Fuseforward Embeds IBM Asset Management Software

Intelligent Infrastructure Management solution for mid-market built on IBM Maximo 7 platform

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - Fuseforward, a developer and integrator of advanced infrastructure management solutions for asset-intensive enterprises such as governments, utilities and businesses, today announced an OEM agreement with IBM that enables Fuseforward to build its Intelligent Infrastructure ManagementTM platform leveraging IBM Maximo Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) technology - software that provides insight for enterprise assets, their conditions and work processes to improve planning and control.

Through the OEM agreement with IBM, Fuseforward is able to introduce its Intelligent Infrastructure ManagementTM platform to market in a subscription-based pricing model that makes IBM’s enterprise-class functionality affordable for small to mid-sized cities, utilities, businesses and other asset-intensive enterprises. Intelligent Infrastructure ManagementTM integrates operations and service management; asset tracking, analytics and planning; industry-specific asset management tools; spatial (GIS) and mobile extensions; and an online asset management knowledge/collaboration portal.

“Our OEM relationship with IBM allows us to open a new market for advanced infrastructure management tools by offering small to mid-sized enterprises a complete solution based on Maximo that they can afford today,” said Mark Damm, CEO of Fuseforward. “Until now, this level of functionality has been beyond the reach of this market.”

“The OEM agreement with Fuseforward represents a growing part of IBM’s software business through which we work with business partners to embed our technology to serve as the backbone for solutions that meet the specific needs of their customers,” said Bill Sawyer, Vice President, Maximo and Hosting Operations, IBM Tivoli. “Fuseforward is leveraging IBM Maximo’s technology to create a subscription-based Intelligent Infrastructure solution designed to provide their customers with a holistic view of their assets.”

Fuseforward’s Intelligent Infrastructure ManagementTM platform is designed to support advanced asset management, operations management, and “intelligent” system management in asset-intensive enterprises such as cities, utilities, campuses and transportation agencies, as well as their service providers, including facilities management firms and maintenance contractors. The platform enables customers to:

- Comply with financial and environmental regulations

- Achieve environmentally sound and sustainable operations

- Deliver services more efficiently and cost-effectively

- Optimize the performance and value of their asset portfolios over their entire life cycle

- Develop long-range maintenance and replacement plans

- Manage environmental footprints and support carbon trading programs.

Intelligent Infrastructure Management is furnished as a fully managed solution in an on-demand (web-based) service, or loaded onto an IBM hardware appliance for deployment on the customer’s site.

www.fuseforward.com

POSCO chooses SAS Predictive Asset Maintenance

CARY, NC (Jan. 30, 2009) – SAS, the leader in Business Analytics software and services, is implementing SAS Predictive Asset Maintenance at POSCO (Korea), one of the world’s largest steelmakers. Planned for completion by May 2009, the project is designed to improve reliability and productivity and reduce costs. 

POSCO’s Facility State Precision Predictive System will use SAS to optimize operations at its facilities, minimize maintenance and equipment replacement costs, and improve productivity.

Efficient management, operation and maintenance of facility assets are crucial in the manufacturing industry. Using SAS, POSCO is introducing more innovative pre-detection methods, solving equipment malfunctions and predicting asset replacement. As a result, POSCO expects to improve production capacities by increasing facilities operating times and reducing unnecessary maintenance expenses.

SAS Predictive Asset Maintenance enables POSCO to schedule necessary maintenance by detecting problems and pinpointing malfunctions and risks of failure. The innovative solution uses predictive data-mining, data integration and data management to derive an accurate and up–to-date condition report of facilities. By regularly monitoring facilities, POSCO can reduce accidents, minimize disruptions and maximize the efficiency of preventive maintenance.

“Predictive asset maintenance is an effective means for the manufacturing industry to improve performance in this era of economic crisis, which demands efficient equipment operation, productivity increase and cost reduction,” Sam Cho, SAS Korea Country Manager, comments. “SAS Predictive Asset Maintenance at POSCO is designed to determine, apply and manage predictive maintenance. Its systemized methodology of process analysis and data management is based on SAS’ unique data-mining techniques. Pinpointing optimum predictive maintenance means POSCO can accurately predict the point of time to perform minimum repairs at minimum expense.”

