Ensuring machine efficiency
August 1st 2009 Nilfisk Advance's new IT platform,the N-sure system,keeps track of machine
movements across hundreds of sites,providing a solution for cleaning contractors
At the core of the N-sure system are handheld PDAs carried by
both the 46 strong engineering team and 30 direct sales
heads.All machines are fitted with an RFID – Radio Frequency
Identification tag – on installation.The tag, identified by machine type
and serial number, will record the
machine's history for life.
The engineers receive details of new
service visits via the PDA, once accepted
the system registers information live time
and shows the engineer as en-route.
A major advantage is the ability for the
PDA device to directly call the client on
site with the press of one button.The
PDA also acts as a 3 mega pixel camera
allowing photographs from site to be
instantly transmitted.
Once on site the engineer uses a scanning device to
scan the RFID tag confirming serial number information.
The scanning device will immediately identify if the
machine has moved from the original location.
When works are completed the engineer enters
details and captures the client signature on the PDA
screen. Jobs are identified as 'complete','parts on order' or 'loan
machine required'.Auto prompts for PAT testing are standard.
All information is accessed in live time at the Nilfisk head office
allowing parts to be ordered immediately, saving up to 24 hours.
Each client has an individual internet portal allowing them to see
both breakdown and maintenance progress across all sites live time.
Key Performance Indicators such as first time fix rate, breakdowns
per site and same day call outs can be easily monitored.
"Live time information and full asset
management has long been a challenge
of all equipment suppliers," states Martin
Chambers, operations director for Nilfisk.
"I am delighted to provide our client
base with a system that delivers real
visibility together with an increase in
efficiency and customer service.The Nsure
system provides real benefits to us in
terms of engineer efficiency and reduced
lead time for spare parts."
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