Asset Life Cycle Research Articles

How to implement an asset management system in an enterprise

The main idea of asset management is to find a balance between the performance of assets, the risks and costs associated with assets. This is not an easy optimization task that requires continuous solution, since the point of this balance shifts during the asset lifecycle. To solve it, the company needs an asset management system. About the introduction of an automated asset management system, processes of diagnostics of automated process control system equipment

Производственные сервисные центры – приоритетное направление развития российских инжиниринговых центров в нефтегазовой отрасли на основе концепции устойчивого развития

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the procedural basis and practical approach of Lukoil-Engineering Skills and Competencies LLC (hereinafter referred to as LINK) to the business model transformation: from a research and design complex to a production service which is to provide services throughout the life cycle of a production asset, as the main component of the continuous improvement system in order to fulfill strategic development priorities in the light of the present-day challenges and to achieve the goals of the Refining Business Leadership Manifesto. The paper provides examples of the production service centers management at international oil and gas companies, describes the functionality and services provided within the framework of engineer consulting engineering, and also identifies the nearest prospects for the development of LINK, based on the sustainable development concept.

Collaborative manufacturing design: a mixed reality and cloud-based framework for part design

Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) can be considered as the cornerstones of the lifecycle of a manufacturing asset. Since the above-mentioned processes often involve multiple engineers, from different departments even from different companies, it is crucial to ensure the flawless communication between the different individuals as well as to make the design process more intuitive. In the era of digitalization and Internet of Things, digital technologies such as Mixed Reality (MR) are utilized from engineers in order to leverage the capabilities of existing computer aided tools (CAx). Therefore, in this research work, the design and development of a Cloud-based and Mixed Reality-based framework is presented. The purpose of the framework is to facilitate engineers during the design and manufacturing phase of new components by providing a mobile application and common design tools via MR graphical user interfaces (GUI). Further to that, taking into consideration the advanced capabilities of MR devices in terms of user interaction, special emphasis is given on the interaction of engineers with the holograms of the components via simple hand gestures. The resulting 3D geometries can be imported in CAD suites either for further development or for manufacturing the designed component. The applicability of the proposed framework is tested and validated in a laboratory-based machine shop.

Composite Hybrid Framework for Through-Life Multi-Objective Failure Analysis and Optimisation

Complex engineering systems include several subsystems that interact in a stochastic and multifaceted manner with multiple failure modes (FMs). The dynamic nature of FMs introduces uncertainties that negatively impact the reliability, risk, and maintenance of complex systems. Traditional approaches of adopting standalone techniques for managing FMs independently at various stages of the asset life cycle pose challenges related to utilisation, costs, availability, and in some cases, accidents. Therefore, this paper proposes a composite hybrid framework comprising four independent hybrid models for comprehensive through-life failure management and optimisation. The first hybrid model entails failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) and fault tree analysis (FTA) to identify critical FMs and overall subsystem failure rates. The second hybrid model analyses FMs caused by multiple subsystems using hybrid dynamic Bayesian discretisation. The third hybrid model adopts a hybrid Gaussian process regression machine learning technique to evaluate wear loss. The fourth hybrid model evaluates the overall risk using a Bayesian factorisation and elimination method based on multiple failure causes. Finally, a decision-making step is used to evaluate the results of the previous four steps to decide an appropriate maintenance strategy. The proposed method is verified through a case study of a UK-based train operator’s pantograph system. The results show that the maintenance inspection intervals and strategy obtained using the proposed framework strike a good balance between safety and fleet availability.

Enterprise information systems interoperability for asset lifecycle management to enhance circular manufacturing

Abstract The present work considers information and data as a cornerstone for an effective Circular Manufacturing (CM). Focusing on complex industrial assets it also postulates the relevance to develop CM strategies having both the perspective of the Original Equipment Manufacturer, or asset provider, and the asset user. In this scope, a particular emphasis is given on enterprise information systems interoperability as enabler: for CM strategies to be effective, data are required to be exchanged between various enterprise information systems (EIS) hold by the two parties. Therefore, the mapping of data required for each CM strategy along the product/asset lifecycle is performed, and an overview of the EIS interoperability for CM enhancement is discussed, leveraging on ontologies concept.