Some of the world’s largest, most advanced manufacturing companies in a number of industries have introduced SAS solutions such as SAS Predictive Asset Maintenance, which has enabled them to manage assets and facilities more efficiently and cost effectively.

Reduce operational costs using electronic inspections and work orders

January 2009 – Techs4Biz, a leading provider of software products for field inspectors and technicians, announces the availability of version 5.0 of PervidiTM – named Pervidi W3, specifically designed to increase the capabilities of field technicians and inspectors and process information faster and at lower cost.

- Work Faster
Receive pending activities and schedules electronically to a handheld device or a web browser; send completed inspection results quickly and efficiently; produce reports quickly and eliminate data entry and time delays.

- Work Smarter
Use PDAs to electronically record all your inspections, assessments, audits, and maintenance and field activities.  Quickly exchange information with the central database using cradles and/or wireless connectivity. Use your own custom checklists, templates and forms.

- Work Anywhere
Connect to your own server/database or connect to Techs4Biz’ hosted servers from anywhere in the world via a PDA and/or via any web browser.  All you need is a connection to the Internet.

www.pervidi.com

Rieter Argentina Deploys Infor EAM for its Maintenance Operations

Automotive Company Implements Infor EAM to Enhance Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Tasks in Local Automotive Supplier Plant in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES - Feb 02, 2009
Infor announced today that Rieter Automotive Argentina, a manufacturer of acoustic and thermal products for the automotive industry, has implemented Infor EAM. The solution will help Rieter automate its asset management practices, particularly with preventive maintenance tasks in their processing plant in Argentina. Infor EAM will also help improve plant reliability through predictive maintenance tasks, including oil analysis and infrared thermal imaging programs.  Rieter’s evaluation process considered factors such as local presence, domain experience, implementation costs and duration, and total cost of ownership.

Prior to deploying Infor EAM, Rieter relied on Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and an internally developed software application, which did not fully meet Rieter’s requirements and was difficult to use. Now, it uses the Infor EAM system to perform all maintenance operations and to analyze historical data to drive more effective activities, resource allocation and decision making.  Infor EAM also provides Rieter’s workforce with easy and timely visibility into repair records and equipment modifications to improve productivity.

Another issue Rieter had to solve was that their maintenance tasks were not properly organized - preventive work was not scheduled, tasks were not tracked accurately and therefore actions were mainly corrective.

“In order to increase our equipment reliability, it is very important that our preventive maintenance activities are well organized and recorded,” states Lucas Prola, maintenance leader, Rieter Argentina.  “Infor EAM allows us to track all maintenance activities and costs, thus keeping historic records to share best practices and improve decision-making.  We can also easily incorporate our legacy data into the system, preserving our past knowledge and experiences. Infor EAM will help us improve our productivity, and in turn reduce costly downtime.”

The automotive industry must comply with strict standards and specifications. Rieter acoustic and thermal products have to fulfill the quality standard ISO/TS 19649, which is required by its main customers including Toyota, Renault, Fiat, and Peugeot.

Many automotive manufacturers require suppliers to complete a quality performance audit and maintain ISO and TS quality certifications. The automotive business-specific capabilities built into Infor EAM allow Rieter to meet these strict quality requirements and reduce the overall cost of quality.

“The automotive industry is a main industrial sector in Argentina, exporting more than half of its production.  Therefore, international standards and global considerations are very important issues for automotive suppliers and manufacturers,” said Robert Faricy, senior vice president, Latin America, Infor.  “In order to be competitive, companies like Rieter need to manage their assets in a way that results in increased productivity, reduced downtime and ensures better compliance with industry certification and safety standards.”

For more information on Infor EAM solutions, please visit http://www.infor.com/solutions/eam

Flowserve Launches ValveSight

DALLAS, TEXAS, January 20, 2009 – Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS), a leading provider of flow control products and services for the global infrastructure markets, today announced the launch of Flowserve ValveSight, an asset management solution for integrated control valves and automated quarter-turn valve packages. 

The ValveSight solution significantly reduces unexpected plant or process downtime by predicting potential failure modes and prioritizing condition-based maintenance before the performance of the working process can degrade.  ValveSight reduces maintenance costs associated with preventative and break-fix activities by ensuring that actions are focused on solving root causes and not just symptoms. Most importantly, ValveSight improves safety and environmental compliance by proactively identifying critical issues before they occur.

