By Obinna Uche, sales director, Power Systems Division at Schneider Electric Anglophone West Africa.
The predictive maintenance marketplace is set to grow at a CAGR of 17% until 2028, according to the Predictive Maintenance and Asset Performance Market Report 2023–2028. According to the report, the marketplace was already valued at $5,5 billion in 2022, which emphasises its considerable role in organisations’ asset maintenance and monitoring efforts. Driving this growth, says the report, are industries with heavy assets and high downtime costs, such as mining, minerals and metals.
In West Africa, we have seen digitisation and automation emerge as two critical components in the predictive maintenance efforts of companies. Digitisation entails organisations integrating sensors and connected devices across their operations. These devices enable them to collect valuable data on equipment health, performance trends, and potential failure patterns. Access to accurate, real-time data allows maintenance teams to make informed decisions, prioritise tasks, and allocate resources effectively.
In the case of automation, it allows companies to process this data swiftly and accurately. Advanced analytics and machine learning (ML) techniques are used to develop predictive maintenance algorithms and models. These tools then enable companies to forecast equipment failures with precision, facilitating timely maintenance interventions that prevent operational disruptions. This also aids in planning for future production and market trends.
Furthermore, automation enhances the implementation of predictive maintenance by utilising smart products and equipment that can collect and process data independently. These devices are equipped with processing capabilities that enable them to raise alarms when anomalies are detected.
A logical and prudent move
For West African businesses, moving from reactive to proactive maintenance practices offers numerous benefits, which include:
• Efficiency: Digitisation and automation enhance operational efficiency, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.
• Profitability: Proactive maintenance strategies reduce maintenance costs and prevent revenue loss from unplanned shutdowns.
• Predictive maintenance: Leveraging data analytics and ML, businesses can anticipate equipment failures and take timely action to prevent disruptions.
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IoT architecture integrates IoT devices, automation and data analytics to enable real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance scheduling. EcoStruxure operates on three layers: Connected Products, Edge Control and Apps, Analytics and Service. This structure ensures comprehensive coverage of all aspects of predictive maintenance, from data collection to actionable insights.
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Plant offering provides predictive maintenance using advanced analytics and real-time data evaluation through the following:
• Data collection: EcoStruxure Plant collects live data from critical connected assets within the plant environment.
• Advanced analytics: The system applies sophisticated analytics to this data, identifying potential threats and anomalies.
• Early warnings: EcoStruxure Plant provides early warnings for equipment issues, allowing proactive intervention.
• Decision-making: Users can choose to take action themselves or leverage Schneider Electric’s Service Bureau for expert assistance.
Lastly, Schneider Electric offers a range of services to help businesses optimise their maintenance strategies. These services include audits and modernisation, consulting, implementation support, and ongoing maintenance.
Looking into the future of machine vision Omron Electronics
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the truck industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.
Read more...Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.
Read more...UPS systems are key to keeping SA’s automotive industry up and running Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
During loadshedding, PLCs and OT systems often fail, not because they are directly tied to the factory’s core manufacturing process, but because they are now an integral part of IT infrastructure. When an IT system shuts down, the impact is far more complex than simply restarting machinery.
Read more...Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.
Read more...Advanced contactor solution to revolutionise motor management Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched the TeSys Deca Advanced, an advanced contactor solution designed to revolutionise motor management with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, simplicity and sustainability.
Read more...Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.
printer friendly version