Kielce University of Technology

Advancing Smart Factory Research with IBM Maximo Application Suite

The CENWIS Modeling Laboratory of Intelligent Production Systems at Kielce University of Technology (KUT) is a leading research center for smart factories in Poland. Committed to innovation, KUT needed a robust and adaptable EAM system to manage its advanced research equipment and facilities, mirroring the evolving needs of Industry 4.0.

Summary

Cohesive successfully implemented IBM Maximo Application Suite at Kielce University of Technology, empowering their CENWIS laboratory to optimize asset management, enhance research capabilities, and strengthen educational programs in the field of Industry 4.0. This rapid, on-premise deployment of MAS demonstrates Cohesive’s expertise in delivering complex EAM solutions for the unique needs of higher education and research institutions.

Solutions

Enterprise Asset Management

Reduced asset downtime

Improved equipment utilization

Increased efficiency of research experiments

Enhanced student learning and engagement in Industry 4.0 concepts

The Challenge

KUT’s CENWIS laboratory required a highly configurable and integrated EAM system to manage the complex operational resources used in its smart factory research. The system needed to meet the demanding requirements of both researchers and students, aligning with real-world industry needs in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of Industry 4.0. The solution had to be:

Highly Configurable: Adaptable to the unique and changing needs of the research environment and different projects within the CENWIS laboratory.
Integrated: Capable of consolidating data and processes across various equipment, tools, and laboratory infrastructure.
Future-Proof: Able to accommodate new technologies and advancements in the field of smart factory research and development.

KUT also sought to establish itself as a center of excellence for EAM and Industry 4.0 technologies. This ambition added another layer to the challenge, requiring a solution that could not only meet their immediate needs but also support their long-term goals for education, research, and industry collaboration.

Our Solution

Cohesive Polska, as the leading IBM Maximo implementation partner in the region, was selected to deliver the solution. Recognizing the complexity of KUT’s requirements, we implemented a comprehensive approach that included:

Infrastructure Deployment

Deployment of Red Hat OpenShift on KUT’s on-premise infrastructure to provide a stable and secure platform for IBM Maximo Application Suite (MAS). This on-premise approach, while more challenging than a cloud installation, provided KUT with greater control and security over its data and systems.

MAS Implementation

Deployment of MAS v8.11 with a suite of applications tailored to KUT’s needs:

Manage: For core asset management functionalities.
Health: To monitor asset health and predict potential failures.
Monitor: For real-time monitoring of asset performance and condition.
Optimizer: To optimize maintenance schedules and resource allocation.
Visual Inspection: To streamline inspection processes using visual data.
Predict: Leveraging Cloud Pak for Data to provide advanced predictive analytics capabilities.

Knowledge Transfer

Comprehensive training for KUT staff on the use and administration of MAS, ensuring they could effectively utilize the system’s capabilities.

The entire implementation was completed in less than a month, demonstrating Cohesive’s expertise and efficiency
in delivering complex solutions within tight deadlines. This project marked a regional first for both IBM and Cohesive, showcasing our ability to push the boundaries of EAM implementation in the higher education and research sector.

We strive to ensure that our students are not only very well prepared theoretically to solve the problems of modern industry, but also have practical tools to carry out these tasks… We believe that thanks to the IBM Maximo Application Suite software, members of the academic community of the Kielce University of Technology will be able to cooperate even more effectively with local enterprises.

Prof. PhD engineer Zbigniew Koruba

Rector of the Kielce University of Technology

The Client Benefits

The implementation of MAS has significantly benefited KUT in several ways:

Enhanced Operational Efficiency: MAS has enabled KUT to manage its operational resources more effectively, leading to improved asset utilization, reduced downtime, and optimized maintenance schedules. This efficiency gain allows researchers and students to focus more on their core activities, driving innovation in smart factory research.

Improved Research Capabilities: By providing a centralized platform for managing laboratory equipment and infrastructure, MAS has enhanced the quality and efficiency of research experiments. The system’s ability to monitor asset performance and predict potential failures ensures that research activities are not disrupted by unexpected downtime.

Strengthened Educational Programs: MAS provides students with hands-on experience with a leading industry-standard EAM solution, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge sought after in the Industry 4.0 job market.

Advanced Innovation: MAS supports KUT’s pursuit of the “University Competence Center” status for IBM Maximo Application Suite. This recognition will further solidify KUT’s position as a leader in smart factory research and education.

Streamlined Integration: The MAS system integrates seamlessly with other systems used by KUT, facilitating data exchange and collaboration across departments and units. This integration fosters a more connected and efficient campus environment.

What’s Next

KUT plans to further leverage MAS to achieve “University Competence Center” status for the platform, solidifying its position as a leader in Industry 4.0 research and education. The University would also like to maximize the value of their MAS investment.

This may include:

Expanding the use of MAS to other departments and facilities within the university.
Developing customized applications and integrations to address specific research needs.