ValveSight’s intelligent diagnostic software continuously captures rich diagnostic data from the valve, actuator, positioner, and control signal while the process is running and displays the data in an intuitive graphical user interface.  The ValveSight interface is designed to allow users to translate a broad spectrum of different alarms and data points into simple at-a-glance color-coded health indicators.  Because the diagnostic algorithms within ValveSight are built on Flowserve’s knowledge and experience gained through decades of designing, manufacturing, operating, and servicing valve and automation solutions, ValveSight is able to recognize data patterns that indicate an eroding service condition before a process variable reaches an out-of-tolerance level, and translate that condition into actionable device-specific maintenance advice.

“Plant operations depend on the performance, health, safety and environmental considerations of valves and actuators. ValveSight’s predictive intelligence built into the Logix MD digital positioners addresses these concerns by improving output and lowering costs without sacrificing safety and reliability,” said Ahmad Zahedi, Director of Research and Development, Control Sector, Flowserve Flow Control Division.  “ValveSight allows for increased mean time between failures by allowing plant managers to pinpoint developing malfunctions while the control valve is still in service, and reduces mean time to repair during turnaround periods. ValveSight software is easy to use and simple to integrate into plant operations.”

ValveSight helps plant managers better prioritize planned maintenance.  Instead of checking and servicing hundreds of control valves during scheduled downtime, ValveSight alerts maintenance only when and where it is needed, saving time and money.

Because the intelligence of the diagnostic software lies within the Flowserve Logix MD series of positioners, the system is compatible with both Flowserve and competitor valves.  ValveSight is also available as an upgrade to most existing Logix 3000 series positioners.  The company plans to make ValveSight available on the Flowserve Logix 500 and PMV D3 family of positioners in the near future, as well as the Flowserve Automax family of smart switchboxes for quarter-turn valve packages.

Running on FDT/DTM, a globally recognized integration standard, ValveSight can be connected to a Host DCS, workstations, or any system that supports FDT/DTM open architecture. Due to the FDT/DTM technology standard, the user does not need special training in order to gain immediate benefits of the ValveSight system.

For more information about ValveSight, please visit www.valvesight.com

Signum Group Deploys Oracle eAM at Sekisui Voltek

ATLANTA—Sekisui Voltek, a global leader in the development of high-performance cross-linked polyolefin foams, has implemented Oracle eAM at its manufacturing facilities in Coldwater, Michigan and Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

The recently deployed enterprise asset management system was delivered by Signum Group LLC (Signum), a leading enterprise asset management systems integration and asset reliability services company.

The implementation was designed to integrate Sekisui Voltek’s financials and maintenance management systems to cost effectively increase operational efficiencies, simplify daily business processes, and improve reporting and communications between facilities.

William Rogge, Manager of Information Technology at Sekisui Voltek, said, “As part of our strategy to streamline our asset maintenance programs, we wanted to establish increased visibility and a common reporting system in order to share unified information across the organization, enabling us to make more informed decisions. Oracle eAM was a perfect fit for our objectives, and Signum was the ideal partner to assist us in the endeavor.”

Utilizing SignumWay(TM), a proprietary and innovative deployment methodology and implementation accelerator toolkit, the team of veteran Signum consultants was able to complete delivery ahead of schedule and under budget.

“It was evident from the start that the Signum consultants were extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the application, and the SignumWay tools made the transfer of knowledge to our staff incredibly easy,” added Rogge. “The consultants’ expertise and ability to anticipate our needs and questions made this one of the smoothest implementations I have seen from an outside consultant.”

Signum VP of Professional Services Shelley Walker commented, “Installation of the Oracle eAM software system will provide Sekisui Voltek with visibility and consistency across their organization, as well as the flexibility to support their asset management needs as the market demand for their products continues to increase.”

With over 15 years of experience working with Oracle applications and technology, Signum Group has the expertise and institutional knowledge to deliver innovative and effective solutions that are high quality and cost effective. Signum has supported delivery for over 150 live Oracle eAM sites across a wide range of maintenance-intensive industries, accelerating customer time to benefit from investments and helping clients achieve competitive advantage from their asset management systems.

