Solution To Workplace Preparedness for Anti-Covid19 Measures and Effective Remote Work Collaboration

by lokesh | Jul 15, 2020 | Blog, IoT

Solution To Workplace Preparedness for Anti-Covid19 Measures and Effective Remote Work Collaboration

Remote Work Program

The present times are the best to give a serious thought on Covid-19 safety, sanitizing, cleaning, workplace preventive actions, and the rest of anti-COVID-19 measures unarguably impacting the safety of equipment and people.

The Coronavirus pandemic has apparently changed the lifestyle of the society topsy-turvy within a short span of time. It has, in fact, expanded the horizons of the remote work programs. It has, indeed, proved the flexible nature of workplace policies could stretch backed by good productivity. As a good change amid adverse situations of Covid-19 even organizations with a traditional workplace culture have turned to encourage their staff to work remotely in a bid to uphold the good health of employees and check the spread of the malicious virus.

New workplace norms

The remote work program has taught us to tackle unexpected emergencies that may arise all of a sudden while balancing personal life with professional commitments. As well known, the lockdowns imposed by Federal & State Governments have failed to contain the spread of the virus. So we need to familiarize ourselves with effective digital collaboration tools that can closely substitute the usual face to face workplace communication between teams, prepare workplaces for functioning with limited staff strength & facilitate long periods of remote work during the COVID-19 era.

Why to invest on maintenance?

It is a wrong notion that maintenance activities can be deferred to a later stage. This belief is capable of positioning your company to chaos and unexpected failures to harm production cycles. Minimizing operational costs is absolutely necessary now so as to avoid difficult decisions regarding workforce, retain the right talent at each level by minimizing pay cuts, consider the human effort required to scale up the operations once the crisis abates,  providing significance to the workplace safety. The current situation of the pandemic has sown the seeds for employees operating in shifts to meet and maintain the standards of social distance enforced by Governments over a long time. Keep legal compliances, EHS issues out of your primary focus by warranty maintenance, and regular inspections. The use of intelligent sensors attached to assets can provide you the key to best practices on maintenance.

Challenges posed by Covid-19

Regardless of the geographic locations and industry verticals, organizations will witness workplace disruptions. The organizations which effectively overcome those disruptions will be poised to maintain business operations throughout the period of the social health crisis and can better handle any future crises, too. As employees may work from either authorized devices as well as personal devices whose configuration and credibility are unknown securing the corporate networks and expediting the progress of work can prove to be challenging.

Engage and align employees

With the passage of months, a clear work plan can be established as employees get accustomed to the new work style and shall work in line with the plan. The role of leaders is especially important at this stage in helping out the employees by providing the resources required such as reference materials, directing the individual efforts to be in unison with the team efforts & towards the mission of the organization. Employees shouldn’t feel isolated and be included in relevant meetings to better understand what is expected from them and leaders can point to channels of help whenever required. It might be required to engage and align the employees with workplace culture if need be in the form of team building activities online sharing a lighter moment and better bonding between workforce.

Covid-19 and The New Normal

The new normal regarding enhanced social distance measures and Covid-19 precautions will continue to be around at least till the end of the current calendar year. Hence it is wise for organizations to plan for streamlining their maintenance operations than ever before. It is not an exaggeration to say such activities are critical to business continuity. To get a handle on maintenance you need to embrace the Industry 4.0 standards of the digital transformation of business.

Bring all maintenance activities under your scope

Digital transformation of your maintenance department with our InnoMaint cloud-based CMMS application makes it possible to achieve zero breakdown expenses through effective ppm and system audits.  Technicians can perform full cycles of maintenance without returning to the office for several days. Managers can allocate tasks to technicians anytime from anywhere via a mobile app. The management can ensure continuous production cycles to make for the losses during the period when Covid-19 spread was at its peak. You can bring all the measures you plan to undertake for battling Covid-19 spread under the scope of our smart CMMS application thereby saving up to 30% of operational costs.

Drive productivity with increased visibility of maintenance

CEO’s and Directors can manage multiple business locations via a single application as all the stakeholders are unified in one integrated digital process.

Managing auto-generation of bills based on tax configurations is easier. They are well-positioned to establish a benchmark for performance. With increased visibility on the workload of technicians dynamically facility managers can prioritize the tasks based on the severity and availability of technicians. The reporting becomes easier for service engineers. The procurement team can strike a balance in maintaining the right inventory levels on sanitizers & disinfectant materials for electronic devices, floors, and staircase railings so that the facility management team does not run into a shortage of materials and purchase in optimal quantities.

Powerful KPI Metrics for measuring performance

Managing your workforce scattered in remote locations with metrics such as on-time arrival, First-time fix rate, etc, improving stakeholder communication, standardizing workflow using a well-defined process which has a record of each single service activity available in a moment, improving engagement of the workforce, enforcing environment and health safety with pre-defined and verified checklists, automated multiple and multilevel reminders & escalations to keep the management in the loop of deviations from well-established Service Level Agreements – all these are possible using InnoMaint.

