INTRODUCTION
AIE is a digital integrity management services provider who proactively works to support its customers in their drive for asset performance and for continual improvement. We work to deliver asset integrity management services and solutions that involve the deployment of cost-effective combinations of various mitigation and/or control measures to minimise risk. Our targeted approach reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures, and yields improvements in plant availability, operability, and health and safety.
The management of digital asset integrity is concerned with managing the risks of asset functional failures and this requires a management system that is specific, is flexible and adaptive, and is iterative such that learnings from past performance can be captured within forward looking management plans allowing further fine-tuning and a more focused series of proactive measures to be developed.
FIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE
Five principal means by which improvements in asset integrity management system performance can be realised are communicated below:
- Hazard and Risk Management
Identifying hazards and the assessment of the associated risks is central to AIE’s strategy in managing asset integrity. The approach should involve the elimination of hazards and the associated risks when and where this is possible; for those hazards and risks which cannot be eliminated, an effective and efficient strategy for hazard management and for assuring that the associated risks remain as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) would then be developed. The strategy would be specific to the facility in question and would use a variety of tools and management measures as appropriate to assure that the ALARP goal is realised. This would serve to assure that those areas or parts of the facility which carry the most risk receive the requisite level of management attention, thereby maximising the effectiveness of the resources that are deployed (budgetary and personnel resources) in the management of risk.
- Risk-Based Inspection and Reliability Centered Maintenance
Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) and Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) are specific processes which are centred on the same thing: risk. These provide the means and measures which are designed to target those items of equipment or facilities that carry the most risk, and by virtue of this warrant the most management attention. The adoption of RCM and RBI facilitates an optimised inspection program and planned maintenance system which serve to maximise the effectiveness of the deployment of resources (inspection and maintenance resources) thereby facilitating improvements in plant performance and reducing risk.
- Advanced Monitoring Systems and Data Analytics
The use of advanced monitoring systems and data analytics help to detect potential threats in real time and facilitate optimisation opportunities. Sensors can be used to monitor the condition of assets in real-time, whilst data analytics techniques can be engaged to identify trends and support strategic decision making.
- Establishment of Robust Standards and Procedures
An asset integrity management strategy should be augmented with robust standards and procedures which describe the protocols and processes that should be observed in its implementation. These standards and procedures should be reviewed and updated routinely to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
- Personnel Development and Training
The Energy, Utilities and Mining industries are heavily dependent on the knowledge, skills, and expertise of personnel. A robust competency management system is required to ensure safety critical roles are defined and fulfilled in a safe a competent manner.
AIE OPTIMISED SUPPORT
AIE supports customers to provide a specific service offering which is tailored to its needs and business objectives. AIE’s proactive engagement with customers is the central pillar in the delivery of our services and we work closely to ensure that all aspects of our services meet our clients’ needs and expectations.
AIE’s specific capabilities, expertise, and experience in the management of asset integrity will serve to add value by maximising the effectiveness of the means and measures that we work to collectively define and agree with our clients to improve asset performance.
Learn more about our services and how we can help you meet your Digital Asset Integrity Management needs, contact us at info@aiegroup.org.