*
Concepts
*
Tasks
*
Settings

Creating a Basic Numeric Indicator

An indicator is numeric if it records any value within a finite or infinite interval. For example, an indicator that measures temperature or pressure is numeric. Numeric values can go up and down over time. Today’s reading might be either higher or lower than yesterday’s reading. You can count, order, and measure numeric data.
You can set up states and alarms for numeric indicators. Indicator states and alarms can provide additional information to maintenance staff about the meaning of the current value of the indicator.
Numeric indicators can be collected manually or by an online data collection device. You can also create indicators that generate calculated readings based on the readings of other numeric indicators.
Measurement points are supported for manually-entered numeric indicators. Measuring the condition of certain assets such as piping requires taking two or more measurements to arrive at a reliable reading for the indicator. In the case of an indicator that measures the wall thickness of a pipe, four to eight measurements are commonly needed at different locations around the circumference of the pipe. The location on the asset at which measurements are taken is referred to as the Measurement Location, while the points around the asset where the individual readings are taken are called Measurement Points. Once the values for each of the points is recorded, they can be aggregated to derive a value for the Measurement Location. For example, the lowest value might be selected or the average value.
Numeric indicators can also be used to track degradation rates on assets. The degradation rate is used to determine the remaining life (time), remaining degradation allowance (for example, thickness), end-of-life date, and next inspection date for the asset.
Using the indicator’s collection policies, you can specify how its reading due dates are calculated. You can also set up the indicator’s collection window to define early and late collection periods. You can track collection compliance using table configurations, sidebar dashboards, and KPIs. For information about viewing an indicator’s collection status, see Viewing Indicator Collection Compliance.
Note: Collection policies and windows are not available for rule-based indicators, calculated indicators, cascaded indicators, and indicators collected from an on-line source.
APM supports publishing indicator readings to an external system. When selected readings are processed, APM generates an XML document that can then be consumed by Bentley Enterprise Connection Services, for example, and distributed to another system.
This functionality is supported for all types of indicators. The indicator and its type must have publishing enabled.
Note: The Publish Indicator Readings functionality is generally available. You must first enable feature 92 to use the functionality in APM. In the Enterprise window, select the Features view and the Enabled Features tab. Click Browse, select “Publish indicator readings to an external system” and click OK. If APM is running as a smart client, click Refresh Enabled Features on the server. Then restart the client to use the functionality.
For more information, see Publishing Readings to an External System.
This topic explains how to create a basic numeric indicator from scratch. See the following topics for related information:
•
To add states and alarms to the indicator, see Adding States and Alarms to an Indicator or Template.
•
To link the indicator’s readings to another indicator, see Linking Numeric Indicator Readings.
•
To create a calculated indicator, see Creating Calculated Indicators.
•
To add measurement points to an indicator, see Adding Measurement Points to an Indicator.
•
To add degradation information to an indicator, see Creating a Degradation Indicator.
Tip: You can also create indicators based on templates. For more information, see Creating Indicators from Indicator Templates.

To Create a Numeric Indicator

1.
Open the asset that needs the indicator. Select the Inspection Management view, Indicators tab.
2.
Click New. The Create New Indicator dialog appears.
3.
Select From scratch and click OK.
4.
The Indicator window appears. For example:
5.
On the Properties view, General tab:
•
Enter a name for the indicator. The name should describe what is being measured, such as “Engine Oil Temperature.”
•
Select a numeric indicator type from the Indicator type list. When you select a numeric indicator type, the Type of value box says “numeric.”
The window changes to reflect the numeric value type:
6.
Check that the unit of measure is correct.
7.
Make a selection from the Collection method list.
•
If indicator readings are to be entered by hand or by a mobile device, select Manually entered.
•
If they are to be entered automatically by online collection devices, select Collected from an on-line source. The Online Data Source tab is added. See Configuring Indicators to Collect Online Data.
•
If they are to be calculated, select Calculated using a formula. The Calculation tab is added. See Creating a Calculated Cumulative Indicator.
8.
On the Collection tab, you can enter values that determine how often readings are expected and the next collection date. You can also enter information to make it easier to select this indicator when adding indicators to a work order task or standard task, when copying indicators to another asset, when setting up dynamic inspection routes, or when implementing reliability programs.
If you are creating the indicator from a strategy development analysis (MTA2, RCM2, RBI, CPR), the searching values (frequency, regulatory frequency, trade, operating condition, maintenance group, and technology) are automatically copied from the associated action plan, if the analysis’ indicator settings allow it. In this case, you need only verify the values.
Note: Any changes that you make to the searching values are not copied to the indicator’s associated action plan.
Review and select values, as appropriate:
Setting Name
Description
Frequency
Select the expected frequency with which the readings should be collected. This information is used to select indicators in lists and as matching criteria on dynamic inspection routes for standard tasks.
Note: A frequency must be selected if the indicator is to use a collection window based on a percentage of its frequency.
Regulatory frequency
Interval between inspections as mandated by the appropriate regulatory agency.
