Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/136260
product report | by Amy Materson Going mobile AMaterson@randallreilly.com Identify hoses, assemblies and components with Parker Hannifin's free app H ow often have you looked at a hose assembly after it has failed and been unable to identify the components to order replacements? Often, the only way to replace the assembly is the time-consuming process of removing it from the machine and taking it to a dealer. Parker Hose Products, a division of Parker Hannifin, has devised a way to make the process fast, simple and accurate. Since 2009, Parker has been methodically bar-coding hose assemblies as part of the Parker Tracking System (PTS), and now has millions of recorded components useful for assembly identification and tracking. Now, the company is offering access to its customers, via PTS Mobile, an app that allows end users to replacement-order a part directly from their smartphone. "Hoses are wear items that will eventually fail," says Bill Sayavich, business development manager, Parker Hannifin. "This is a way to get up and running quickly." PTS captures customer contact information; a bill of material, including the hose, fittings, accessories, length, cleaning specifications, fitting orientation, lot number and custom instructions; application data, including the VIN, assembly date, system information, fluid and environmental data and installation location; replacement information and history; customized instructions for maintenance repair and operations; and file attachment storage for prints, certifications, photos and other documents. The customer uses a phone's camera to scan the barcode, and PTS verifies the asset. Customers may also enter the ID number manually, or send a photo of the part to a distributor. Once confirmed, the system locates a distributor based on the customer's zip code or by GPS, and then sends the assembly details to the distributor for quoting and processing. In addition to reducing machine downtime caused by failed assemblies, the system is useful for scheduling inspection and maintenance, eliminating the need for paper forms or spreadsheets, Sayavich says. "Since the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, awareness has been heightened to the need for regular component inspection and replacement," he says. "Operators are being held to a higher standard." The approach not only allows a user to fix a worn assembly before it fails, but also enables the documentation of the inspection and auditing process. Sayavich notes that Parker customers can have any component tagged and tracked, including competitive products. PTS Mobile is available for Apple devices through the App Store and for Android devices on Google Play. The app is free to download. EW EquipmentWorld.com | June 2013 73 EW 2013 Master.indd 73 5/29/13 3:22 PM