Application of Predictive Maintenance Models in
Equipment Monitoring System to Predict Computer
Hardware Component Failure
Homer S. Santos
MIT, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
+63 917 594 4862
santos_homer@outlook.com
ABSTRACT
The paper is about the integration of predictive analytics in
computer components monitoring system. The proposed
technology aims to prevent occurrence of computer failure by
performing computer-based periodic maintenance and also to
predict in real time when a specific component of a computer
failure might occur. This solution will minimize the cost spend in
buying spare compoents, maximize the component uptime that will
resulting to increase of effectiveness of computers and reduce
maintenance cost that will be a great help in terms of financial for
a certain establishment or company. Also, the proposed system
manages the usage and maintenance of computers components and
inventory of computer laboratory resources such as computer units,
equipments and peripherals with the utilization of RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification).
Keywords
Computer components, Maintenance, Monitoring System,
Predictive Analytics.
1. INTRODUCTION
In today’s modern world, most of the establishments or
companies made use of technology integrated in a computer-based
system that will help them perform their work faster, more accurate
and easier. As the world advances, technological development
arises in the field of Information Technology. One of which is the
computer-based technologies which aid human for daily needs.
Some applications tend to entertain, some reduces human effort,
some reduces complexity and aid for decision making and some
tend to automate manual system [11]. Computer-based monitoring
systems are becoming trends, creating easier method to identify
item, tracking, monitoring and add on security values [15].
However, existing computer-based monitoring system nowadays
specifically for monitoring of computer components isn’t enough
to maintain the longevity of the computer components.
1.1 Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is a maintenance strategy driven by
predictive analytics. The solutions are used for detecting failure
patterns or anomalies, but are only deployed when there is high
probability of imminent failure. This helps in deploying limited
resources, maximizing device or equipment uptime, enhancing
quality and supply chain processes, and thus improving the overall
satisfaction for all the stakeholders involved [16].
Aim of predictive maintenance is first to predict when
equipment failure might occur, and secondly, to prevent occurrence
of the failure by performing maintenance. Monitoring for future
failure allows maintenance to be planned before the failure occurs.
Ideally, predictive maintenance allows the maintenance frequency
to be as low as possible to prevent unplanned reactive maintenance,
without incurring costs associated with doing too much
preventative maintenance [18].
Predictive maintenance targets to avoid or reduce possible
failure and malfunction of equipment from occurring in daily
operations [23]. Predictive maintenance gives a solution in real
time to predict asset failure or quality issues so that it can avoid
costly downtime and reduce maintenance costs. Driven by
predictive analytics, these solutions detect even minor anomalies
and failure patterns to determine the assets and operational
processes that are at the greatest risk of problems or failure. This
early identification of potential concerns helps you deploy limited
resources more cost effectively, maximize equipment uptime and
enhance quality and supply chain processes, ultimately improving
customer satisfaction [19].
Predictive maintenance focuses on predicting when the device
failure will occur and preventing that occurrence of failure with the
help of maintenance monitoring so that maintenance can be planned
before the issue manifests. One of the distinct features of predictive
maintenance is that the maintenance frequency is a bare minimum,
and it helps in preventing unplanned reactive maintenance and the
expenses associated with preventive maintenance. The failure
prediction in cases of predictive maintenance can be done with the
help of one of many techniques such as oil analysis, vibration
analysis, thermal imaging and equipment observation. Based on the
expert opinion and device in use, the proper technique is selected.
However, there are drawbacks associated with predictive
maintenance. The expertise and skill level required for the data
analysis in predictive maintenance needs to be highly specialized
[17].
When predictive maintenance is working effectively as a
maintenance strategy, maintenance is only performed on machines
when it is required. That is, just before failure is likely to occur.
This brings several cost savings: a) minimizing the time the
equipment is being maintained, b) minimizing the production hours
lost to maintenance, and c) minimizing the cost of spare parts and
supplies [17].
1.2 RFID Technology
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that
transmits data using radio waves from an RFID tag attached to an
object by the reader for tracking and identifying objects [12].
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless non-contact
use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data, for
the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached
to objects. Some tags require no battery and are powered and read
at short ranges via magnetic fields (electromagnetic induction).
