LIMS for Automotives
LIMS for Automotives
By Prasanna Venkatesh
LIMS Consultant, Satyam Computer Services Ltd.
Email: prasanna_vn@satyam.com
Abstract:
The flamboyant dexterity of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can be leveraged to serve the automotive world with the same adroitness and business acumen as it has exhibited to the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industry. In the automotive sector, the standpoint of LIMS as a system to record and report the quality of the automotive fluids on a regular basis is imperative for the maintenance of expensive machinery.
LIMS can bring tenacity and accountability to the business where essentially a large number of stakeholders are involved separated by wide geographies. The percolation of vital information such as machinery health status and warranty expiry is possible up to the last rung in the hierarchy, thus boosting business agility.
In this article, we will explore the penetrative potential of LIMS in the automotive industry.
Note: It may be prudent to note that the business model dealt with in this article closely resembles the heavy machinery segment of the automotive world.
Introduction:
The penchant for mobility has led to path breaking innovations in the field of automotives. The invention of state-of-the-art vehicles serving a wide spectrum of human needs has brought unprecedented change to all our lives, be it the posh sport utility vehicles, cozy family cars or the gigantic cranes and earth movers. Hence, it becomes our prime duty to ensure that our automotives are in impeccable shape to serve us their due. LIMS can play a pivotal role in the formulation and adherence of a workable maintenance plan for the vehicular population.
Understanding the Backdrop:
Prior to getting into the subtleties of the handiness of LIMS in the automotive arena, let us get an insight of what really happens here. Just as we require food and exercise for our survival and healthy well being, all automotives require fuel and related additives for their sustainence and efficient functioning. The figure 1.1 gives a quick snapshot of the types of automotive fluids in use.
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Figure 1.1 Types of Automotives Fluids
It is common knowledge that the automotive fuels undergo combustion, providing the necessary energy for performing the designated task. In other words, these fuels and additives are subjected to oxidation at high temperatures. As an after effect of this oxidation process, the following scenario may be observed.
- Oxidation of gear / lube oil resulting in wear metal formation.
- Formation of sludge, a hindrance to the moving parts of the vehicle.
- Increase in acid numbers, a measure of corrosivity at the engine internals.
- Depletion of anti-oxidant additives.
- Formation of pro-oxidants.
Only a scheduled testing of the samples collected from the automotive internals can put a check to any unwarranted depreciation. Testing should pave way to reporting too, and here is where LIMS can help.
The Business Model and LIMS:
A typical automotive industry setup consists of a manufacturer, with an array of models to offer. These models are either bought or hired by individuals or large conglomerates called dealers. The dealers are potentially located across countries, depending upon the market spread of the automotive products.
Dealers sell or lend the vehicles in their custody to customers who are the end users. The customer referred here may be an organization engaged in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), a large scale construction company and so on. The customers invariably operate at different locations, either within a country or across continents. The location where these automotives physically reside and work is called a jobsite.
Within a jobsite, for a particular automotive model, there may be quite a few people taking ownership responsibility and such people are said to be linked persons.
The figure 1.2 depicts the structure of an automotive business model explained above.
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Figure 1.2 Automotive Business Model
The oil / additive sampling laboratories may be positioned at the dealer / customer / jobsite locations. The samples are collected at pre-defined time intervals and analyzed in these laboratories. The results indicate the status of the vehicles, in terms of there usage and productivity. The results are interpreted, compared against historical data and appropriate remedial action taken. The remedial action may involve replenishment of automotive fluids, servicing or replacement of moving parts etc.
In the case of large machineries, there may be a warranty period associated with it. Information of warranty expiry, warranty extension, intimation of service policies need to be communicated to all the linked persons.
LIMS runs as a connecting link across all the elements mentioned in the automotive business model.
LIMS,
- Records wear metal results.
- Helps laboratory results to percolate deep into the business hierarchy, to all linked persons.
- Makes automatic scheduling of samples for testing possible.
- Provides instant report delivery via email, fax and mail.
- Provides alerts on service agreements and policy changes.
Conclusion:
Treading with LIMS in the automotive path can surely turn out to be a best bet. The hassles of missing sample schedules, unpunctual alerts, forgotten reports, defaulted warranties etc. can be overcome with a smart deployment of LIMS in the automotive world.
