensors and new equipment are installed they can be added into an AR environment created and maintained with efficient 3D laser-scan technology.
Acensium employs decades of material handling engineering and project risk management experience coupled with cutting-edge laser scanning and 3D analysis tools. Leveraging this experience, Acensium delivers engineering services to both industrial and commercial clients for Augmented Reality system implementation.
