BASF IT Servicies presents e-Walker, a tool specially created to manage the preventive maintenance

Industry process takes thirty years fighting against the disconnection. During this time has developed its activities in an environment where information that may influence the way we work is not shared between the different departments, in which communication between the processing plant and the Board of Directors is limited and that each area of the companywith regard to the information, it is, in fact, isolated.

Although there is full awareness of the problem, has always considered that the disconnection is too difficult to resolve. The truth is that, while businesses have been profitable, never had been nothing to really combat the problem, while eliminating disconnection would have resulted in greater benefits.

The disconnect occurs today as the crucial factor for the future of the processing industry, a sector which, in the context of an extremely aggressive market, must confront the threat posed to low-cost producers in countries that manufactureto the renovation of facilities that is outdated and increasingly stringent legislation.

Currently, the disconnection could determine not only the profits of an enterprise, but sets, their chances of survival.

The area of engineering and maintenance is key to the success of any process industry. The pressures are enormous and high expectations. And yet, most of the time there is no way to access the information needed to develop the work with maximum efficiency. For example, what could avoid unscheduled interruptions in production if you don't have a clear understanding of the situation of the assets of the plant?, how can work effectively if it is to plan and carry out activities of their Department forced to devote significant time to manage numerous independent systems?, how can optimize effectively the work of its partners and employees if there is no overview of what is required to staff that he is in charge? or how you can get the most out of external resources, whether labor or equipment if it ignores that they can satisfy multiple requirements "in situ".?

The the information technology (IT) can be a help, but its capacity is probably limited. Possibly is designed to provide isolated solutions, therefore cannot offer solutions which take into account the overall context of their needs in the short and long term.

The issue is that the disconnection not only complicates the work, but it also prevents enterprise-wide to perform as it should do so to survive.

As it is well known, preventive maintenance is basic in the process industry. Avoid the consequences of a sudden stop in the machine is more than necessary. Basf IT Services understood these needs because they have had to face the same difficulties on a colossal scale. For example, do you imagine the challenge posed to the Department of peacekeeping a centre of production of 350 plants, with around 39,000 employees and more than 8,000 products?

To achieve its goals, Basf adopted a philosophy of "verbund" (interconnection), which promotes a harmonious and effective dialogue among all its departments. This concept is based on the principle that each and every one of the aspects of the working environment must be integrated from external, passing through the engineering and maintenance business practices to partnerships with service companies.

Currently, the departments of engineering and maintenance of Basf have the information they need, since the reference to the business strategy to precise data concerning the operation of the devices of the factories.

Having this knowledge can make decisions appropriate in due course, and thus manage and control resources more effectively.

Fruit of this "verbund", Basf IT Services has created e-Walker, a tool developed to manage in an efficient, simple and profitable throughout the process of preventive maintenance, from the collection of the information and tasks, to replication.

This tool works in windows environment, therefore the information that is managed can send or receive directly to sap or any other ERP, so the performance of these systems can be exploited to the maximum.

In addition, e-Walker can be used as a complement to the ERP as a GMAP or a mobile device to facilitate the daily work. User access to more comprehensive information, not only has to hand the tasks of the day, but can also access to weekly planning and better organize their work.

With this tool, the information is bi-directional, the mobile device can be used to transfer information from maintenance to your server, as well as to incorporate additional information of the teams.

Also, the timing is completely transparent to the user; with only one "click" the synchronization of the information is achieved, either via "wireless" or connecting the "pocket" to its base.

Finally, this management tool does not need users or local administrators specializing in programming, are only necessary productivity software, not programmers.

See also...

• Benefits of focusing on asset management