The Microlog Inspector is the “next generation” mobile application for SKF’s Marlin inspection system, developed from extensive customer feedback allowing users to manage workflow and data collection, “within and between different plant disciplines” (e.g., operations, maintenance, safety, inspections, condition monitoring, contractors, etc.)
Also, the SKF Microlog Inspector links seamlessly to the SKF @ptitude Inspector software package, where data can be further analyzed, reported on, and shared across the entire plantwide SKF @ptitude Asset Management System. This gives users the ability to start with an SKF Microlog Inspector system and integrate other SKF portable and on-line condition monitoring systems, as required. Additionally, this new inspection system has applications in work scheduling, environmental management, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections, and other regulatory and safety requirements, documenting inspection data for compliance reporting and audits.
The Microlog Inspector is compatibility with most Windows Mobile portable devices, meaning that most customers can use existing handhelds. In addition, Microlog Inspector can automatically and wirelessly connect to a central server, downloading the latest routes and uploading collected data, anywhere in the world.
The new SKF Microlog Inspector links seamlessly to the SKF @ptitude Inspector software package where data can be analyzed further, reported on, and shared across the plantwide SKF @ptitude Asset Management System. This gives customers the ability to start with an SKF Microlog Inspector system, and integrate other SKF portable and on-line condition monitoring systems as required. This new inspection system also will find application in work scheduling, environmental, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections, and other regulatory and safety requirements, documenting inspection data for compliance reporting and audits.
Illustrating the innovation of this solution, the new SKF Microlog Inspector does not need to be connected directly to a PC running the SKF @ptitude Inspector software package. By supporting communication over a LAN, USB, WiFi and even cellular data network (3G/GPRS) connection, Microlog Inspector can transfer data to a remote computer anywhere in the world.
In addition to easy plantwide data sharing, this allows for optimal personnel management. For example, the collection and transfer of FFTs can take place in the background while operators perform other routine inspections. Then, maintenance engineers anywhere in the world can review the machine data.
“With the introduction of the Microlog Inspector, SKF has set a new standard for meeting the needs of operations and maintenance staff in many industries and applications, including safety and regulatory inspections and condition monitoring, as well as the transfer and handling of maintenance data,” stated Scott Brady, senior manager of Marketing and ODR, SKF. “The Microlog Inspector system allows plants to optimize their maintenance and operations staff by providing the capability to collect and remotely transfer data – around the world if need be. This technology allows plants to work more effectively while maintaining plant uptime and profitability.”
Complementing its wireless capability, the Microlog Inspector collects velocity, acceleration, temperature and FFT data via a wireless sensor – the wireless machine condition detector (WMCD). Routine collection of vibration data during inspection rounds makes critical machine data available immediately and the intuitive user-interface provides prompts for corrective actions when alarm levels are triggered.
Microlog Inspector is an effective tool for operators in an Operator Driven Reliability (ODR) program, too. In an ODR program, operators can use automated technologies to record observations of machine performance, and process parameter inspections and critical machine conditions. By using Microlog Inspector to implement an ODR program, plants can improve reliability, safety and communication with a plantwide team.
Additionally, Microlog Inspector’s connectivity with SKF @ptitude Monitoring Suite provides in-depth analysis and communication of machine conditions between operations, maintenance, engineering and plant management. Compliance reporting and scheduling allows for a range of collection schedules that vary from day, week, month, day of year, and multiple or repeat collections per time period. Customizable reports identify missed, overdue, out of compliance or points in alarm.
