Australian-owned DMS’ MaintenanceGuy was described by company founder Higgins as the first internet-based suite of equipment condition monitoring and analysis software.
The online suite creates a central database for equipment condition histories and generates intuitive graphs to help companies identify at-risk equipment and make cost-effective maintenance decisions. Higgins said timely equipment condition information reduced costs through component life extension, extended oil drains and avoidance of unscheduled breakdowns.
The first module in the MaintenanceGuy suite is Oil Analysis, which automates a technique used widely in equipment maintenance to produce significant savings in upkeep costs. Like the human equivalent of a blood sample, oil samples taken regularly from a machine can be chemically analysed to determine health problems.
Higgins said DMS’ Microsoft-based internet service allowed maintenance planners to view equipment trends and draw conclusions from diagnostic data via any computer connected to the internet. Colour-coded alarms assured rapid attention was paid to at-risk equipment.
The service is being supplied via the net for an introductory monthly subscription fee of $49 per user. Oil analysis laboratories which support end users simply email results to DMS’ password secure servers. The users then log onto the website, run the software, and stay abreast of equipment condition.
“Many companies are already conducting routine oil analysis, but stacks of lab reports often become no more than a filing exercise,” Higgins said.
“This defeats the purpose of oil analysis, which is a diagnostic process designed to save equipment from costly repairs. Our web solution takes the hassle out of data management so that maintenance staff always have the latest information at their fingertips and can make better decisions, faster.”
Mining companies in Australia and other parts of the world are among capital-intensive industry users currently testing the new DMS software.
“We are excited about advancing our oil program and look forward to the time savings and convenience of an internet-based software solution,” said Ron Brunick, non-destructive testing unit co-ordinator with US-based Round Mountain Gold.
According to DMS, companies with multiple sites can combine data into one database, enabling comparisons and benchmarking of different equipment in use at various mines. Maintenance staff can then share information online.
Apart from MaintenanceGuy, DMS’ software products include Dingo Lube Professional, Dingo FleetOil Professional for Windows, Dingo Lube Explorer and Dingo Lab Manager. The company’s customer base includes Alcoa, BHP Coal, Rio Tinto, Minera Escondida, PT Freeport, Kennecott Energy, Ansett Australia and Caterpillar dealerships in Australia and the US.
DMS is currently conducting a national program of oil analysis and maintenance education seminars and courses in Australia. It is the licensed Asia Pacific franchisee for Noria, the US-based specialist oil analysis training provider.
