In asset management, operational metrics are vital indicators of an asset's usage and performance. These metrics are instrumental in monitoring the health and efficiency of assets. With this feature, Qualer empowers users to define and track unlimited metrics, laying the groundwork for responsive maintenance strategies beyond traditional calendar-based intervals.

Asset Metrics

Asset Metrics may be any of the following types:

Number: 

• Example 1: Print Count for 3D Printers - Track the number of prints completed by a 3D printer. This helps predict wear and tear on mechanical components and schedule preventive maintenance.
• Example 2: Laser Usage Cycles in Spectrometers - Monitor the number of times the laser has been activated in a spectrometer. Frequent use can impact laser performance.

Increment: 

• Example 1: Usage Count for Autoclave Cycles - Incrementally add each cycle run by an autoclave to track usage and plan maintenance.
• Example 2: Test Count for Analytical Balances - Count each time a balance is used for weighing samples.

Decrement: 

• Example 1: Lamp Hour Usage for Spectrophotometer - Subtract from the total lamp hours to track the remaining useful life of a light source.
• Example 2: Filter Usage in Water Purification Systems - Reduce the count based on the volume of water filtered, indicating when a filter change is due.

Time: 

• Example 1: Operational Hours of a Centrifuge - Monitor the total hours of operation to schedule regular maintenance or part replacements.
• Example 2: Cryostat Compressor Run Time - Track the compressor's actual runtime time to predict wear and plan for maintenance.

Event: 

• Example 1: Emergency Stop Activations for CNC Machines - Log each instance when the emergency stop is activated on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery.
• Example 2: Overheat Events for Laboratory Freezers - Record overheating occurrences in laboratory freezers. Tracking these events is crucial for identifying potential temperature regulation or insulation issues.

To create Asset Metrics, go to the Administration tab, select Configuration, and in the left-hand menu, choose Asset Metrics.

Leveraging these asset metrics, Qualer empowers users to craft maintenance strategies that are time- and condition-based. This approach ensures maintenance interventions are as timely as necessary, optimizing equipment life and reducing downtime. 

The new "Metrics" tab within the asset interface is designed to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for monitoring and managing your asset metrics.

In the "Metrics" tab, you'll find:

Current Metrics Overview: A real-time display of your current metrics and their more recent values.

Add Record (+) Action: Manually add new metric records.

Metric record history: Access all metric records associated with your assets. Metric records are displayed chronologically for all metrics.

Filter by Metric: Click on the metric icons to filter the metric record history to one or more specific metrics.

Metric-based service forecasting

Monitor your upcoming or triggered usage-based service events from the asset’s Maintenance tab.

Meeting the conditions of a maintenance plan trigger will cause the asset to become due for service under this maintenance plan.

Once an asset is due for service, start a service request or configure the maintenance plan to generate a work order automatically.

View and capture metrics during work order fulfillment

Metrics can be viewed and updated from work orders during service events. Once you are in the order, you can update asset metrics from the “Labels & Reports” tab.

You can also edit asset metric values directly from an asset service record. Select the Asset History tab, select Asset Service Record -> Open Order tab:

Using Sensor Data to Power Asset Metrics: Elemental Machines

Qualer is on the verge of a new era in equipment management, where live, automated data shapes our understanding of equipment needs. In this transformative phase, we are thrilled to partner with our friends at Elemental Machines. This collaboration is set to revolutionize how we monitor and manage equipment.

By integrating with Elemental Machines' Element-U sensor, Qualer can be configured to automatically track and trigger service events based on these four asset metrics:

1. Equipment Runtime (hrs)
   
2. Downtime (hrs)
3. Idle time (hrs)
4. Offline time (hrs)

This synergy between advanced sensor technology and our platform promises a more responsive and accurate approach to equipment management.