Life Cycle Cost versus Life Cycle Investment – A new Approach

The paper proposes a model for the life cycle of physical assets that includes the maintenance policy, because it has direct implications on the equipment’s Return On Investment (ROI) and Life Cycle Cost; the developed model can be applied to any type of physical asset. The model is called Life Cycle Investment (LCI) instead of the traditional Life Cycle Cost (LCC). The paper proposes a new methodology based on the modified economic life cycle and lifespan methods by including the maintenance policy using maintenance Key Performance Indicators (KPI), namely Availability, based on the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and the Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). The benefits (profits) that result from the asset’s Availability must be balanced with the initial investment and the variable maintenance investment along its life, which has relation with the maintenance policy and the ROI.

Asset condition assessment model for healthcare facilities

Asset management of healthcare facilities utilizes technical and administrative strategies to extend the asset life cycle. This research aims to develop an asset condition assessment (ACA) model for a healthcare facility to predict and assess critical asset ratings considering various factors, especially patient risk space groups, and asset redundancy. Two modelling techniques were used to develop the ACA model. First, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to calculate the weighting criteria and ranking the factors. Second, the AHP and regression analysis techniques were combined into a single model to evaluate healthcare facilities' asset condition assessment. The integrated model was validated with 88.32% average validity percent (AVP). The model was determined to be robust, and its results satisfactory. Finally, this research developed a numerical asset condition assessment (ACA) critical rating scale, which can guide capital renewals leaders in predicting and managing healthcare facilities' critical infrastructure needs. Ultimately, this tool can be used to improve the asset management of healthcare facilities, which is one of the nation's largest infrastructure sectors.

Exploring applicability, interoperability and integrability of Blockchain-based digital twins for asset life cycle management

PurposeThe blockchain-based digital twin has been recognized as a prominent technological ecosystem featuring synergies with both established and emergent information management practice. The purpose of this research is to explore the applicability, interoperability and integrability of a blockchain-based digital twin for asset life cycle management and develop a model of framework which positions the digital twin within a broader context of current management practice and technological availability.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was performed to map use cases of digital twin, IoT, blockchain and smart contract technologies. Surveys of industry professionals and analyses were conducted focussing on the mapped use cases' life cycle–centric applicability, interoperability and integrability with current asset life cycle management practice, exploring decision support capabilities and industry insights. Lastly, a model of framework was developed based on the use case, interoperability and integrability findings.FindingsThe results support approaching digitization initiatives with blockchain-based digital twins and the positioning of the concept as both a strategic tool and a multifunctional on-field support application. Integrability enablers include progression towards BIM level 3, decentralized program hubs, modular cross-technological platform interfaces, as well as mergeable and scalable blockchains.Practical implicationsKnowledge of use cases help highlight the functionality of an integrated technological ecosystem and its connection to comprehensive sets of asset life cycle management aspects. Exploring integrability enablers contribute to the development of management practice and solution development as user expectations and technological prerequisites are interlinked.Originality/valueThe research explores asset life cycle management use cases, interoperability and integrability enablers of blockchain-based digital twins and positions the technological ecosystem within current practice and technological availability.

Managing infrastructure asset: Bayesian networks for inspection and maintenance decisions reasoning and planning

Models of maintenance problems must handle complex assumptions, allowing, for example, the condition of some assets to be rated directly using multiple states while in others the condition rating is inferred from that of the components from which they are assembled. The overall condition inferred, which informs the maintenance decisions, requires evidential reasoning under uncertainty. This paper uses Bayesian networks to address these challenges with real case studies. We apply the binary factorisation technique to allow inference of multi-state condition prediction, and further extend it to predict the condition of an asset with multiple components. These models are used to recommend inspection decisions such as which assets to inspect and when to inspect them. Models are also developed to evaluate the effectiveness of repair interventions and to use this to suggest repair actions. We show how to model multiple interventions within the asset life cycle considering both repair effectiveness and further deterioration. This modelling allows us to plan maintenance activities for an asset over its whole life cycle.