About The Signum Group, LLC

Founded in 1994, Signum Group is the leading enterprise asset management (EAM) systems integration and asset reliability services company. Signum’s team of senior asset management consultants has supported delivery for over 150 live Oracle eAM sites across a wide range of maintenance-intensive industries.

Signum ensures on time and on budget delivery by leveraging Signum Way(TM), a suite of proprietary implementation, data management, and training toolkits that combines the benefits of streamlined software implementation with a business process management approach. For more information, visit www.signumgroup.com

BlackBerry Suite of Applications for IBM Maximo

HAMILTON, ON - The Createch Group’s Asset Management Solutions (AMS) business unit, today announced the availability of its BlackBerry based applications designed exclusively to enhance and extend the capabilities of IBM’s Maximo/Tivoli asset and service management applications.

The Createch Group’s goal is to help organizations leverage the power of their existing BlackBerry infrastructure to provide applications that support an organization’s asset and service management requirements. The currently available applications include:

BlackBerry(R) Work Manager for Maximo - Helps remotely manage the work order lifecycle of technicians and field workers. It provides mobile functionality that enables managers and field technicians to use BlackBerry devices to receive work orders and information, indicate work accomplished, and upload status, hours, and additional information to the Maximo database.

BlackBerry(R) Approver for Maximo - Allows mobile users to view and respond to any Maximo generated approval requests including purchase requisitions, work requests, and others using their BlackBerry device.  The application includes all the details regarding the approval request allowing the user to make an informed approval decision, without having to logon to Maximo.

“Our BlackBerry applications for Maximo offers a potential game changing opportunity that can provide organizations with a clear competitive edge with minimal investment in additional infrastructure,” said Mike Popovic, Senior VP, The Createch Group. “Over the next few months we expect to release other BlackBerry based applications that will continue to enhance and extend Maximo across the enterprise”.

These applications take advantage of the existing infrastructure and inherent security of the BlackBerry platform and provides an intuitive, simple yet functional user experience. Organizations that have already deployed Maximo and the BlackBerry will require minimal user training with little or no impact on their existing infrastructure.

For more information, please visit www.thecreatechgroup.com

Azima DLI Launches WATCHMAN Reliability Services

WOBURN, Mass. – February 10, 2009 – Global condition monitoring services company Azima DLI today announced its enhanced WATCHMAN™ Reliability Services.  These services combine the industry’s most advanced and reliable analytical software with remote monitoring capabilities to deliver solutions ranging from subscription-based vibration analysis to advanced on-site technical assistance. 

Aimed at transforming current machine condition monitoring practices, WATCHMAN Reliability Services help industrial plants, transportation organizations and the military implement high quality, sustainable condition monitoring programs to avoid unnecessary maintenance and unplanned equipment failures. 

Enhanced WATCHMAN Reliability Services represent the combined strengths of Azima, Inc.  and DLI Engineering, which became one company in October 2008.  Today, Azima DLI provides customers with more than double the analysis capacity and access to global condition monitoring experts in nearly every industry including industrial gas, manufacturing, marine, military, oil and gas, power generation/utilities and steel.  The technology-based service offerings provide companies with the highest quality condition monitoring results, which translate into reduced maintenance costs and maximum equipment reliability. 

Customers can choose specific offerings within the flagship WATCHMAN Reliability Services umbrella depending on their condition monitoring needs, budget and on-site resources.  These offerings are:

· WATCHMAN Analysis—WATCHMAN Analysis is the company’s most cost-effective, subscription-based monitoring service.  In this scenario, customers collect machine vibration data themselves and upload it to Azima DLI’s safe and secure Web-based portal, the WATCHMAN Reliability Portal, which allows Azima DLI experts to analyze the data remotely.  Customers can then access results and alerts through the portal’s intuitive dashboard that provides up-to-date information about equipment condition and the status of ongoing monitoring programs.

· WATCHMAN Onsite—With the WATCHMAN Onsite service, an Azima DLI WATCHMAN technical specialist makes on-site visits to collect information such as vibration data, oil samples, infrared thermography images or other machine dynamic data to perform specialized diagnostic or corrective work.  In addition, companies seeking a completely outsourced machine condition monitoring solution can combine the WATCHMAN Onsite data collection services with the WATCHMAN Analysis services, where an Azima DLI technician collects machine data at the site, then transmits it back to Azima DLI expert analysts for assessment. 