Others use a local power source and emit radio waves
(electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies). The tag contains
electronically stored information which may be read from up to
several meters away. Unlike a bar code, the tag does not need to be
within line of sight of the reader and may be embedded in the
tracked object [11]. RFID system contains two main components;
the reader and the tags. The tag is normally attached to the objects
to be monitored and carries information in a microchip. The reader
on the other hand detects tags that are within it frequency range and
writes to or read from the tags [7][12]. A study stated that RFID
technology was one of the most commonly used technologies for
identification nowadays [5]. It is an automatic technology which
helps the machines or computers to identify, record, or control the
individual target through radio waves. Generally, RFID reader
electronics uses outside power resource to generate a signal to drive
the reader’s antenna and turn into radio wave. The radio wave will
be accepted by the RFID tag and reflects the energy in the way
signaling its identification and other related information. In order
to access the reflection from the RFID tag, the RFID reader works
as a receiver on sensing and decoding the signal from the RFID tag.
In simple RFID system, RFID tag is passive and powered by the
energy of the reader’s signals. In some systems, the RFID reader
radio frequency instructs the memory to be read or write from the
associated RFID tag [5]. In relation to this study, the reason why
the researcher has inspired and has chosen RFID to be integrated
and be the medium of identification in the proposed system is
because of its ability of detection in spite of its high market value
that can bring convenience to users by just going under the range
of frequency cast by the RFID reader. RFID is used in many
researches, developments, and applications that attempt to take
maximum advantage of such technology [3][4]. RFID systems have
been widely used in many different application areas, such as:
product tracking through manufacturing and assembly, control of
inventory, parking lot access and control, container tracking, ID
badges and access control, equipment tracking in hospitals, etc
[6][14].
In computer-based monitoring system, RFID technology is
preferred, because it has many promising features including: a) no
line of sight is required, b) Long read range and high reading speed
is achievable, c) Multiple tag read/write is possible [2][13], d)
Tracking of people, items, and equipment in real-time can be done,
e) An RFID tag can be encapsulated or be implanted within a
product so it can stand in a harsh environment, f) The tag is
programmable, therefore can be used as a portable database, g) No
extra power supply is needed (for passive RFID tags), the power is
supplied by the reader [2]. Taking the advantages into account,
RFID is used in wide range of applications including: human
identification and tracking, access management, tracking of goods
and animals, and toll collection [2][9][10]. The enhancement in
RFID technology has brought advantages that are related to
resource optimization, increased efficiency within business
processes, and overall improvements in business operations [1].
In this study, to maintain a more effective computer-based
monitoring system, RFID technology is integrated to provide
automatic user identification and authorization, and monitors the
in-out of computer laboratory resources such as computer units,
equipments, and peripherals.
2. ALGORITHMS/MODELS
Predictive analytics isn't a black-and-white concept or a discrete
feature of modern database managers. It's a bunch of data analysis
technologies and statistical techniques rolled up under one banner.
The core technique is regression analysis, which predicts the related
values of multiple, correlated variables based on proving or
disproving a particular assumption. Predictive analytics is about
recognizing patterns in data to project probability [16].
2.1 Regression Analysis
In statistics, Regression Analysis is a mathematical method of
modeling the relationships among three or more variables. It is used
to predict the value of one variable given the values of the others.
A regression analysis yields an equation that expresses the
relationship [21].
Regression analysis is a set of statistical processes for
estimating the relationships among variables. It includes many
techniques for modeling and analyzing several variables, when the
focus is on the relationship between a dependent variable and one
or more independent variables (or 'predictors')
2.2 Classification Model
In machine learning and statistics, classification is the problem
of identifying to which of a set of categories (sub-populations) a
new observation belongs, on the basis of a training set of data
containing observations (or instances) whose category membership
is known. An example would be assigning a given email into
"spam" or "non-spam" classes or assigning a diagnosis to a given
patient as described by observed characteristics of the patient
(gender, blood pressure, presence or absence of certain symptoms,
etc.). Classification is an example of pattern recognition.
In the terminology of machine learning, classification is
considered an instance of supervised learning, i.e. learning where a
training set of correctly identified observations is available. The
corresponding unsupervised procedure is known as clustering and
involves grouping data into categories based on some measure of
inherent similarity or distance.
