The wonders of wireless

by Arne Oas

Wireless communication is catching the maintenance world’s attention. What makes it so hot?

It gives staff the ability to transmit data from one remote location to another, solving one of the biggest problems of busy people: mobility.

Wireless inventory control and work orders have been around for several years. But in the past, it was very expensive to implement. Originally, radio systems performed wireless work. Because of the cost, only plants with large production warehousing operations could support the overhead of such systems. However, the wireless industry has changed all that.

In the 1980s, the analog cell phone appeared. Data could pass in a steady stream, but it was slow, unreliable, expensive and had limited application. Now there’s cellular digital package data. CDPD has revolutionized the communication industry. Instead of a steady stream of data, it packets data in small blocks for transmission.

With wireless technology’s acceptance comes improved communication, reduced fees and technology advancement.

CDPD is a wide area network currently employed in more than 4,000 U.S. cities. Today, almost everyone uses personal wireless in one form or another (cell phone, pager, Palm Pilot, etc.). Fees are usually assessed on a per-kilobyte rate for all data transmitted.

Maintenance is familiar with this technology. Work order dispatch systems like SMART and On+Site Dispatch have been around for three or four years. The change comes with CMMS software firms’ introduction of open architecture systems, which allow improved communication to messaging systems, coupled with improved devices (i.e. high-end personal digital assistants) to record and transmit data. Today’s systems offer unlimited messaging, automated report selection, and real-time equipment readings/control.

Wireless solutions are set up to handle real-time communications. This is most beneficial to help desk operations and emergency response teams, and in inventory control.

Help desk and emergency response: Response teams use wireless units to handle unscheduled corrective and emergency maintenance calls. Through browsers or lists, the system gives teams instant access to critical work orders and real-time equipment information. Since information flow is immediate, the call center knows the up-to-the-minute status (completed, started, dispatched or held) of assigned work.

When work is completed, the technician immediately updates the system over the CDPD network and receives any new work. This direct communication eliminates further call center participation and end-of-shift paperwork. This means reduced travel time, faster response time, and improved customer service and info.

Increased proactive maintenance is a side benefit. The on-site technician enters any problems encountered into the system. No clerical time is involved. The work is immediately available for planning and scheduling, and the info isn’t dependent on the technician’s memory or paper notes. It means improved service, site operations and equipment time.

Inventory control: This is a big issue because of the cost, space and personnel involved in keeping inventory current. Using wireless technology (i.e. high-end scanners) helps maintenance maintain real-time status for key parts receiving and distribution. Data goes from wireless devices directly to the central computer system, ensuring there is less of a gap between the actual inventory and central database. This results in better inventory management and reduced inventory requirements.

Although wireless’ advantages are numerous, there are still drawbacks. Devices still are sensitive when dropped or subjected to extreme temperatures. There are synchronization issues and transmission problems in building basements and sub-basements. While a slight loss of signal is acceptable for voice communication, it can cause huge distortions in data. So, transmitting must be done from a stationary position. Communication towers must be upgraded to handle data.

More and more systems and technologies are utilizing wireless. Interactive image compression is already showing signs of mobility, giving video and audio capabilities to the work order. With such changes, wireless’ future looks exciting.

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