Efficient Plant February 2020 - 9

feature | mobile technology

Left. While performing route-based equipment
vibration monitoring, field technicians can use
expertise embedded in the handheld device.
They also can be guided through additional
analysis and provide management with
information required to determine proper
actions for proactive maintenance.
Below. Apps, such as those for accurate
tank-level status and history, increase personnel safety by reducing hazard exposure.
Configuration and troubleshooting are also
simplified with apps such as the enhanced
echo-curve tuning with Emerson's Radar Master app for the AMS Trex.

data in the field and immediately share the knowledge with managers. In fact,
with embedded analysis capabilities, handheld devices provide field personnel
with tools to begin understanding, for example, what could be wrong with a
rotating asset. Some handheld devices have moved beyond simple portable data
collectors and are now functioning as rotating-equipment analyzers. Note that
this requires that personnel have some moderate knowledge of machinery vibration to determine proper actions.
In all of these tasks, no time is lost in transcribing, no errors are introduced,
and no transfers to folders or binders are required. For example, a maintenance
worker on route might see a spill or a broken pipe. A handheld device can be
used to create an action item that is automatically transmitted to a scheduler. In a
conventional paper-and-pencil environment, that broken pipe might be noted in
a margin on a route sheet to be seen and addressed later or easily overlooked.
Increased safety is also a benefit. A field technician can quickly respond to
safety hazards because handheld field devices can provide up-to-date automated
workflows that ensure complete, consistent, and repeatable actions and accurate
response to potentially hazardous situations.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Organizations today can leverage handhelds to boost operational performance
and support their progress toward digital transformation of operations by
expanding digital intelligence throughout the workforce. Modern handheld
devices fit naturally into the plan because they help augment workflows and
processes, creating new efficiencies and competencies that affect cultural and
behavioral change within a company.
Embedding expertise in handheld devices drives learning and positive behavior change, in addition to serving as a foundation for informed decisions. Handheld devices help create and empower a digital workforce, focused on high-value
tasks, with actionable information that leads to improved decision making.
In an app-for-that environment with fit-for-purpose design, a handheld assists
with traditionally time-consuming tasks that could produce inaccurately reported

FEBRUARY 2020

EP2002femerson.indd 9

SELECTING A HANDHELD

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Consider these factors when selecting
handheld devices:
Hazard rating: In North America, facilities
normally require intrinsic safety, Class I,
Div 1 for the United States or Zone 1 for
international.
Survive the environment: A handheld must
have the appropriate ingress protection
(IP) so it's protected against intrusion,
dust, accidental contact, and water. Also
look for drop testing or shock rating.
Last all day: So that personnel do not
waste trips because of dead batteries,
look for handhelds that can function for at
least 8 hr.
Ergonomic factors: A battery adds weight,
so consider a comfortable hand or back
strap. Also consider the convenience of a
handheld versus a laptop, where a chest
harness could add inconvenience to the
weight issue.
Field data analysis: In-field data analysis
supports immediate action taken in the
field, saves personnel trips, and helps
management avoid machinery issues such
as process shutdowns.

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Efficient Plant February 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Efficient Plant February 2020