Good data is one of Optimus Solutions’ guiding principles. There are many variables at play when they look at industrial processes, so they want to make sure that they rely on something that is objective and exact. This is the role that data provides for them. Often their potential customers approach them with an unexplained equipment or process issue, seeking their expertise on how that problem might be identified and resolved.

Once they get enough background information, they develop an investigation plan so that they can understand the stated problem better and get an indication of a possible root-cause. They use their advanced tools, measurement methodology, and expertise to develop a clear picture of the situation. Once Optimus acquires the data, their experts interpret it and let it guide their recommendations.

Stories from Customers Turned into Data

The exact process looks different every time, but it usually starts when a potential customer noticessomething wrong with their rotary equipment, so they contact Optimus Solutions. The first step involves a customer conference call with the Optimus engineers and sales team, where they gather as much information as possible. When they feel like they have learned enough about the situation, and they think that they will be able to help, they visit the customer site. They determine what more they need to learn, then develop a data-collecting gameplan. Sometimes they find that customers have had inspections done in the past or that the customer includes data collection in their system maintenance plan. This is always helpful to Optimus because it gives them previous trend data that lets them establish a baseline to compare against. But in many situations, they begin their process only knowing what the customer tells them.

How We Collect Data

Optimus can tailor their data collection to meet any requirement, but they usually start with two main inspection surveys: the DATscan for dryers and the Kiln Axis Survey (KAxS) for kilns. Both measure many of the same things but are tailored to suit the specificities of each type of equipment. The DATscan and KAxS both focus on obtaining accurate, real-time information about the current condition of the equipment by measuring things like ovality, tire creep, and slope. Minute differences in any of these could be the cause of the customer’s issues, so it is vital for Optimus to know as much as they can about each. Optimus travels to the customer site with specifically engineered tools, like the TomTom-Tools Measuring Wheel and Kiln Shell Laser, which record incredibly exact measurements. They pride themselves with having some of the most precise tools and measurements in the industry. These state-of-the-art tools wirelessly communicate with specially designed software that gather data and store them in a way that lets Optimus engineers analyze them together to compile a complete picture.

Integrity in Data

Optimus knows that good data is the key to understanding a process and making intelligent decisions, sothey want it to be their primary influence when they give recommendations to their customers, even if it means they won’t make as much money. Lead engineer Tom Zhang recalls a customer who had an issue with their dryer and contacted Optimus after getting a quote from another company. Optimus inspected the customer’s equipment, analyzed the data, and found that the other company recommended several unnecessary operations and they only needed a small amount of work to fix their issues. They could have oversold to the customer, but because they based their recommendations on what the data said, they were honest about the situation and quoted the customer much less. This customer was impressed with Optimus’ integrity and chose to give Optimus their business. This is how Optimus treats everyone.

Power in Data

The Optimus process starts with a limited understanding of a customer’s situation and ends with an impressive collection of data that guides their recommendations. They know that the best way to understand a situation is through accurate measurements and their specialty tools, measurement methodology, and expert knowledge are the best way to get that information. Once they have the data and can thoroughly analyze it, they know that they can be confident in whatever they tell the customer. Data can be powerful if used correctly and Optimus is committed to using it well.