Loop Checking Workflow With Offline Asset Status Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loop checking methods in industrial facilities face challenges in data synchronization and accessibility due to lack of wireless networking or cellular data coverage, leading to inefficiencies in commissioning processes and potential data loss.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a relational database, web server, and electronic processor with a user interface, enabling asset identification and audit information collection, storage, and synchronization, even in areas without wireless connectivity, through QR-coded tags and portable smart devices, allowing field technicians and plant control operators to record and verify asset status independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireless networking or cellular data is used for data synchronization, then real-time data collection and synchronization is improved, but system reliability deteriorates in areas without wireless coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable computing device as an intermediary that stores audit information locally in its database when wireless connectivity is unavailable. This mediator enables field technicians to continue collecting data without real-time synchronization, and the data is later synchronized when connectivity is restored, thus maintaining system reliability across all environments.
2Ease of operation
If paper loop check sheets are used for data collection, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases due to misplacement and manual entry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical paper loop check sheets with electronic copies stored in a structured database system. The audit information is captured digitally through the portable computing device, eliminating the risks of paper misplacement and manual transcription errors while maintaining the ease of checking off items during field operations.
3Ease of operation
If simple checklists are used for commissioning procedures, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual data entry and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data entry and spreadsheet processing with an automated electronic system. The portable computing device automatically captures audit information from field operations and transmits it to the central server, eliminating the time-consuming manual data entry process while preserving the simplicity of checklist-based operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If field technicians perform loop checks in areas without wireless coverage, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to inability to synchronize data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary local storage of audit information in the portable computing device's database before wireless connectivity is needed. Field technicians can complete their loop checks and store data locally in areas without coverage, and the system automatically synchronizes this pre-collected data with the central server when connectivity is restored, preventing any information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of performing a commissioning procedure for an industrial facility utilizing assets includes receiving, at an electronic processor of a computing device, a series of selections to obtain audit information. From the selections, the electronic processor generates a search query and transmits the search query to a web server and a relational database for execution of the search query to obtain audit information. The electronic processor receives the audit information and populates the audit information into a record including an asset location, and an open pass/fail decision status for each of the assets for display as a record on a user interface. The electronic processor receives a selection of pass or fail for the audit information of a first asset, transmits a pass/fail result to the relational database via the web server, and displays the pass/fail result.