Asset management firms change hands and form alliances

Akula, supplier of internet-based handhelds, and MRO, provider of enterprise asset management (EAM) solutions have formed a partnership. Akula will offer its web-based mWorker suite of customizable software products to MRO Software's MAXIMO 4.0 and 5.0 clients.

mWorker automates the remote aspects of facility maintenance, including work order completion, data collection, labor tracking, work order history, inspection rounds, and inventory management. The mWorker Suite integrates with MRO Software's MAXIMO to minimize paperwork and manual data entry. Users of the handhelds can remotely access and update asset information from almost anywhere in the plant. (Source: ARC Advisory Group)

Sola/Hevi-Duty, a provider of power supplies and power quality solutions, announced that its website, solaheviduty.com, now offers registered users an interactive cross-reference guide that lets them compare rival products to those supplied by Sola/Hevi-Duty.

To use the cross-reference service, click on any of the "Cross Reference" buttons located throughout the web site. All that is required is at least three digits of the part number of the competitor's product, along with that company's name. The user will immediately receive a listing of Sola/Hevi-Duty products providing the same functionality. The part numbers are linked to a corresponding web page containing in-depth specifications and engineering information about the product, further assisting in the process.

Integrys AssetPoint has completed the acquisition of Fluor Corporation's TabWare business unit. The acquisition includes the products TabWare OnLine, TabWare OnSite, and related assets. AssetPoint is a subsidiary of Greenville, SC-based Integrys Holdings, LLC and will be managed by former TabWare business unit employees.

Integrys Solutions, LLC, also a subsidiary of Integrys Holdings, has provided product development services for more than a year for TabWare and will continue to provide the same to AssetPoint.

Recently available wireless networking technologies are predicted to find widespread use in industrial applications, according to Parker Hannifin Corp.

The company predicts applications for the Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b wireless standards in climate and industrial controls, industrial automation, and mobile systems and equipment. Bluetooth is a proposed industry standard for short-range wireless communications and networking. It promises robustness, small size, low power consumption, and low cost. IEEE 802.11b (also known as Wi-Fi) offers wireless networking at a higher speed than Bluetooth, but without Bluetooth's size, cost, and power advantages.

These wireless technologies will enable machines to be programmed and actuated, while reporting their status to a central controller or an operator with a handheld computer, cell phone, or other compatible wireless device. They minimize the number of cables and connectors required to connect instruments, controls, and automation on the plant floor, thus speeding installations and reducing maintenance and troubleshooting headaches.

Wireless technologies can be beneficial to pharmaceutical plants, food industries, or other industries that require a clean environment.

Invensys announced the formation of the Avantis Asset Management Solutions group along with its enterprise asset management (EAM) solution. It combines integration of real-time process information, embedded predictive capabilities, and rapid deployment methodologies. Avantis intends to transform plant floor data into asset intelligence available throughout the enterprise.

In addition to the Avantis EAM software, the company also released Avantis.CM, a condition monitoring and predictive maintenance software solution; and Avantis.DMM, a dynamic maintenance management tool that automatically gathers real-time data 24/7 from virtually any control system or intelligent device. It coordinates these data into a common database where Avantis.CM analyzes the data to detect asset degeneration at its earliest stages. Based on predetermined decision criteria, the software solution automatically loads pending failure conditions to the maintenance system.