Practical Implementation of Technology with Simon Jagers
Welcome Simon back to the podcast. He is the founder of Semiotic Lab; a company involved in predictive technology maintenance. Previously, he talked about monitoring electrical systems using online monitoring and wireless sensors. Our podcast today is about the practical implementation methods to optimize the benefits of these technologies in reliability. However, tell us more about what you do.
The focus has been on reliability using energy monitoring to improve sustainability for our clients. This has led to serving clients in the US, Canada, and has given us 3 global partners.
In this episode we covered:
- Why is implementing technology difficult for many organizations?
- What does a good implementation process look like?
- How do you decide on the assets on which to pilot these processes?
Why is implementing technology difficult for many organizations?
Main challenge is many stakeholders in a production system i.e. Engineering, operators, IT, data security, sensors, gateways, data communication all happening in a live production area.
The individual components are easy but making them work together is challenging due to lack of understanding say between IT and maintenance/operators.
What does a good implementation process look like?
It all starts from the sales stage where you must have the following;
- Bring all the stakeholders together; different stakeholders to understand one another’s role.
- Understand if the problem can be solved using the chosen technology.
- The chosen technology has to make a business case; the solution is not more expensive than the problem. What are the alternatives?
- Is IT involved and can we get the data in place where it can be analyzed?
- Is the whole installation adding value?
- You have to do the actual installation using a well-detailed plan
Do you see cases where there is installation without a business case?
This happens where the driver is not a business problem but to obtain a new technology. If the solution is more expensive than the problem, then you won’t scale up
Business case is vital to the process.
How did you ensure the practicality of this installation plan?
- The goal was to do it right the first time.
- Understanding that implementation could go wrong and so we prepared for the possible mistakes.
- We analyzed the successes to continue implementing the right things.
- We looked at individual stakeholders and steps to understand how they work together.
- Scripting an implementation plan and making checklists
- Track results and gather feedback from clients for improvement.
How do you decide on the assets on which to pilot these processes?
Most of the points of installation for the pilot phase are meant to monitor a specific problem, say for a rotating part. However, the client might need a new technology just to enhance their monitoring tools or test out a new technology.
In either case you have to pay attention to the following:
- The goal is to detect failures early enough for the client to schedule maintenance before breakdowns.
- Agree with client on the period of pilot phase; at best 6-12 months
- Focus mainly on bad actors (frequently breaks down) to produce convincing results that show value to the client.
- Start with a 4G network because it is easier to connect.
- Focus on simpler assets that are easy to maintain to show value of the technology
Do you face cases where you asked if the pilot phase can be for a shorter period?
Yes, but to speed up the pilot phase requires more resources. If to produce 3 convincing detections, you need to install sensors on 30 assets then for the same clicks in a shorter period you might need 60 installations.
How do you ensure that the client gets value?
- The key focus is not installation but how the technology is used on a daily basis.
- How is it providing sustained value for a long period?
- During the sales stage ensure that there is a proper technical fit,
- Business case is imperative; solutions should not be more expensive than the problem
- Explain to the client how we arrive at value
- Schedule quarterly review for performance analysis and feedback.
- Encourage human to human communication throughout.
Do you involve IT early enough?
Absolutely. For data security and trust on how we use the data has to be verified by the client.
Get the ISO: 27001 certifications for proof of expertise and several documents to show how you handle and use the data.
How do successful organizations install sensors?
Three options;
- Install by themselves
- Use client’s contractors.
- We, the provider, do it and are fully available to support the installation.
What is the focus of training for the client’s maintenance team?
- We train on dashboard navigation, interpretation and how the whole system works under the hood.
- We train how to interpret electrical signals waveforms that show mechanical failures.
- How to do the calculations and apply results.
How do you ensure that the project moves from pilot phase to be used all over the process?
Creating and sustaining momentum by;
- Ensuring relevant business cases are sustained
- Guaranteed technical fit to detect failures
- Sharing success with clients and preparing reports
- Sharing mistakes and misses openly.
- We have a customer success system that works with the client throughout the project to capture points that need attention.
What are the Key takeaways?
- Goals have to be well defined and make sure you involve the IT
- Schedule regular feedback sessions
- Expect that adoption of new technology relies on people culture
Where can people find you?
Linkedin; Samotics
Favorite resources?
Reliability Web.
Eruditio Links:
Simon Jaeger Links:
- semioticlabs.com
- Simon Jagers LinkedIn
- Semiotic labs on Twitter
- Semiotic Labs on Linkedin
- Researchgate
- IEEE
- Google Scholar
- Researchgate
Rooted In Reliability podcast is a proud member of Reliability.fm network. We encourage you to please rate and review this podcast on iTunes and Stitcher. It ensures the podcast stays relevant and is easy to find by like-minded professionals. It is only with your ratings and reviews that the Rooted In Reliability podcast can continue to grow. Thank you for providing the small but critical support for the Rooted In Reliability podcast!
Leave a Reply