2013 Product of the Year finalists: Productivity & Training

Finalists in the Productivity & Training category for the Plant Engineering 2013 Product of the Year competition.

By Amanda McLeman November 18, 2013

Motor bearings protection handbook

The AEGIS Shaft Grounding Ring Bearing Protection Handbook is a 36-page, color handbook that describes best practices for protecting motor bearings from electrical damage. The book explains how to diagnose electrical bearing damage caused by variable frequency drives or inverters. It then goes on to explain in detail best practices for preventing such damage to motors of various sizes and horsepower ratings. The AEGIS Shaft Grounding Ring Bearing Protection Handbook is ideal for plant maintenance personnel as well as motor repair shops.

Electro Static Technology
www.est-aegis.com 


Social collaboration platform

Infor Ming.le is a comprehensive platform that resembles the most widely used consumer social networking tools to offer businesses a means for social collaboration, business process improvement, and contextual analytics. Infor Ming.le is embedded within key systems like ERP, supply chain management, human capital management, and enterprise asset management, so employees across all areas of the business can communicate and collaborate, and easily follow people, assets, and processes relevant to the task at hand. Information such as documents, plans, photos, and videos are maintained in a centralized location with relevant activity captured to allow easy access by those who need it.

Infor
www.infor.com 


Data access mobile software

Wonderware InTouch Access Anywhere software enables users to access plant floor data via Wonderware InTouch software. It runs entirely and securely inside a Web browser so users can connect to other InTouch applications at anytime from anywhere, using any mobile device, including Microsoft Surface tablets, iPads, iPhones, Androids, and others. The software also supports Macintosh and Linux-based computer systems, as well as Microsoft Windows PCs and laptops. There is no need to install any software on a mobile device in order to run Wonderware InTouch Access Anywhere. The software includes programs for workflow, reporting, analytics, visualization, maintenance management, operator training, data gathering, and procedure management.

Invensys
www.invensys.com 


Portable training system

VRTEX Mobile delivers a basic, hands-on entry-level training and skills solution that is consistent with standard industry methodology and evaluation criteria—all in an easily transportable, virtual package. The portable VRTEX Mobile is ideal for use in classrooms, the human resources department, or at off-site training or recruitment events. This system eliminates the risk and cost of hands-on initial learning. Students practice repetitive welding without the time needed to tack plate and toss scrap because the coupon isn’t real—it’s virtual, appearing with the press of a button. This system also helps students become comfortable with using a welding gun, increasing their confidence.

Lincoln Electric
www.lincolnelectric.com 


Reliability improvement training series

iLearnReliability is a Web-based training series designed to help industrial plants establish sustainable reliability improvement programs. It demonstrates how reliability improvement is achievable and sustainable through increased awareness of techniques and best practices among plant management and operators, proper guidance and training, and comprehensive skills training in condition monitoring and precision maintenance technologies. With the knowledge, tools, and guidance provided by iLearnReliability, plants are empowered to change from continuously reacting to premature machine failure to having a more reliable plant with fewer repairs and a less-stressed environment.

Mobius Institute
www.mobiusinstitute.com/reliability 


Maintenance testing tool

The Maintenance Planner Test assists in the hiring process, matching the right resources to complete tasks required for continuous operation. This 60-item test assesses the knowledge of prospective maintenance planners and features multiple-choice questions in the following areas: electrical, mechanical, print reading, computer and computerized maintenance management software, planning, and safety. The test is available either for online administration through the Ramsay Corporation website or in paper format.

Ramsay Corporation
www.ramsaycorp.com 


Warehouse efficiency tools

iWAREHOUSE Essential and Enterprise are two solutions that combine fleet efficiency, warehouse optimization, and professional services to optimize warehouse efficiency. iWAREHOUSE Essential provides access control and compliance, and monitors and collects lift truck and operator data in real time, allowing warehouse managers to increase visibility of assets and labor. iWAREHOUSE Enterprise turns collected asset and labor information into actionable data that helps warehouse managers identify opportunities for fleet and warehouse optimization. The solution integrates with select labor management systems to help increase productivity and reduce operating costs, and can be used to enhance additional optimization decisions.

The Raymond Corporation
www.raymondcorp.com 


Worker safety software

Bigfoot OSH is an add-on solution to Bigfoot CMMS (computerized maintenance management software) that helps maintenance organizations ensure worker health and safety, pass regulatory inspections, and avoid fines. With the addition of Bigfoot OSH, maintenance and safety data are centralized in one system. The program maintains safety information, including procedures, safety notes, emergency notes, and more for all assets and equipment. It provides a complete set of safety incident and audit features that are fully integrated with Bigfoot CMMS work orders, predictive maintenance, and assets and equipment.

Smartware Group Inc.
www.bigfootcmms.com 


Author Bio: Amanda McLeman is the research director and project manager of awards programs for CFE Media and Technology.