In a previous blog post, we discussed some of the challenges nuclear organizations face in moving from older systems to more updated, integrated systems. Based on the expanded footprint of functionality within Maximo Nuclear, there are now opportunities to absorb other applications inside of Maximo - an Operations Management suite fits into this category.
IBM Maximo for Nuclear - A Fully Integrated Nuclear Operations Management Suite
An Operations Management Suite of applications includes items such as:
- Clearance and Tagging
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Lineups
- Limited Condition of Operations (LCO) Tracking
- Operator Rounds, Narrative logs, and Turnover
Maximo Nuclear has supported Clearance and Tagging for more than ten years now but only recently has released the remainder of the operations management suite applications. In the past, the opportunity didn't exist for nuclear organizations to have a solution that supported both maintenance and operations without costly integration of systems.
With Maximo Nuclear's enhanced capabilities - organizations are finding that this is not only possible, but with positive impacts to your overall operation.
Why Fully Integrated? An example of the impact:
There are many benefits to having these applications within your Work Management and Corrective Action system. For example, more than 90% of the demand for Clearances originate from Work Orders to support work. Having direct access from the Clearance to view Work Order status, scope, assignments, sign on/off, progress, etc. provides benefits to Operations.
In addition, the person executing the work can review the clearance details, accept the protection and sign on/off the protection directly from the Work Order. With the use of Clearance Templates and Preventive Maintenance records, generation of Clearances to support repetitive work can be automated with the Work Order generation so that they only have to be reviewed for accuracy before issuance. Clearances also keep a complete history of equipment operations to leverage and take credit during execution of SOP lineups. Finally, this data is available to support Maintenance Rule availability calculations and risk assessment. It also provides a single source to feed all related activities and logic ties to an integrated plant schedule.
Limiting Conditions for Operations (LCO) in Maximo
Some of the advantages of managing LCOs in Maximo is the ability to link LCOs to the initiating event such as a surveillance, condition report, maintenance activity, clearance or operator round observation. It can also be linked to the maintenance work order and/or surveillance that is required to bring the equipment back to operability. Capturing operator rounds and readings in Maximo provides full visibility, and may trigger maintenance work via Maximo's condition monitoring. Another direct benefit is the ability to initiate a condition report directly from the operator log functions rather than having to remember to go into a different system to log the observation requiring follow-up.
Reduced Cost, Increased Adaption
While there can be significant benefits to having all these functions in one system, the most considerable challenges come from user change management and costs. Since every product has its own terminology and functionality, reconciling existing functions to a new product doesn't come without a cost. Similarly, conversions, testing, and training also contribute to that cost.
Because most operations management applications have been in place for many years, it's common to experience users resistance to change. We understand that because of the structured, safety-conscious work environment, and the autonomy usually given to the Operations group, they tend to be the most resistant to any change, especially when it involves managing license compliance and personal safety.
Change can be challenging, but it does not have to be painful.
We're here to help the nuclear industry move forward together.
We help our clients evolve people, processes and technology. Our years of experience with both EAM and Nuclear allow asset intensive organizations to rely on our expertise and guidance to transition from antiquated systems to current solutions.
Request a consultation with us today; we'd be happy to walk through your current state and assess your challenges.