Simplify communication & make it effective

It is needless to mention that the collaboration between maintenance teams is of paramount importance in the present times. InnoMaint facilitates easier and effective communication by a multimedia ticketing system as we firmly believe actions speak louder than words. So InnoMaint provides no room for miscommunication and tracks all the maintenance operations from a centralized database hosted in AWS with very high uptime. The solution can be set up for business very quickly and service engineers, maintenance staff can adapt to it in a very short span of time.

Help your field technicians when they need it the most

For service companies, a variety of appropriate channels for communication & the availability of help for technicians working on the field is essential to keep up the good work in the current and post corona era. InnoMaint makes this possible by proving progressive Q & A, the solutions to commonly occurring problems on specific devices in the form of knowledge base easily available to technicians in the form of the mobile app. Transparency in fieldwork is achieved through provisions for a five-star rating of the service, customers knowing the tentative time of arrival of engineers by GEO Location tracking, and a two-way feedback system for middle management to get to know the true picture of any complaints.

Integration of CMMS with other applications

InnoMaint application can easily scale up and connect with a variety of third-party applications such as video conferencing applications, accounting software, etc. as a part of making for improved and regular communication between stakeholders of the fieldwork or facility management.

To sum up, you can combat the challenges posed by COVID_19 despite the duration it will continue to prevail in the nation and mitigate its impacts by making a wise decision on maintenance management.

Necessary Features for Maintenance Software to Overcome Challenges posed by COVID-19

by lokesh | May 19, 2020 | Blog, IoT

Necessary Features for Maintenance Software to Overcome Challenges posed by COVID-19

The changes that this COVID-19 blockade will set in motion in every sector are going to be so intense that at this point it’s impossible to even predict them. Especially the industrial sector will see industrialists persevering in the name of getting more productivity on their plate every day.

Exploring new options for facilities management is something every name in the game will do in order to get a headstart from the competitors. As the gears will start to turn again, we’ll see more facility managers adopting facility maintenance software even if it comes at the price of taking another hit at the balance sheet which already has suffered enough.

For ensuring that the resources are used as efficiently as they could be, facility maintenance software must have some key features:

1. Properly Detailed Work Orders:

Another feature that is critical to have in your facility maintenance software is the ability to include more information in work orders. In primitive management systems, work orders used to carry less information which led to communication gaps and hence diminished efficiency.

But now, CMMS software packages have the ability to include minute details like detailed instructions, step-to-step checklists, manuals and schematics, tools required, site patterns, and work order histories.

Due to this standardization of instruction, dealing with a specific problem will be the same throughout the facility and not differ like before. Also, newer members will get to learn more swiftly. This learning will be a requirement for technicians once all the facilities start to function again after lockdowns due to COVID-19 end.

Also with slowed and strained supply chains, inventory management becomes more crucial than ever. Through efficient CMMS software, you can manage your inventory and make the best out of it even during these hard times of impeded supply chains.

2. Preventing Problems Preventive Maintenance:

It’s not a new idea that preventing a problem always takes less than fixing it. A CMMS software will be considered incomplete without the feature of preventive maintenance programs.

It makes the life of the facility manager easier by slashing unpredictability of having to maintain the facility when it fails any time by its choice. It makes operations predictable and orderly.

Due to being less problem-prone than the traditional maintenance preventive maintenance offers improved productivity and longer asset life. Apart from this, it decreases downtime and lets you manage your inventory better.

With the pandemic staring in our faces, the cost-cutting will happen first from maintenance departments before other departments are even touched. So, with fewer resources a CMMS software with a reliable preventive maintenance program will save the day.

3. Accessible Threat Request Portals:

The traditional methods of threat reporting are either the way that facilities keep deteriorating until the problems are too big to handle or have a periodic demand of risk-check technicians that engrosses more time and money than it should.

Instead, your maintenance software should have a threat reporting request portal that is accessible to everyone in the facility. This makes the constant demand of technicians go away which saves money and increases uptime. But, extreme care must be taken in the implementation by giving CMMS software training to everyone in the facility.

These portals should also have some necessary data fields while issuing requests for threats so that the data is received correctly and proper work orders can be created to deal with it.

These features must be used in a way that you can identify which request is a priority and which is not. With COVID-19, not only machine and tool damage will be prioritized but health issues and safety tools will also become a priority.

The struggles after COVID-19 won’t be pieces of cake. But, with the right tools and software like a worthwhile CMMS software at your disposal, it will be slightly easier to survive through it.

