In many industries, many machines make work easy. There are big, small, medium, and other sized machinery that integrate small parts and every part plays an important role in running the machinery. In today’s advanced world, machines are an important part of every industry. Value added in the Machinery & Equipment market is projected to amount to US$0.8tn in 2024. A compound annual growth rate of 0.75% is expected (CAGR 2024–2029). The value added per capita in the Machinery & Equipment market is projected to amount to US$101.7 in 2024. Though there are few big machine manufacturing industries, this market will soon expand at a fast pace.
As mentioned, many industries consist of machines that need timely maintenance to maintain productivity and reduce downtime. However, it is too difficult to find defects in the early stage that could avoid reducing the maintenance cost. There are big machines and a small defect in that machine could cost companies a lot directly making a lossful impact on capital and overall revenue. Many small machines are portable to provide services to customers. This is also important to track those machines for security reasons and maintenance.
Overview
To solve this problem, there are different solutions and technologies to solve machine maintenance issues as the tracking system is one of the best among all. The tracking system market is also well established as the global track and trace solution market was valued at USD 6.42 billion in 2023. The market is projected to be worth USD 7.50 billion in 2024 and reach USD 26.35 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.0% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
You can quickly schedule preventive maintenance jobs, keep track of equipment repair history, and monitor maintenance operations by putting in place a tracking system. This enhances accountability and empowers you to produce precise reports and make informed decisions based on facts. This overall well maintenance activities for machines inside an industry can potentially contribute to increase or maintenance efficiency.
In this article, we will see the role of tracking systems in increasing the efficiency due to machine maintenance inside an industry. We will see other details like benefits, and challenges, and finally, we will make a good conclusion on this topic.
What is Implementing a Tracking System for the Maintenance of Machines?
The first question that arises in mind is “What is a tracking system?” A tracking system, sometimes referred to as a locating system, is used to monitor moving people or objects and provide an ordered series of location data promptly for additional processing. To decrease downtime, lower the risk of stockouts, and enhance overall warehouse management, maintenance personnel may make sure spare parts are always available when equipment needs to be repaired or maintained. This is made possible by an efficient inventory tracking system. This overall boosts the efficiency of companies and makes a positive impact on productivity and revenue generation.
Also Read: Top Benefits Of Implementing Call Tracking Software In Your Business
5 Technology Solutions for Implementing an Efficient Machine Maintenance Tracking System
1. IoT-Enabled Sensors for Real-Time Monitoring
IoT solutions sensors can be attached to machines to monitor various parameters such as temperature, vibration, and usage in real-time. These sensors transmit data to a centralized system, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.
Benefit: Real-time data helps in predicting potential breakdowns, scheduling maintenance, and extending machine life, thereby boosting operational efficiency.
2. RFID-Based Asset Tracking
RFID solutions can be used to track machines and their maintenance status. Each machine is tagged with an RFID chip, and RFID readers installed at strategic locations can monitor the movement and usage patterns of equipment.
Benefit: RFID allows for automated and precise tracking, reducing human error and providing detailed insights into machine utilization and maintenance history.
3. Cloud-Based Maintenance Management Software (CMMS)
A cloud-based Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) enables tracking of maintenance schedules, spare parts inventory, and maintenance tasks in one centralized platform. It allows technicians to access data and update maintenance activities in real-time.
Benefit: The cloud-based approach ensures data accessibility from any location, facilitates predictive maintenance, and helps in keeping an organized record of machine health.
4. Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance
Machine learning algorithms analyze historical machine data to predict possible failures and recommend maintenance actions. The system learns from data patterns, identifying signs of wear and tear before they cause disruptions.
Benefit: This predictive maintenance approach minimizes unplanned downtime, optimizes maintenance schedules, and helps in resource allocation, ensuring machines run at peak efficiency.
5. Automated Workflow and Maintenance Scheduling Software
Automation solutions software can be used to schedule maintenance tasks, allocate work orders, and monitor machine performance. The system can automatically trigger maintenance activities based on predefined conditions such as running hours, sensor alerts, or wear levels.
Benefit: This solution minimizes human intervention in the maintenance process, ensures timely repairs, and optimizes the use of resources. Automated workflows help in maintaining an uninterrupted production cycle, thereby boosting overall efficiency.
With Aeologic Technologies, you can access the most advanced automation solutions tailored to your machine maintenance needs. Our expertise ensures your systems run smoothly, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Partner with Aeologic to implement the best solutions for boosting your operational efficiency.
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Benefits of Tracking Systems For Machine Maintenance in Boosting Efficiency
There are a lot of benefits of a tracking system for machine maintenance in boosting efficiency. Here are a few key benefits mentioned below.
#1. Real-Time Data
Real-time data access is the need of today’s advanced industries and this can be very beneficial for machine maintenance. Tracking systems enable real-time data of machine health and also tracking of other factors like temperature, leakage, run time, etc. This can restrict the machines from running overtime and avoid any potential damage. Overall, real-time accessibility with a tracking system can play an important role in boosting efficiency for the industry.
#2. Preventive Maintenance
Tracking systems can offer vital information on the condition of equipment, such as engine diagnostics and operating hours. By using this information, proactive maintenance scheduling can be done to lower the likelihood of unplanned malfunctions and expensive repairs. Heavy machinery may run more efficiently and have a longer lifespan thanks to preventive maintenance.
#3. Project Cost Management
Project cost management is another important aspect that mostly depends on equipment expenses, resource utilization, etc. This cannot be suitable to keep project costs high or project costs low with high equipment expenses. By monitoring fuel use, equipment hours, and other factors, you can use the tracking system to give your clients accurate invoicing, which will cut down on disputes and guarantee fair pay for the services rendered.
#4. Data-Driven Decision Making
Decisions cannot be made just with common sense as they need proper data analysis and reporting to conclude. Machine maintenance and operation should be dependent on data analysis. With the help of tracking systems and the integration of AI, data extraction and analysis can enhance the decision-making aspect. This also contributes to boosting the efficiency of industry and optimization of machines.
#5. Compliance and Reporting
Many industries need compliance and reporting for the machinery system as by giving precise records of equipment usage, maintenance schedules, and driver behavior, tracking systems can support compliance. In the event of an audit or legal challenge, this information is priceless. This is also an important role in maintaining the productivity, transparency, and efficiency of the industry. 
Challenges With the Implementation of Tracking Systems
So we have seen many key benefits of tracking systems but there are a few challenges too. Here are a few key challenges mentioned below.
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- Providing training or guiding a team for a tracking system can be a challenge. They are accustomed to manual systems so it could be a time-consuming process to provide training about this technology.
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- Integration of data from different sources can be another challenge with the tracking system. This could result in an increase in downtime for the company.
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- The initial implementation cost could be too much with a powerful tracking system for big machinery. So this could also be a potential challenge.
Also Read: Innovative RFID Solutions for Accurate Asset Tracking and Management
Final Words: Tracking System for Machine Maintenance
Tracking systems can be the reason for evolution in machinery maintenance aspects. Real-time location tracking, better equipment use, more security, and other features are all provided by tracking systems. They enable businesses to streamline operations, cut expenses, and guarantee the timely and effective execution of projects. Businesses can make a big step toward increased productivity and profitability in a cutthroat market by implementing tracking technology. We also have seen a lot of benefits and a few concerns too but concern should be overcome with the development of this technology. Overall, tracking systems can be one of the most superior reasons to enhance efficiency.
