AI plus human analysts to avoid false alarms

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Greg RaglIn and Bill Broderick from AssetWatch, a company specializing in predictive maintenance and reliability solutions. Greg, a solutions architect, and Bill, a vibration analyst, discuss their experiences and the benefits of AssetWatch's technology, which integrates AI and human intelligence to provide actionable insights from condition-based monitoring of assets. They emphasize the importance of accurate data analysis to avoid false alarms and the need for continuous engagement with clients to ensure the success of predictive maintenance programs. The conversation highlights the evolving role of AI in industrial settings and the potential for future technological advancements.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Greg Raglin to discuss AssetWatch's solutions further.
• [ ] Connect with Bill Broderick on LinkedIn to stay updated on the company's developments.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
• Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of celebrating industry heroes who solve daily problems.
• The podcast is broadcasting live from the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, where Scott has been discussing asset management, reliability, and maintenance.
• Scott introduces Greg and Bill from AssetWatch, who will share their experiences and insights from the conference.

Backgrounds of Greg and Bill

• Greg Raglin shares his career journey, starting in psychology, moving to logistics, and eventually to fluid motion control and automation.
• Greg has been with AssetWatch for three years as a solutions architect, helping customers solve problems with practical solutions.
• Bill Broderick has been with AssetWatch for over a year, with a background in manufacturing automation and predictive maintenance.
• Bill emphasizes his passion for finding inefficiencies and optimizing processes to help companies save costs and improve efficiency.

Overview of AssetWatch

• Greg explains that AssetWatch is a reliability partner, focusing on condition-based monitoring and using data, AI, and machine learning to provide actionable insights.
• The company has a team of 30+ dedicated engineers who analyze data and provide recommendations to fix issues.
• Bill adds that AssetWatch uses AI to monitor data and filter out false alarms, ensuring that plant-level teams receive accurate and timely information.
• The human element behind the technology is crucial for AssetWatch, as experienced engineers can communicate effectively with plant operators.

Data Analysis and Integration

• Scott asks about the types of data AssetWatch can analyze, and Greg mentions that they focus on vibration and temperature data, with plans to expand to other modalities.
• Bill explains that AssetWatch integrates with other systems like CMS to provide a comprehensive solution for predictive maintenance.
• The company aims to be a one-stop shop for reliability, using data from various sources to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
• AssetWatch manufactures their own devices, ensuring that all components are state-side and of high quality.

Deployment and Training

• Greg discusses the deployment process, where AssetWatch's reliability technicians lead the charge in installing and training plant staff.
• The company provides ongoing support, including site visits and training within their platform to ensure effective change management.
• Bill emphasizes the importance of tracking engagement and providing support to drive the success of predictive maintenance programs.
• AssetWatch partners with customers to build the right monitoring programs, focusing on critical assets and providing cost-effective solutions.

Future of AssetWatch

• Scott asks about the future of AssetWatch, and Greg predicts a continued expansion with new technologies and industries.
• Bill mentions that the company is listening to customer needs and exploring new technologies to integrate into their platform.
• The goal is to become a comprehensive reliability solution, not just for predictive maintenance but for various industrial needs.
• Scott concludes the conversation by encouraging listeners to connect with Greg and Bill on LinkedIn and to attend the SMRP conference for valuable insights and networking opportunities.