About the Author

Nitin is a voracious reader and a passionate writer. Having worked with numerous HR mobile app companies and MNCs across the world, he really has very to the point and enthralling insights about the industry and the people working in them. Nitin writes about technology and how it impacts various industries such as pharma, hospitality, travel, and many others as well.

How IoT-Connected CMMS Improves Asset Tracking, Preventive Maintenance, and Productivity

by lokesh | Apr 16, 2020 | Blog, IoT

How IoT-Connected CMMS Improves Asset Tracking, Preventive Maintenance, and Productivity

Modern day Businesses prefer to manage the maintenance sphere of their operations from a centralized cloud based database using a CMMS. Internet Of Things(IoT) is an advanced technological feature whereby the devices in the facility can be totally connected via internet and interact smartly with each other. IoT integration offers a host of benefits infusing a radical change in style of management.

What is IoT Asset Tracking?

IoT Asset Tracking uses smart sensors and cloud-based CMMS platforms to provide real-time visibility into the location, condition, and performance of assets. Each asset is fitted with a sensor or RFID tag that transmits data to the centralized CMMS. This ensures that businesses always know where critical assets are, how they are performing, and when they need preventive maintenance.

Key Benefits for Businesses

Reduced Asset Loss & Misplacement – No more wasted hours searching for equipment, tools, or vehicles. IoT instantly pinpoints asset locations.

Optimized Maintenance Planning – Real-time health data helps schedule preventive maintenance before failures occur, avoiding costly breakdowns.

Improved Asset Utilization – Managers can monitor usage patterns, ensuring assets are used efficiently instead of sitting idle.

Compliance & Safety – Accurate records of asset usage, maintenance history, and performance ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

1. Minimize operational costs

IoT equipped devices can help businesses to monitor equipments continuously and check for failures or deviations in alignments on the production line. It can improve electrical efficiency of the facility by cutting off the power supply to the unit whenever the usage is unnecessary.

2. Insights into dynamics

It is an advantage to continuously be aware of what’s going around in and around your industry. This may be data pertaining to road traffic in your area or the crowd density inside the facility at any given moment of time etc.  

Every facility with a physical space for displaying the business ware & huge halls thronged by customers should be aware of the customer traffic to get a handle on their business. This applies to shopping malls, retail chain of stores, restaurants, library, sporting venue, bank etc which deal with huge flow of people in and out of the facility.

There are sophisticated CMMS which in conjunction with sensors for capturing visitor traffic & people count can let you aware of trends on visitor traffic such as peak hours, individual sections of the facilities that attract people etc. With this valuable data on People Counting data you can deploy your staff efficiently to improve conversion rates & profits.  The count of humans who have entered into a restricted premises can be calculated with more than 95% accuracy. You can exploit the data on these dynamics to arrive at well informed decisions.

3. Robust Building Management System

Able to view energy reports from multiple substations. It can support for unlimited concurrent users.Reduces the cost of third party licenses. A well monitored automated HVAC system can go a long way in optimizing a building’s energy-efficiency, without compromising on the thermal comfort of the users. HVAC is an essential component of Building Management Systems (BMS) . Data loggers provide reliable evidence of system operations. They aid in identification of HVAC equipment operation & faults, if any.

4. Vehicle management system

IOT integration in a CMMS can automatically recognize number plates & extract the registration number of the vehicles. This is achieved by attaching an RFID tag  containing a unique authentication code to the vehicle thus providing for secured transportation.

5. Welding Quality Management

By means of sensors the power consumed by welding machines can be monitored. Based on power consumption welding quality of the machine can be determined.

6. Proper Metering Infrastructure

Smart metering solution can address the challenges faced by businesses without a proper metering infrastructure. Invoices can be generated by tabulating the energy consumption by different devices leading to power savings for the facility and country as well.

7. Use More Assets

IoT presents an opportunity to track assets using sensors. Once the assets are connected to the Internet of Things, you’ll in fact begin learning the efficient usage of assets than ever before due to improved seamless connectivity. The real-time insights help you in locating assets easily & scheduling planned preventive maintenance tasks.

8. Remote Monitoring

Remote monitoring can prove to be a daunting task. IoT instills a feel of continuity and excellent coordination between the main office and what goes on out in the field. The cloud gives employees with mobile devices access to the information they need to carry out their job. The fitted sensors lets managers track the whereabouts of employee, their activities etc. You are also in a convenient position to anticipate additional manpower requirement.

9. Improved Productivity

Productivity is a major advantage offered by Internet of Things.  IoT is capable of providing the training for employees that they need immediately to complete tasks, at hand.

10. Figure out Issues

There may be various underlying issues within your business which may escape your notice unless unless you are well-connected into real-time data. You can exploit data that comes in from mobile devices, sensors and other derivative reports. Collating all of this can be used to figure out potential problems enabling you to provide intuitive & outstanding customer service. This also aids in reviewing & changing  current business models for betterment.