Trade
Select the trade that is normally responsible for collecting readings for the indicator. This information is used to filter lists of indicators.
Operating condition
Select the operating condition that the asset must have before readings can be collected for it. This information is used to filter lists of indicators.
Maintenance group
Select the maintenance group that is normally responsible for collecting readings for this indicator. This information is used to filter lists of indicators.
Technology
Select the PdM technology used to collect readings from the indicator. This information is used to filter lists of indicators.
Tip: If the technology is linked to an asset type that is used to collect indicator readings, you can identify the measurement device on indicator readings and checksheets.
Inspection type
The type of inspection to be performed on the asset, for example, “Intrusive” or “Out of service”.
Inspection effectiveness
This value provides a measurement of the thoroughness, sensitivity, and efficiency of the inspection strategy, which can then inform your assessments of confidence and probability of failure.
Collection sequence
Enter the sequence number to be given to the indicator when it is added to a standard task. The sequence number suggests the order in which the indicator reading is to be taken. This default sequence can be changed on the standard task.
Collection group
Collection group is one of the properties that can be assigned to a route asset on a standard task’s dynamic inspection route. Collection groups are typically used for large assets whose indicators are read at different points in the route. For example, indicators could be split into two groups: front and back indicators. The front and back of the asset might be visited at different times on the route or even on different routes (standard tasks).
Collection set
Collection set is one of the matching criteria that can be used to select indicators for a standard task’s dynamic inspection route. You can create collection sets as required by your organization to identify indicators for different routes.
Bar code
If your organization uses bar codes to identify employees, assets, indicators, or areas, enter the bar code here. The number must be unique for all objects that support bar codes. For example, an employee’s bar code might be his employee number with the prefix “E”.
External ID
The short name for the indicator. This is an optional value that does not need to be unique for the asset. The default value is copied from the indicator name.
Map coordinates
The latitude and longitude coordinates of the indicator.
Note: By default, the map coordinates are automatically populated with the coordinates of the asset to work on.
Note: Latitude can have values ranging from -090.000 to +090.000. Longitude values can be from -180.000 to +180.000. For values outside these ranges, APM will accept the values and adjust accordingly. For example, a longitude value of +200.0 will translate to -160.0 on the map.
9.
You can enter a target value for a numeric or cumulative indicator on the Details tab. For example:
The target value is displayed on charts and dashboards that show readings for the indicator. In this example, the target line appears as a red dotted line on charts:
10.
To specify the months during which readings should be taken, select the Seasonal tab. Click This indicator is collected seasonally and select the starting and ending dates. For example:
Reading due dates will reflect the seasonal settings.
11.
If the indicator type specifies that lubricant information is available on indicators of that type, the Lubricant tab is available. Select the tab to enter information about the lubricants, such as grease or oil, required for the route.
Setting Name
Description
Lubricant
Type of lubricant, for example, grease or oil, as defined in the resource catalog.
Quantity to apply
Amount of lubricant to apply at each point.
Quantity to apply Unit
The unit of measurement of lubricant to apply at each point.
Capacity
Amount of lubricant that the asset requires in total.
Number of points
Number of points on the asset or route that require lubrication.
Lubrication method
The means by which the lubricant is applied, for example, dusting or hand-rubbing.
Description
Additional information about the lubrication route.
12.
If the indicator type supports publishing indicator readings, the Publishing tab is available. Select this tab if you wish to publish processed readings for the indicator.
•
In the External ID box, provide a name to identify the XML file created when the readings are processed.
•
Select Publish this indicator’s readings
13.
Select the Measurement tab and the Measurement Points tab to set up fixed or variable measurement points. See Adding Measurement Points to an Indicator.
14.
Select the Measurement tab and the Limits tab to set limits on the values that users can enter in readings. For example, if you enter a minimum value of 0.000 Celsius, a user who enters a negative number when recording a reading will receive the message, “The value entered cannot be less than 0.000 Celsius.”
15.
Set limits on readings:
•
Enter a minimum value, a maximum value, or both.
•
Select Enforce minimum value when entering readings and Enforce maximum value when entering readings, as appropriate.
•
When minimum and maximum values are enforced, the Reading limits apply to measurement points option is selected by default. You can clear this option to exclude measurement point readings in the limits set on the indicator. In this case, limits apply to the total value of the reading, rather than to individual point readings. This is useful, for example, when the sum of measurement point readings must equal a specific value or range.
16.
Select the Measurement tab and then the Instructions tab.
17.
Provide information about taking indicator readings. These instructions are copied to standard tasks, work order tasks, and checksheets that use the indicator.
18.
Select the Collection Requirements tab.
19.
Select any of the collection requirements that apply to this indicator.
20.
If the indicator type supports subtypes or surveys, you can select the Survey and Subtypes tab to review information. For example:
21.
If the indicator type allows these settings to be overridden on individual indicators, you can clear Use indicator type survey and subtype settings. The default indicator and survey type settings appear on the right as a reference, and you can edit each option as needed. For example:
22.
Select the Collection Policies tab.
23.
