Effective Machine Identification System for Facility Machinery

Question:

I am currently working on establishing an identification system for the machines in my facility. I have made a few key decisions: I will not be using the accountant's asset numbers, but I will reference them. The system will be alpha-numeric, for example, "ACM 0001" which translates to "AC Motor #0001". The identification numbers will not be tied to the machines' locations to allow for flexibility in moving them around. In addition, I am open to suggestions from others. I plan to source brass tags with small holes for permanent marking using letter/number punches, which will then be securely attached to the machines with shallow drilled holes and rivets.

Top Replies

When it comes to equipment numbering systems, various discussions are found on CMMS forums, including the ones focused on SAP R/3. I will share some references later on. It is crucial to maintain consistency when choosing equipment codes. Avoid using similar codes like "PMP" for Pump if "P" already stands for Pump. Consider the length of your sequence code - four digits may suffice depending on the size of your plant. Ensure that each equipment number is unique to prevent confusion. For example, if "ACM-0001" is assigned to a motor, make sure it is not used again for a new equipment in the future.

Our current numbering system can accommodate up to 10,000 motors. Have you considered using the first or second number to indicate the voltage of the motor? For example, the ACM4101 designation allows for 100 motors at 4160 volts, while ACM0401 signifies the first motor at 480 volts. This numbering convention can help streamline organization and identification of motors based on their voltage requirements.

Explore the discussions on this topic by following these threads: http://maintenanceforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/226103861/m/1691046432 and http://maintenanceforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/245103861/m/6351010903/p/1.

Quote from a CBM Novice addressing the numbering system: The system has the capacity for up to 10,000 motors. Consider using the first (and possibly the second) number to represent the voltage of the motor. For example, ACM4101 can accommodate 100 motors running at 4160 volts, while ACM0401 would denote the first motor at 480 volts. However, if the labeled equipment is not a motor, how would the digits be interpreted? Will the meaning of the digits change based on the equipment code used?

Quote from a CBM Novice: Your numbering system can accommodate up to 10,000 motors. Have you considered using the first (or possibly second) digit to represent voltage levels? For example, ACM4101 could denote 100 motors at 4160 volts, while ACM0401 could stand for the first motor at 480 volts. While this idea is intriguing, its practicality may be questioned. Is it more beneficial for the numbers to be organized by chronological order rather than voltage levels? Ultimately, I believe simplicity is key, so I will opt to stick with just the numerical system.

I think your alpha-numeric system is quite solid and will make identification easier, especially to those new to the setting. One suggestion I have is to also include a brief description or category of the machinery in the tag. Maybe abbreviations can do the trick. This could be helpful for a technician who doesn't have prior knowledge of that specific asset. Another thing you might want to consider is implementing a digital log of the identification system for easier auditing and tracking. The brass tags are brilliant for the actual machinery, but a digital backup could come in handy.

Sounds like a well-thought-out plan! One consideration, though, is whether your alpha-numeric system could incorporate some indication of the machine's function or department? That way, at a glance, anyone could tell what the machine is used for without knowing its specific history. Also, the brass tags idea is great, but consider using a corrosion-resistant material just in case the machines have to be used in less friendly environments in future.

Great initiative, it sounds like you're on the right track. However, I'd suggest considering a barcoding system. With barcodes, you can scan them directly with a mobile device, streamlining the inventory process. Both alpha-numeric and barcodes can coexist: the alpha-numeric code can be used as the human-readable identifier, while the barcode would be for system use. The barcode system might increase the initial set-up efforts slightly, but it could significantly simplify machine identification and data collection in the long run. Furthermore, brass tags sound aesthetically pleasing, but do ensure they won't interfere with the machine's operation or cause safety issues. Best of luck with your project!

This sounds like a thorough and well-thought-out plan! I particularly like your idea of using alpha-numeric tags and permanent markings. This sure makes future identification easy and should reduce misplaced machines. As a suggestion, it might also be a good idea to consider a system for logging the movement of machinery from one area to another to keep track of where they are. Something as simple as a shared spreadsheet can also work, such as Excel or Google Sheets.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Why are you choosing not to use the accountant's asset numbers for the machine identification system?

Answer: Answer: The decision to not use accountant's asset numbers is made to have a more user-friendly and practical alpha-numeric system for easy reference and identification.

FAQ: 2. How will the alpha-numeric identification system work for the machines in the facility?

Answer: Answer: The alpha-numeric system, like "ACM 0001" for "AC Motor 0001," will provide a structured way to uniquely identify and reference each machine based on its type and number.

FAQ: 3. Why are you opting not to tie the identification numbers to the machines' locations?

Answer: Answer: The decision to keep the identification numbers independent of the machines' locations allows for more flexibility in moving the machines around without needing to update or change the identification system.

FAQ: 4. What is the plan for marking the machines with the identification numbers?

Answer: Answer: Brass tags with small holes will be sourced and marked using letter/number punches. These tags will be securely attached to the machines using shallow drilled holes and rivets for permanent marking.

FAQ: 5. Are you open to suggestions from others regarding the machine identification system?

Answer: Answer: Yes, the person working on establishing the identification system is open to suggestions and input from others to ensure the system is effective and well-received by the users.

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