Foreword: 9th International Conference on Through-life Engineering Service

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the TESConf 2020 International Scientific Committee and Organizing Committee, it is our great pleasure for us to welcome you to the 9th International Conference on Through-life Engineering Services (TES) hosted by Cranfield University. This seasoned conference has served as a meeting point for the academic and industrial communities to address current and future industrial challenges in TES. This meeting welcomes contributions about the state-of-the-art technologies and the implementation of advances in the sustainable and economic management of high-value assets across their life cycle from design through to manufacturing, in-use and disposal. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted almost every aspect of our lives and the conference has migrated to a new digital platform. You will still find similar layout in terms of virtual rooms and sessions, which you will be able to access through dedicated links. This is a new environment that we hope to make the most of in a very successful event. This edition of the conference includes eight academic sessions, which cover the latest advances in TES. The sessions have been designed to enhance understanding in how to connect different phases of the asset life cycle. This will cover challenges, such as design for service, evaluating the impact of degradation, and understanding the sustainability implications of TES. Additionally, attendees will enjoy five keynotes from academics and industrialists representing different sectors. We are also planning six industrial workshops that offer interactive sessions in a range of topics ranging from skills requirements, to technical solutions. We hope you enjoy our digital platform and wish you have a successful conference.

Data transfer between digital models of built assets and their operation & maintenance systems

The operation and maintenance of built assets is crucial for optimising their whole life cost and efficiency. Historically, however, there has been a general failure in the transfer information between the design-and-construct (D&C) and operate-and-maintain (O&M) phases of the asset lifecycle. The recent steady uptake of digital technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the D&C phase has been accompanied by an expectation that this would enable better transfer of information to those responsible for O&M. Progress has been slow, with practitioners being unsure as to how to incorporate BIM into their working practices. Three types of challenge are identified, related to communication, experience and technology. In examining the last aspect, it appears that a major problem has been that of interoperability between building information models and the many computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) systems in use. The successful and automatic transfer of information from a building model to an FM tool is, in theory, achievable through the medium of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) schema. However, this relies upon the authoring of the model in terms of how well its structure permits the identification of relevant objects, their relationships and attributes. The testing of over 100 anonymised building models revealed that very few did; prohibiting their straightforward mapping to the maintenance database we had selected for the test. An alternative, hybrid approach was developed using an open-source software toolkit to identify objects by their geometry as well as their classification, thus enabling their automatic transfer. In some cases, manual transfer proved necessary. The implications are that while these problems can be overcome on a case-by-case basis, interoperability between D&C and O&M systems will not become standard until it is accommodated by appropriate and informed authoring of building models.

Guidelines for life extension process management in oil and gas facilities

Facilities life extension has caught the attention among the capital-intensive industries, like oil and gas. By extending the life cycle of the industrial assets, a wide range of benefits is obtained, comparing with other life ending management strategies. This article first contextualizes the implementation of the life extension concept in the oil and gas industry, showing global data about life extension. Despite the importance of the ageing process, due to its great economic impact and the risk it poses to the production sector, regulatory entities, even in countries more advanced in that sector or that have already experienced the extension process, developed only superficial material about the topic without defining a structured methodology for the assessment of the possibility of useful life extension. The available references do not allow a comprehensive analysis of that possibility, which highlights the importance the methodology proposed. Thus, this article proposes a guideline for the life extension process management, strengthening a framework containing the main evaluation stages, aiming to facilitate the analysis of issues related to ageing and to support the decision-making process. Lastly, real case studies regarding current life extension processes submitted to the Brazilian regulatory body were evaluated against the proposed framework stages, evidencing their lack of necessary details to support the decision-making. Upon the realization that the real cases identified do not allow for the assessment of the contribution and adequacy of the proposed framework in its entirety, the same was also applied to a hypothetical case. The latter was developed based on facts reported by a major operator in Brazil. The result was the determination that the use of the proposed methodology transformed the assessment of the possibility of life extension into a systematic and transparent process, leading to easier and better-founded decision-making procedures, and improving the management of the asset during its extended life.

Value Creation in Physical Asset Management: A Case Study

Physical asset management (PAM) is an important part of any organization as it enables it to realize value from its assets. It focuses on optimizing the life cycle of assets, from conception through use, maintenance, decommissioning and disposal. The purpose of this paper is to present the implementation of the PAM practices. A case study methodology is used to provide insights into the implementation of the PAM practices, with a focus on the maintenance element of PAM. More specifically, it focuses on examining the application of the Value Driven Maintenance (VDM) methodology and its potential benefits for the company. Based on the results of the case study, it is argued that VDM as a methodology has the potential to support the practices of PAM by providing a tool to support the assessment of asset management, identification of potential cost savings, investment decision, etc. Finally, key observations are made to stimulate further studies in the field of PAM.

