ARC Forum Houston Oct 2008 - Optimize Asset Lifecycle Performance

October 13-15, 2008 - Houston, Texas

 

ARC's Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) Forum began with a keynote presentation from ARC Vice President Sid Snitkin who discussed Asset Information Management (AIM).   Asset information answers any reasonable question, about assets, for any stakeholder in a way that suits their needs and helps them execute job responsibilities more effectively. Sid made a distinction between “reference data” and “activity records.” Reference data are things such as functional specifications, design documents, and procedures that are created with changes made slowly over time. Activity records are commercial operations information, operating status, and business history. Having comprehensive information is important for operations and particularly important to understand where and when to make changes in operations and equipment. The quality of information is an important factor to consider. People focus on information important to them; the dilemma is some information important to others is created and kept current by people that do not view this information important to them.

 

The logical conclusion is that the automation of capturing and maintaining information is essential to optimizing manufacturing.  Jerry Gipson, Director Engineering Solutions Technology Center at Dow Chemical presented their experience with Asset Lifecycle Management. Jerry showed an impressive chart illustrating an increase in production from 1996- 2007 while maintenance costs essentially held constant. He attributes this to DOW having a collaborative approach supported by information that creates a clear path from the initial vision & strategy to implementation. A central question they always ask, “Are we designing for what we want to accomplish with this asset?”

 
Tom Fiske, ARC Advisory Group Senior Analyst discussed the value of modeling and simulation of manufacturing processes to improve actual results.   Simulation is a proven cost-effective way of exploring new processes and designs, without having to resort to expensive pilot programs or prototypes. The level of understanding, which may be developed through simulation, is seldom achievable by any other means. The quantum leap in computing power available at lower prices today has significantly lowered the barrier to using simulation and modeling software. Tom made the following observations:

 

Greg Toomey, VP Traditional Power Segment, SKF presented a case study describing an effective lifecycle maintenance program.  Greg answered an important question, who really delivers reliability? His answer is worth thinking about, “process availability is dependent upon maintenance delivering equipment reliability and operations delivering process reliability,” says Toomey. They found that the majority of information required is in unstructured forms. SKF created a formal, structured maintenance program while a plant is under construction that is integrated and proactive to support meeting the business goals from day one of commercial operations. They focused resources on equipment based on its criticality, ensuring the right tools and technologies are used to perform the proper task at the right time.

 

More information: Optimize Asset Lifecycle Performance through Better Asset Information Management