Smart analysis tools and optimized processes are the future-oriented solution to keeping an eye on your machinery at all times, systematically reducing downtime and making the operation and maintenance of machines more efficient. This is a key wish of many plant operators in a wide range of bulk solids industries.
With i-STEP, IFE is expanding its product range and offering system operators exactly the support they need. i-STEP not only meets current needs, but is constantly evolving and opening up new possibilities for smart machine operation, efficient processes and optimized maintenance.
i-STEP Vibrosense
This compact plug-and-play package makes it quick and easy to carry out vibration analyses. The mobile, battery-operated sensor can be attached magnetically to any vibration machine in the blink of an eye. Using the free app (available for the most popular smartphones and tablets) and a Bluetooth connection, the analysis is ready to be shared in just a few minutes.
"Due to constant requests for sensors and monitoring systems, we have been eagerly awaiting the market launch. The positive feedback at the presentation at IFAT Munich 2024 exceeded our expectations. We are proud that over 30 sensors are already in use worldwide," reports Reinhard Hochstrasser i-STEP contact person from the IFE team. Many customers were so impressed during the first live demonstration that they ordered their Vibrosense sensors at the trade fair stand.
i-STEP Workbench
At the centre of the new product line is the i-STEP Workbench, the heart of managing your machinery. It could also be tested live at IFAT and impressed with its comprehensive set of tools and functions:
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Integration of various IFE and third-party sensors
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Condition monitoring
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Machine management
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Individual maintenance planning
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Document center
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Simplified ordering of IFE spare parts and consumables
"With the i-STEP Workbench, we offer a practice-oriented tool with which our customers can design their maintenance processes smartly and efficiently," summarizes Florian Rappersberger (Head of Sales), who plays a leading role in the project. The platform was developed with the involvement of experienced experts from the fields of data science, analysis and optimization mechanisms for processes and machines.
The decisive factor for IFE was the growing demand for
- condition monitoring,
- preventive maintenance,
- remote maintenance,
- more comprehensive services,
- early detection of problems and
- consequently the reduction of costly downtimes.
After the first development milestones had been successfully completed, the i-STEP Workbench was tested and refined together with long-standing customers such as METRAN Rohstoff-Aufbereitungsgesellschaft m.b.H. - a processing company for non-ferrous shredder residues, mixed metals and metal-containing slag. Mr. Anton Pils, Operations Manager at METRAN, was entrusted with the implementation of the i-STEP Workbench on the customer side and can report the following:
Mr. Pils: As it is becoming increasingly difficult to find sufficient personnel, we need to intensify the digital, automatic monitoring of our machines in order to prevent damage. It is also important to us to intensify control over our operations.
Maintenance is the key issue for us. Ideally, machines should notify us automatically when scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks are due. It is currently very time-consuming to even keep track of the operating hours of each individual machine on our own. Our employees check this at regular intervals. However, errors can occur during vacations, sick leave or staff changes.
Mr. Pils: One big wish is to move away from "paper maintenance schedules" towards a digital portal. Planned maintenance and cleaning measures as well as non-routine tasks that arise due to increased wear or damage, for example, should be displayed there.
We want a central system in which all machines can be mapped. Retrofittability is also an important issue for us. It should be possible to incorporate all existing machines into such a system as simply and easily as possible.
I already see i-STEP as a system that meets these criteria.
Have we piqued your interest?
You can simply get in touch with your contact at IFE to arrange an initial trial appointment for the i-STEP Workbench. You can find further information at istep.ife-bulk.com.