Machine manufacturers can increase value creation in service by combining process monitoring and condition monitoring with artificial intelligence. Without much effort or difficult discussions on the customer side and incredibly efficient.
Mostly, the service business of machine manufacturers today focuses on selling their customers replacement lines and/or offering regular annual services of their machines. In the latter case, the manufacturers determine the condition of the machines and make recommendations for e.g. necessary maintenance. These fitness checks currently focus mainly on making a visual assessment of the machine with the naked eye, for example. Any damage is documented by means of photos.
Despite all the expertise, a check with the naked eye is only superficial.
A check based on human experts, however, is superficial despite all the expertise, because only very obvious problems with the machine can be detected from the outside. It is more interesting and safer to carry out more in-depth checks of the machine using a combination of new technologies, such as ultrasound and artificial intelligence. Permanent sensors do not have to be installed for this.
Alternatively, with the help of the ultrasound condition monitoring system from Senzoro, for example, the remaining service life of roller bearings can be assessed with just one measurement. A highly sensitive ultrasonic sensor "listens" to the bearing for a few seconds and an artificial intelligence then evaluates the determined data. This procedure can be learned by a service technician in just a few minutes and can significantly enhance a system check.
Ultrasound can also be used to check the tightness of pipes. In this way, energy losses (e.g. due to compressed air leaks) can be identified. The advantage: this procedure does not require customer-specific data or permanently installed sensors. On the contrary: for many components, this is already possible with little training and only sensors that are not permanently installed. The hurdle to offer such a service to customers is therefore very low. No changes to the system, such as the installation of sensors, are necessary. Difficult discussions regarding the evaluation of data, IT security, etc. do not arise for the time being...
Author: DI. Mag. Markus Loinig
Email: markus@senzoro.com