Optimizing the Life Cycle of Physical Assets – a Review

Life cycle optimization has been a concern over decades; it has been clear that an asset well-kept will have a longer life with a higher return for the organization; this life cycle depends of several factors. The standard ISO 55001 defines a set of requirements that, when implemented and maintained, guarantee the good performance of an organization's asset management, responding to stakeholders need and expectations and ensuring the value creation and maintenance as well as a global vision of assets on the Optimizing the Life Cycle of Physical Assets. The organizations where physical asset management is of major importance include all those that involves facilities, machinery, buildings, roads and bridges, utilities, transportation industries, oil and gas extraction and processing, mining and mining processing, chemicals, manufacturing, distribution, aviation and defence. However, since ISO 55001 is a new standard in the global market, due to its necessity to involve all the organization its implementation becomes difficult; but, it is clear that an organization that certifies by the ISO 55001 is ahead on life cycle optimization because it is part of its requirements; so, what model of life cycle optimization to use? Is there anyone that fits on the ISO 55001? Can an existing one be adapted to be used according to ISO 55001 requirements? The approaches of this paper bring a literary review of life cycle models used in asset management and their major concerns, this is the beginning to build a model to optimize the life cycle of physical assets including the ISO 55001 perspective.

Enhancing the efficiency of infrastructure projects to improve access to finance

While there has been much discussion about the large infrastructure needs in Asia and the Pacific, less attention has been paid to public expenditure efficiency in infrastructure services delivery. New constructions are not the only solution, especially when governments have limited capital to invest. Globally, new infrastructure projects face delays and cost overruns, leading to an inefficient use of public resources. The root causes include the lack of transparency in project selection, the lack of project preparation, the silo approach by public entities in assessing feasibility studies, and the lack of public sector capacity to fully develop a bankable pipeline of projects. To tackle these issues, governments need a smarter investment approach and to do so, enhancing public service efficiency is very crucial. The paper suggests a “whole life cycle” (WLC) approach as the main strategic solution for the discussed issues and challenges. We expand the definition of WLC to include the entire life cycle of the infrastructure asset from need identification to its disposal. The stages comprise planning, preparation, procurement, design, construction, operation and maintenance, and disposal. This is because we believe any efficient or inefficient decision throughout such a wide life cycle influences the quality of public services. Hence, in this holistic approach, infrastructure life cycle consists of four phases: planning, preparation, procurement, and implementation. Governments could enhance public efficiency and thus improve access to finance throughout the WLC by several solutions. These are (i) preparing infrastructure master plan and pipelines and long-term budgeting during the planning phase; (ii) establishing framework and guidelines and improving governance during preparation phase; (iii) promoting standardization, transparency, open government, and contractual consistency during the procurement phase; and finally (iv) continued role of government and total asset management during the implementation phase. In addition to these phase-specific means, key WLC solutions include proper use of technology, capacity building, and private participation in general and public-private partnership (PPP) in particular.

Developing a collaborative HBIM to integrate tangible and intangible cultural heritage

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a collaborative Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) of a 19th-century multi-building industrial site in the UK. The buildings were Grade II listed by Historic England for architectural and structural features. The buildings were also a key element of the industrial heritage and folklore of the surrounding area. As the site was due to undergo major renovation work, this project was initiated to develop a HBIM of the site that encapsulated both tangible and intangible heritage data.Design/methodology/approachThe design of the research in this study combined multiple research methods. Building on an analysis of secondary data surrounding HBIM, a community of practice was established to shape the development of an HBIM execution plan (HBEP) and underpin the collaborative BIM development. The tangible HBIM geometry was predominantly developed using a scan to BIM methodology, whereas intangible heritage data were undertaken using unstructured interviews and a focus group used to inform the presentation approach of the HBIM data.FindingsThe project produced a collaboratively generated multi-building HBIM. The study identified the need for a dedicated HBEP that varies from prevailing BIM execution plans on construction projects. Tangible geometry of the buildings was modelled to LOD3 of the Historic England guidelines. Notably, the work identified the fluid nature of intangible data and the need to include this in an HBIM to fully support design, construction and operation of the building after renovation. A methodology was implemented to categorise intangible heritage data within a BIM context and an approach to interrogate these data from within existing BIM software tools.Originality/ValueThe paper has presented an approach to the development of HBIM for large sites containing multiple buildings/assets. The framework implemented for an HBEP can be reproduced by future researchers and practitioners wishing to undertake similar projects. The method for identifying and categorising intangible heritage information through the developed level of intangible cultural heritage was presented as new knowledge. The development of HBIM to bring together tangible and intangible data has the potential to provide a model for future work in the field and augment existing BIM data sets used during the asset lifecycle.

