 |
| An innovative and cost effective “Condition Based Asset Management” service. |
|
Machine Care Plus® Service |
|
This "Condition Based Asset Management” service provides a unique support infrastructure combining the practical experience of time-served engineers with a robust expert decision support technology base (Phocus® software) and secure communications.
This powerful combination ensures that early failure detection techniques (such as fluid, vibration and performance parameters) applied to military equipment deliver real benefits, particularly improved equipment availability and reduced support costs.
AES operates an Early Failure Detection Centre (EFDC) located at Twyford in Hampshire. Staff at the EFDC are primarily concerned with the support of assemblies and systems fitted to British Army equipment based in the UK, Germany and Canada.
This centre of excellence is the focal point for the Machine Care Plus® (MC+) condition based asset management service. Highly experienced ex-military staff regularly monitor equipment condition and usage, identify any signs of distress and alert users when action needs to be taken. They are supported by Phocus® expert decision support software, which is installed on a central computer server located at AES Head Office, Derby.
EFDC staff core activities are as follows:
- Their first role is to validate assembly/system data and supporting information received from users and specialist laboratories. Any data or information deemed to be suspect is pursued vigorously with the originator. Only when EFDC staff are satisfied with the accuracy of such data and information is it entered into Phocus®.
- Users supply a wide range of data and information, such as hours run, maintenance history etc, on computer readable forms or by electronic means whilst laboratories send data via the internet. When all data and information has been received it is automatically screened (final validation) and then interpreted by Phocus® in order to assess the condition of assemblies, systems and fluids.
- Phocus® recommendations are then reviewed by EFDC staff and users connect to the AES server via the MC+ secure communications network in order to download their set of final recommendations and supporting information. This means that the user can view data/information without being connected to the network, thus reducing telecom costs. Diagnostic feedback, management information, photographs, data etc are also available as required. Advice provided is practical, specific and impartial and is underpinned by Reliability Centred Maintenance, Potential Failure Analysis, Failure History and a detailed Materials Atlas.
Recommendations are normally available on the MC+ computer server within one working day of receipt of data from the laboratory. A shorter turnaround time can be arranged if specifically requested or if recommendations are required urgently.
The EFDC is acknowledged as a valuable source of accurate and consistent information. In addition, staff maintain regular contact with users and also provide continuation training. This keeps everyone up to date and shares good working practices and technical knowledge. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