Indicate whether collection of this indicator’s readings is mandatory on all checksheets.
24.
Specify which readings trigger the calculation of the indicator’s next collection date. The options are:
•
All readings – The indicator’s next reading due date is recalculated whenever a reading is processed
•
Non-alarm readings only – The indicator’s next reading due date is recalculated only when a normal (non-alarm) reading is processed. Select this option if an alarm situation must be resolved and confirmed by a normal reading before regular collection resumes
Tip: On an alarm acknowledgment, you can request a follow-up reading and the time period for collecting it (for example, 10 days). For more information, see Acknowledging Indicator Alarms and Warnings.
25.
Set the collection starting date for the indicator when an initial reading has not been recorded. By default, this is the date on which the indicator was created, but you can change it to a later date if required. The date is used to set the first collection due date based on frequency. It is also used to calculate the indicator’s first reading compliance values.
26.
Select the Collection Window tab to enable reading compliance tracking. Select Collection window supported to set up reading tolerances.
27.
Select the options for determining the early and late periods:
•
Collection window is based on a percentage of the indicator’s frequency – Enter percentages in the Early collection and Late collection boxes.
For example, if the frequency is 10 years and you enter 10.00 in both boxes, the early collection period ends one year before the due date. The late collection period begins one year after the due date. The on-time collection period extends from the end of the early collection period to the beginning of the late collection period.
Note: This option is not available if a frequency has not been selected on the General tab, Collection tab.
•
Collection window is based on a calendar period – Select the period: Day, Week, Month, or Year. The collection periods have the following characteristics:
Day – The early collection date is 00:00:01 on the due date, and the late collection date is 23:59:59 on the due date.
Week – The early collection date is the first day of the week (at 00:00:01) in which the due date falls. The late collection date is the last day of the week (at 23:59:59) in which the due date falls.
Month – The early collection date is the first day of the month (at 00:00:01) in which the due date falls. The late collection date is the last day of the month (at 23:59:59) in which the due date falls.
Year – The early collection date is the first day of the year (at 00:00:01) in which the due date falls. The late collection date is the last day of the year (at (23:59:59) in which the due date falls.
28.
For early, on-time, and late readings, select whether the next reading date is based on the date collected or the date that the reading was due.
Tip: Readings taken between the early and late dates are considered “on time”. The indicator’s collection status is “Coming due” when the early collection date is in the future but the current date is within the site’s compliance horizon (30 days by default).
29.
Select the States and Alarms tab to add states to the indicator, if required. For more information, see Adding States and Alarms to an Indicator or Template.
30.
Select the Candidates tab.
If APM has been configured to exchange data with an external CMMS using AssetWise Enterprise Interoperability (AWEIS), the Candidates tab displays tables listing solution packages and corrective tasks associated with this indicator. For example:
On this tab, you can suggest standard jobs (APM), solution packages (AWEIS), standard tasks, and templates to users who are acknowledging alarms or warnings. When users acknowledge alarms or warnings for the indicator, APM prompts them with the list so that they can create work orders.
Note: If you are creating the indicator during a strategy development analysis (MTA2, RCM2, RBI, CPR), the action plan’s corrective tasks and jobs are automatically added to the indicator when the action plan is marked “Implementation Completed”.
31.
To add a corrective job (APM), solution package (AWEIS), or task to the list, click Browse. Select the item that you want to add, and then click OK.
32.
If APM interoperability has been set up to access data in SAP Plant Maintenance, the SAP Corrective Tasks tab is available. Select this tab to browse for SAP objects for reference purposes. You can add maintenance items, maintenance plans, and task lists.
33.
Select the i-models tab to link i-models and i-model items. For more information, see Using i-models with Assets and Indicators.
34.
Select the Options tab and the Graphics tab.
35.
Provide the following information:
Setting Name
Description
Reading charts
Style of chart to be used for indicator readings.
Default time period to show
Amount of time (for example, weeks, months, years) for which to show indicator readings. When this option is enabled, the Indicator window’s Readings view, Readings tab displays readings for this amount of time, ending with the next reading date. This setting also affects how KPI readings are displayed on dashboards.
Asset
Asset to use in indicator comparison charts.
Indicator
Indicator to use in indicator comparison charts.
Asset
Asset to use for tasks and failures in indicator reading charts.
Gauge type
The style of gauge to use for this indicator.
Preview value
Number used to demonstrate a reading in the gauge preview.
36.
On the Options tab, select the Work Orders tab. On this tab you can:
•
Have APM automatically include the indicator on all work order tasks that are created for this asset or for this asset and its child assets.
•
Have APM take “snapshots” of indicators for the asset that is being worked on for a work order task. This means that APM records the current state of the indicator at the time that the work order task is created, when it is closed, or both when it is created and closed. Select the appropriate options in the Snapshots and Snapshot timing areas.
37.
You can link the readings of the indicator to another indicator’s readings. For more information, see Linking Numeric Indicator Readings.
38.
Select the Description tab. Type a detailed description of the indicator.
39.
When you are finished, save the indicator and close the window.