The Challenge
A major heat producer and distributor in the Czech Republic faced challenges with its outdated maintenance and asset management systems. The existing infrastructure struggled to efficiently handle maintenance processes across a large workforce and an extensive distribution network. Key issues included decentralized asset management, limited mobile capabilities, and insufficient oversight of maintenance interventions. The inability to quickly and accurately process field data reduced efficiency and transparency. Additionally, there was a pressing need to improve preventive maintenance and outage management.
The Solution
From 2019 to 2021, Ness Czech implemented a modernized solution based on IBM Maximo, including the Maximo Anywhere mobile platform for Android devices. Following a successful pilot project in 2020, the solution was expanded to cover all production sites and the entire distribution network.
The implementation introduced workflow management to streamline maintenance and asset processes. Over 600 field workers were equipped with mobile devices that allowed them to manage work orders both online and offline. The system supports functionalities such as barcode scanning, NFC chip integration, online maps, and GPS coordinates. Field staff can also attach photos, convert speech to text, and access real-time data. Integration with SCADA, GIS, and ZIS systems enabled seamless interfacing with other customer information flows.
The Results
The introduction of the IBM Maximo system brought significant improvements in maintenance and asset management:
- Enhanced Field Operations: Field staff gained immediate access to up-to-date information, improving oversight and execution of maintenance tasks.
- Streamlined Processes: Scheduling, inspections, and revisions became more efficient, enhancing overall productivity.
- Accurate Asset Records: Centralized asset management provided better visibility into maintenance costs and optimized staff utilization.
- Improved Control: Integration with other systems and centralized management gave the company greater oversight of its sites and distribution network.
- Flexible Outage Management: The system supported better handling of outages, resource allocation, and operational cost management.
The company plans to expand the system to other acquisitions and areas of business, including industrial services and call centers, further leveraging the solution’s capabilities.
Interested in Learning More?
Contact us at nesscz@ness.com to explore how Ness can modernize your maintenance and asset management systems.