The many strategic and tactical benefits of Operational Readiness and Transition (ORAT)

When opening new facilities at airports, there are opportunities to ‘get it right’ and risks in getting it wrong’. Operational Readiness and Transition (ORAT) is a programme of activities to address the readiness and improvement of operations while providing tactical and strategic benefits to an airport and airline when they open new facilities. Early engagement is a key differentiator to how and when many new facility projects have been initiating ORAT in the past. Rather than waiting until the erection of new terminals (and other facilities), early engagement allows for ORAT during the planning phase of projects to capture the strategic benefits. ORAT provides a formalised approach to address how a new facility should be designed and constructed by development of a comprehensive concept of operations that includes new or improved key performance indicators (KPIs) for carryover into the design criteria. It also incorporates asset management and life cycle costing into the planning activities. The goal is to avoid operational change orders and higher operational costs over the life cycle of equipment being installed without full cost assessments. Readers will be able to understand the purpose of ORAT and strategic benefits of early engagement in the planning of new facilities and the potential pitfalls of not incorporating an ORAT programme into facility projects.

Lifecycle information transformation and exchange for delivering and managing digital and physical assets

The rapid pace of digitalisation within the Construction Industry and the divergence from traditional practice inherent to this transformation requires the development of new knowledge to frame these emerging practices. Acting on increasing digitalisation pressures, many national and international standards, protocols, and specifications have been generated with little conceptual framing or with no theoretical underpinning. This positioning paper responds to practical business needs of organisations and project teams, builds upon existing conceptual constructs, and delivers a modular information management framework. The Lifecycle Information Transformation and Exchange (LITE) framework is an extendable conceptual skeletal for defining, managing, and integrating project and asset information. Developed, described, and explained for ongoing field testing, the LITE framework integrates multiple components - information statuses, states, milestones, flows, gates, routes, loops, actions, sets, and tiers – which collectively lay the foundations for an open access digital platform being developed by an international Community of Research and Practice. The framework describes – and aims to predict - information flows across an asset's lifecycle. Its modular conceptual structure, iterative flows, and task-oriented terminology are calibrated to guide the integrated design, delivery, and utilisation of assets of any type, function, or scale.

CEIMA: A framework for identifying critical interfaces between the Circular Economy and stakeholders in the lifecycle of infrastructure assets

As the infrastructure sector lays claim to large amounts of natural resources and is responsible for a considerable amount of waste, to reduce resource usage and waste, organisations in this sector are considering the implementation of circularity. Despite an abundance of circular methods, principles and strategies provided in literature, the implementation of these approaches into everyday practice is often considered challenging. One of the main problems with implementing circularity is that professionals are not always aware of the full spectrum of circular approaches. Likewise, many CE experts lack the intricate knowledge that is accumulated through managing assets throughout their lifecycle.Following a Design Science Research-based approach, the Circular Economy Interface Matrix Analysis framework (CEIMA) is developed in which a bottom-up asset stakeholder perspective is linked to the existing top-down conceptualizations of circularity using an intermediate categorization. This framework connects infrastructure stakeholders to concrete applications of the Circular Economy by means of identification of possible interfaces. Based on the “9R” waste hierarchy, actions are formulated that provide a practical guide to more circular infrastructure.In this paper, the CEIMA framework is applied to two case studies involving bridges and distribution transformers respectively. The case studies demonstrated that the framework helps to bridge the knowledge gap between the conceptualizations of circularity and their application in the infrastructure domain. The identified interfaces between stakeholders and circular actions reveal key opportunities for stakeholders within the infrastructure sector to start with the implementation of circular actions. Finally, the framework offers a starting point for a broad discussion on the implementation of circularity. Both the resulting insights and the discussions are valuable for focussing stakeholder efforts in the transition towards a circular economy.

A design framework for adaptive digital twins

Digital Twin (DT) is a ‘living’ entity that offers potential with monitoring and improving functionality of interconnected complex engineering systems (CESs). However, lack of approaches for adaptively connecting the existing brownfield systems and their data limits the use of DTs. This paper develops a new DT design framework that uses ontologies to enable co-evolution with the CES by capturing data in terms of variety, velocity, and volume across the asset life-cycle. The framework has been tested successfully on a helicopter gearbox demonstrator and a mobile robotic system across their life cycles, illustrating DT adaptiveness without the data architecture needing to be modified.