| dc.description.abstract | Industrial organisations rely on quality information to remain sustainable in competitive
markets. To obtain high quality information, data must be collected and processed in an
accurate and timely manner. Many automated systems have been developed to actively
monitor industrial systems and record data. However, automated data acquisition systems
are often costly to implement due to high infrastructure costs. Furthermore, typical systems
are limited to a fixed range of measurements and do not support event-based data collection.
Due to the shortfalls associated with automated data acquisition systems, industrial organisations
implement alternative methods to collect data. These alternative methods include
manual handwritten notes, which involve significant amounts of human interaction with
data. Consequently, the collected data is error prone and cannot be used as credible
data sources. Data collected through manual human methods are therefore not suitable
for audited applications.
Mobile data collection systems offer a possible solution, however no single system that offered
a comprehensive solution that addresses all the identified industrial data collection needs
was found. A novel mobile data collection and verification system was therefore developed
to collect data related to industrial activities. The developed system provides users with
a generic framework that can adapt to individual data collection needs. Furthermore,
the developed system implements a unique combination of components that improve data
accuracy, ensure full traceability and provides assistance to users on various levels.
The novel system was created by combining both new and existing components to form a
single comprehensive data collection and management system. These components include
data verification, version control, calculation and data validation, task management, system
restriction and user support, as well as data processing and integration. These components
interact with one another to form a integrated solution that addresses the industrial data
collection needs.
The system was implemented at numerous industrial sites throughout South Africa, including
a steel production facility, water utilities and mines. The range of data collection applications
include plant maintenance on steam networks, compressed air networks and water networks,
validated water meter readings, electricity meter readings and a range of specific audits. The
system was integrated with client systems to enable automatic data handling according to
client specifications.
Various users utilised the system to capture data at the aforementioned facilities. Efficiency
improvements were observed during the data collection, consolidation and reporting, as well
as the action phases. The system also improved the accuracy of collected data. This was
achieved through real time data verification, user guidance and task management structures.
Accurate data with advanced measurements was used to improve client processes and produce
high quality data sets that can be used to base important decisions on. | en_US |
