Performance Monitoring in Multi-site operations with process plant such as refrigeration and boiler

IPMS is an extremely powerful and flexible system. It can be used to monitor and analyse any type of numeric data that you require. Most of the case studies in this site relate to some sort of industrial process but the system can cope with much more.

The power of IPMS is in its calculation engine. This allows raw data to be fed in at one end, processed and then translated into a more meaningful form either for use in analysis or indeed as part of the raw data for further processing.

Objective

In this case study a company that installs chillers wanted to monitor and compare the  performance of over 20 client units situated across the UK . They wanted to provide their client with the ability and responsibly for its own data entry with the system taking all the raw data and producing various reports for both the clients as well as the installation company. The reports were to enable performance to be measured both in overall terms and to compare individual sites. This data was then to be used for both performance improvement and benchmarking against the company's other clients.

Data Entry

The pubs used a mixture of PDA's (handheld computers), direct data entry into the web site using online forms and the Meniscus FTP site to get daily sales and cost figures into the system. Much of the data was already available as part of the normal running of the pubs so the overhead placed on staff was minimal.

Implementation

We worked with the installation company to produce a Cost Benefit Analysis for the client, indicating the value of the system in the process. This "CBA" was further developed by the client company showing the financial, service and efficiency benefits for the client, as well as providing a basis for it's own "managed sites".

The system was first implemented on a single site basis. IPMS was configured to provide all the data entry, analysis and reporting functions required so that the site then had its own mini IPMS powered site. The various benchmarking schemes and figures were developed and tested before we used our PC client application to copy the set up 20 times. This application allows us to duplicate the structure very quickly and easily to greatly reduce set up times and costs.

At each site, staff were given the ability to administer each site to control user access and reporting functions through their own admin section of the IPMS web site.

Data from the whole set of sites was then collected within IPMS to produce the overall reporting functions across the network and between individual sites or groups of sites.

Outcome

The client is now able to see at a glance the relative performances of its sites. Individual site managers are also able to see how their site compares with the network.

The benchmarking system provides fast feedback if any site starts to under perform or if it is doing extremely well. In this way, potential problems or best operating practice can be quickly identified and measures put in place to ensure each site meets its targets.

The installation company also has head office access to the data to help plan maintenance programmes, as well as offering advice to it's clients. This data is also pooled to provide benchmarking information across it's entire client base fueling its product development function.

To view the financial benefits associated with this case study, please download the Financial Case Study by clicking here .

To view technical specifications please click here to download