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Posted On: 09/01/2004

New application leverages data to improve asset performance

Inspections and calibrations are great opportunities to gather information about equipment availability, performance and reliability. But the data often winds up in a place or form where it can’t be used to make informed, fact-based operating decisions.

Meridium Inc. says it’s solved that problem with a new calibration management application available as part of its V3 portfolio. “We’ve focused on integrating information that’s traditionally been delivered in silos,” says Steve Soos, product leader and senior consultant for the Roanoke, Va.-based company. “You get it pulled together and get a broader picture of your situation.”

The new solution application includes calibration schedule management, viewing of calibration test results, and integration with Fluke data collectors. Maintenance and engineering managers can more easily work from one enterprise system to manage calibrations and all associated data.

Instead of basing calibration intervals on assumptions or manufacturers’ recommendations, the application provides statistical analysis from calibration data to define and update calibration test intervals based on each plant’s business needs.

Analytical tools model simple or complex instrumented safety systems and calculate probability of failure, availability of the system, and costs. This tool helps users assess the safety index level (SIL) for compliance with ANSI/ISA 84.01 or IEC 61508. The system can model instrument components based on manufacturing industry standards and specifications, or capture site-specific failure rate information. What-if models can be created to quickly compare performance and costs. “In the past, people had to do it on their own,” Soos says, “If they had the time.”

Through a single enterprise portal, the software allows easy access to ISA data sheets, specification catalogs, calibration management and other external documents such as instrument manuals and dynamic reports. Managers can view and assess an entire class of instruments at a single plant or across the enterprise, and drill down for detailed information.
Engineers are prompted to continually assess instruments as business processes change, and new analyses and recommendations can be created using built-in report generators. The company’s software readily integrates with ERP systems, further simplifying analysis, reporting and decision-making.

It also integrates with Fluke 740 Series handheld documenting process calibrators. “Using Meridium and Fluke together, our client companies will be able to improve asset performance across multiple sites,” says Bonz Hart, Meridium president and CEO. Through a single Web-based portal, Meridium allows viewing of calibration schedules, test results, ISA datasheets, and reliability analyses in order to make informed, fact-based operating decisions. “The simplified data collection and robust analysis directly impact safety, costs and profitability for our customers,” he says. “Integration with Fluke will enable Meridium customers to more easily capture and analyze key asset data across multiple plants. Proactive instrumentation management is a critical part of any asset performance management strategy, allowing plant managers to make informed decisions, define asset strategies, reduce costs and maximize production.”

For more information, visit www.meridium.com, call (540) 344-9205 or circle 420