277 - Adoption of Mobility with Ryan Chan

Rooted in Reliability: The Plant Performance Podcast

277 – Adoption of Mobility with Ryan Chan

Welcome Ryan Chan back to the podcast. Today we will discuss mobile work solutions.

In this episode we covered:

• What are mobile work solutions?
• Why would organizations want to leverage mobile work solutions?
• Why haven't many organizations implemented mobile solutions?

What are mobile work solutions?

As it relates to maintenance and reliability, it is a workflow execution software in a mobile device that enables a maintenance team to receive information regarding their work while in the field or shop floor. Such information includes work orders and related notifications. Technicians also use the tools to upload information related to their work while out in the field.

Such software falls under CMMS and EAM.

It could be a laptop, phone or a tablet, correct?

Yes. Could be a desktop station too.

Why would organizations want to leverage mobile work solutions?

Technicians spend 80-90% of their time in the field. Therefore:

• Mobile work solutions are convenient since they get and feed information where they work
• Increases productivity
• Saves time and gets work done faster

Why haven't many organizations implemented mobile solutions?

Change management is difficult. In implementing mobile work solutions, a lot has to be considered including connectivity, security, hardware supplier, pricing, and source of funds amongst others. This takes a lot of work.

The industry so far is demanding in terms of responding to failure issues that it leaves little time to focus on implementing mobile work solutions.

What are the technological challenges involved?

The big question Is who supplies the devices (does the company source or do users bring their own devices).

Another one is security- how do users sign in and who is responsible for the devices?

Is security being perceived as a high risk aspect? If yes, how do they overcome that?

Absolutely. There are a lot of ways to tackle simple security issues including: single sign in, two-factor authentication etc.

The technology is evolving fast but hackers are equally developing new ways. The challenge will continue being there and the negative consequences are evident.

What about connectivity when working in remote areas or other places with similar connectivity issues?

Solutions have been developed for people in areas with connectivity issues such as mines. They are capable of working offline and uploading as soon as they reach areas with connectivity.

Are there challenges in the adoption of technology?

There is a challenge in change management. Often, at first, people do not appreciate the need to have another device tracking them.

Sometimes there is a wrong choice of devices and tools that only create additional work for the users.

Cultural shifts should also be handled before making changes.

It is more difficult if the users do not understand the benefits if the change

Look at it from the user's perspective; why would it matter to them? Involve the technicians in not only uploading the data but in analyzing it and seeing the benefits to their work.

The users must see the technology at work solving problems that matter to them

Yes. Make sure to explain the why behind the capturing of the data on failure modes.

How do organizations select the right mobile work solution?

Find the best practice in the industry and borrow from them as a baseline study. Also, define requirements (why you are adopting it, how it will contribute to your goals. Pay attention to the value that is being added to the present team even as you pursue the best mobile work solution.

Understand the difference between The must have and what would be nice to have

It is best to learn from organizations that have already succeeded.

How do you overcome all the challenges and actually implement solutions?

• Choosing the right technology for defined goals: KPIs/expected outcomes
• Setting up the right infrastructure
• Buy in from the users- let them see the value the technology brings

Any other thoughts on mobile work solutions?

The tools are not just only meant to transfer the desktop work to a mobile device. The devices can do more including scanning QR codes, taking pictures and videos, speech to text tool for the notes and other numerous possibilities.

Eruditio Links:

• Eruditio
• HP Reliability
• James Kovacevic's LinkedIn
• Reliability Report

Ryan Chan Links:

• Upkeep CMMS
• Maintenance Community
• Ryan Chan Linkedin
• Past Ryan Chan Episodes
• SMRP 2021 Conference

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