· WATCHMAN Remote—A finalist for Plant Engineering’s Product of the Year award, WATCHMAN Remote monitoring is a robust, 24/7 online monitoring and remote diagnostic service managed by Azima DLI experts.  Through automated alarms and advanced Internet technologies, Azima DLI and plant personnel are linked to machines around the clock allowing just-in-time maintenance of critical equipment.  When an alert occurs, remote analysts immediately review detailed machine data to assess the condition and recommend the most cost-effective actions available.

“Our enhanced WATCHMAN Reliability Services are the direct result of the combined assets of Azima and DLI Engineering.  Together we offer unparalleled analytical depth and quality to provide customers with a sustainable set of solutions tailored to their condition monitoring requirements and guaranteed to deliver results that impact the bottom line,” said Jonathan Hakim, president, Azima DLI.  “With the industry’s leading machine condition analysts, whose collective expertise spans all areas of condition-based maintenance and equipment type, Azima DLI gives customers the information they need for insightful decision-making that lowers maintenance costs and improves machine reliability.”

To learn more about Azima DLI WATCHMAN Reliability Services, visit http://www.azimadli.com/watchman or download the brochure at http://www.azimadli.com/watchman/overview.pdf.  To speak with an Azima DLI sales representative, call 1-800-654-2844 (dial extension 3)

ORBIGate, the New Standard for Turbomachinery Vibration Testing

OROS now offers a dedicated software solution for users, manufacturers and third party service contractors dealing with turbomachinery testing. This new solution for vibration acceptance tests, signatures, diagnostics and other troubleshooting operation has been developed entirely by users for users. 

ORBIGate is for technicians and engineers dealing with turbines, compressors, pumps, gear boxes or other turbomachines who have issues with their rotor and bearing vibrations. It is also of interest to people working in a power plant, a chemical site or a turbomachinery service center. Now, orbits, shaft centre lines, Bode diagrams and many other displays are brought to the finger tips in the most user-friendly software environment!

OROS offers the latest technology for turbomachinery testing and can be combined with acoustic and structural solutions to offer a complete Noise & Vibe analysis package.

OROS has a long history of portable and rugged Noise and Vibration analyzers (3-Series, Mobi-Pack), and a wide range of Noise and Vibration testing solutions (Balancing, Modal 2). OROS now offers a dedicated software solution for turbomachinery vibration testing.

www.orosinc.com

Wilcoxon gains manufacturer’s representative

Germantown, MD –– Wilcoxon Research, a Meggitt group company and a leading supplier of quality vibration sensors and sensor networks, has fortified sales channels in the US with the addition of a new partner, Technical Representatives, Inc. TRI is now a manufacturer’s representative for Wilcoxon, responsible for the Mid-Atlantic states Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and East Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia.

TRI has been in business for over 30 years and customers will benefit from their cummulative 120 years of expertise in instrumentation and data acquisition.  For the last 15 years, TRI has focused on vibration analysis and machinery health monitoring, making them an ideal partner for Wilcoxon Research, who specializes in industrial vibration monitoring.  Wilcoxon Research also manufactures accelerometers for Test & Measurement and research, applications with which TRI has extensive experience.

Government purchasers are common in the Mid-Atlantic States in which TRI will represent Wilcoxon Research.  TRI‘s long history of serving government and DOD customers, and the experience and security clearance they bring, will facilitate seamless customer service to government purchasers and contractors.

“We are excited about our new partnership with TRI because the company is customer-centric, like Wilcoxon.  They have a support staff and infrastructure which will translate to greater value and service to customers,” commented Ron Sullivan, North American Sales Manager.  “We look forward to working with TRI to exceed the expectations of vibration monitoring and Predictive Maintenance professionals.”

For more information about Technical Representatives, Inc., go to www.trirep.com, call 703-904-1860.  To learn more about Wilcoxon Research, Inc., or the pledge of Total Lower Cost of Ownership, visit www.wilcoxon.com, call 800-WILCOXON