ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 25 Typically, equipment vendors will design these maintenance and failure alerts into their systems, as they know the most about a device’s failure modes and its expected life. Laboratories can schedule preventive maintenance activities, replace parts proactively, and avoid costly downtime associated with unexpected breakdowns. Maintenance logs are digitally stored and easily accessible for the lab operator and the vendor to expedite service activities. DIAGNOSTICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING In the event of equipment malfunctions or anomalies, automated noti- fications share the event. If troubleshooting or corrective action is necessary, these activities may be performed remotely to minimize downtime. Typically, this allows technical support to connect to the system, diagnose the event, and investigate any available diagnostic data. Ask vendors about their diagnostic capabilities. Some will have products available that a lab can use in addition to products that their own service team can implement during advanced troubleshooting activities. ENHANCED SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE Remote equipment monitoring offers testing laboratories enhanced security features that help safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Laboratories can implement advanced security protocols, encryption mechanisms, and access controls to protect equipment data from unauthorized access or tampering. Additionally, remote monitoring systems can: • Generate audit trails • Log data access activities • Provide detailed reports to demonstrate compliance with data privacy and security standards The benefit of enhanced security and compliance features is crucial for Five tangible features have emerged from the remote monitoring capabilities of laboratory test equipment. Think critically about which of the following could make the greatest impact on operations: 1. Real-time data monitoring 2. Predictive maintenance 3. Diagnostics and troubleshooting 4. Enhanced security and compliance 5. Data analytics and performance optimization REAL-TIME DATA MONITORING With an IoT-enabled integration, laboratories can: • Remotely monitor the active status of their equipment • Track parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates • Receive instant notifications in case of any deviations Why waste time walking to the lab when you can see the equipment activity from your desk? Real-time data monitoring enables laboratories to stay informed, identify issues promptly, take immediate corrective actions, and ensure the continuous operation of their testing processes without disruptions. PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE With predictive maintenance, testing laboratories can analyze equipment data, identify patterns, and predict potential failures before they occur. Data analytics dashboard of equipment utilization. Real-time data monitoring of manufacturing systems.
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