11. Low-Cost Technologies

It is a misconception to think that IoT technology is expensive. The technologies are becoming more and more affordable these days. You can choose one that complements your in-house capabilities. Sensor costs are falling, data storage is more affordable, and computing power is increasing. Many businesses have already framed plans to take advantage of the IoT. It’s time for your business to embrace it and achieve more success.

Real-World Use Case

Manufacturing plants often face challenges with unplanned downtime caused by equipment breakdowns. By deploying IoT sensors on mission-critical machinery, a CMMS like Innomaint continuously monitors vibration, temperature, and power consumption. The system detects early warning signs of wear and automatically creates a work order before the machine fails.

This approach has helped many manufacturers reduce unplanned downtime by up to 30%, extend equipment lifespan, and keep production lines running smoothly.

Retail & Facilities Management

Retail chains and large facilities use IoT sensors for people counting and asset tracking. By monitoring foot traffic in different store sections, managers can optimize staff deployment, improve customer experience, and prevent bottlenecks. In parallel, IoT sensors track critical HVAC and lighting systems to ensure uptime, safety, and energy savings.

Industry 4.0: Benefits of Digital Transformation of Business

by lokesh | Oct 24, 2019 | Blog, IoT

Industry 4.0: Benefits of Digital Transformation of Business

As the civilization grew in proportion with development in economic systems, handmade manufacturing of items shrank with a gradual expansion of manufacturing with machinery. The shift in manufacturing and transportation inclined towards factories is referred to as Industrial revolution. Businesses grew robustly as they followed the people paving the way for economic prosperity.

First Industrial Revolution

This phase used just water and steam for production and saw the basic framework and inauguration of railway network.

Second industrial revolution

Manufacturing sector in India, according to several estimates, lags behind well-developed nations of the world in terms of major technologies.

Towards the end of 19th century, a relatively new source of energy electricity was discovered. During the period electricity, gas and oil were widely used for production. The invention of telegraph and telephone evoked a ‘wow’ spirit in the minds of people. The products of Automobile industry invariably penetrated into the lifestyle of people.

Third industrial revolution

The third industrial revolution saw the rise of electronics—with the discovery of transistor, microprocessor & computers. There was a significant improvement in computing abilities and telecommunication facilities. The invention of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)—and robots gave rise to the era of high-level automation in production.

Fourth Industrial Revolution

Today a fourth industrial revolution is underway which may be viewed as a cream of the automation incorporating Internet Of Things(IoT ) sensors. Higher automation saves labour costs and improves throughput. Businesses are increasingly switching over to this trend to realize the amazing benefits it offers.

IoT brings machines & devices into the network and facilitates communication between devices and machines eliminating man-machine communication. The shift from analogue to digital technologies is going to be the game-changer in the future.

Industry 4.0 uses digital technologies to make manufacturing more agile, flexible and responsive to customers. Adopting to Industry 4.0 standards, The entire team can be involved widening the scope of well organized and centralized workforce management & work order tracking. The technicians are in a better position to report work with the required data.

Innomaint Computer Aided Facility Management(CAFM) Software has been modeled around the core concepts of Industrial revolution 4.0 which were implemented successfully in developed nations of the world to yield noteworthy benefits. Our technologically advanced maintenance solution is scalable & cost-effective, fitting any industry vertical. Join hands with Innomaint for digital transformation of maintenance operations of your business !! It’s the hot trend in Information Technology, right now.

Improves OEE

BDC’s survey unearthed the fact that 60% of digital technology adopters say it helped them reduce operating costs. OEE, in simple terms, is the percentage of the manufacturing time that is really productive. An OEE score of 100% implies you are manufacturing only high-quality spares as fast as possible, with no Stop Time.

Reduces Costs

An adherence to Industry 4.0 brings down the maintenance costs up to 50 % by scheduling preventive maintenance tasks based on calendar, calibration point, usage or Ad-hoc, etc. Ad-hoc scheduling refers to the scheduling of events to take place at varied intervals over the days. This, in turn, enhances the uptime of the equipment making it continuously available for the production cycles contributing to increased productivity.

Quality Control

A substantial improvement in product quality shall be seen as the entire information on work orders along with reassignment, escalation information, SLA, check in & check out time can be viewed at length by Admin. Real-time production monitoring along with quality control lessens rework.

This comes handy in building & maintaining a good relationship with your customers.

New competitions can come from unexpected quarters as the awareness on digital transformation is fast spreading. Companies which are not in a position to face this challenge are liable to be outshined by their competitors who embrace the new industrial standards.

More Innovative

According to a survey, 13% of Industry 4.0 adopters opined the new technology has empowered them with the capacity to innovate extensively. A high degree of innovation can often bring in great value for your business. Unprecedentedly new business models are now possible by means of smart products and new advanced technologies which promise to spark innovation on a massive scale in the coming decade.