An algorithm that implements classification, especially in a
concrete implementation, is known as a classifier. The term
"classifier" sometimes also refers to the mathematical function,
implemented by a classification algorithm, that maps input data to
a category.
The success of predictive maintenance models depends on these
two main models: Regression models to predict remaining useful
lifetime (RUL) and Classification models to predict failure within
a given time window.
2.3 R Statistical Language
Captured data is continuously scored using predictive analytics
software. Predictive analytic models mine the data and correlate
past failures using multivariate analysis. The models can mine all
the variables and conditions that contributed to past failures in order
to predict future failures. Incoming data are then run through the
model and asset health scores are generated on a real time basis
[22].
R is a language and environment for statistical computing and
graphics. It is a GNU project which is similar to the S language and
environment which was developed at Bell Laboratories (formerly
AT&T, now Lucent Technologies). Predictive Analytics is tightly
integrated with the algorithms and statistical libraries available in
R. R provides a wide variety of statistical (linear and nonlinear
modelling, classical statistical tests, time-series analysis,
classification, clustering) and graphical techniques, and is highly
extensible [23].
Using R for predictive analytics is a low-cost and flexible
solution, but does require a basic knowledge of statistics and
mathematics. R is a very powerful language for a number of
reasons. However, the main feature is vector processing — the
ability to perform operations on entire arrays of numbers without
explicitly writing iteration loops. Another important feature is that
statisticians, engineers and scientists can improve the software’s
code or write variations for specific tasks. Packages written for R
add advanced algorithms, colored and textured graphs and mining
techniques to dig deeper into databases [22].
3. PROPOSED SYSTEM
The proposed system is composed of three major components:
Predictive Maintenance module, Computer Usage Monitoring
module, and Inventory Control module.
Figure 3 show the basic flow of the Predictive Maintenance
Module.
Figure 3.0 Predictive Maintenance Flow Chart
In Predictive maintenance modules, Computer components
refers to the physical parts or components such as Motherboard,
Processor, RAM and Hard Disk Drives. Data from every computer
component can be gathered using the sensor that are built-in in
every component. The predictive maintenance factor may be
defined by one of more of the following: components’ estimated
lifespan and probability of failure.
In Computer Usage Monitoring module, it includes user
authentication, user activity monitoring, application, Internet, and
external storage (optical disks, USB Flash drives and external hard
drives) usage control and also this module provides interface for a
computer technician to give real time remote technical assistance
to any computer users.
In Inventory Monitoring module, it includes adding, tracking,
and real-time status and physical count of computer laboratory
resources.
Also the proposed system includes the following: generation of
report such as status of computer components, inventory of
computer, recording of full history computer usage.
4. FINDINGS
With the integration of Predictive Analytics, the capability of a
computer-based monitoring system can be enhanced, it can be
achieved by performing computer-based periodic maintenance and
also to predict in real time when a specific component of a
computer failure might occur it will minimize the cost spend in
buying spare components, maximize the component uptime that
will resulting to increase of effectiveness of computers and reduce
maintenance cost that will be a great help in terms of financial for
a certain establishment or company.
5. REFERENCES
[1]. Ahsan, K., Shah, H., and Kingston, P. (2010). RFID
Applications: An Introductory and Exploratory Study.
International Journal of Computer Science Issues, Vol. 7,
Issue 1, No. 3.
[2]. Akpinar, S., & Kaptan, H. (2010). Computer aided school
administration system using RFID technology. Procedia
Social and Behavioral Sciences 2, pp. 4392-4397.
[3]. Al-Barhamtoshy, H. M., Altalhi A. H., and Mashat. A. S.
(2013). Academic Monitoring in Classrooms using RFID
Technology. ISBN: 978-0-9891305-1-6.
[4]. Al-Barhamtoshy H. M., Altalhi A. and Mashat A., (2012).
Attendance Control System in Classrooms using RFID. 3rd
International Conference on New Trends in Education and
Their Implications, 26-28. April 2012, Antalya, Turkey.
[5]. Ching, H.- H., Shih, C.-C., Chia, H.-Y. and Jong, H. –P.
(2009). RFID Student Attendance Monitoring System.
Alleviating reader collision problem in mobile RFID
networks. Proceedings at Springer-Verlag London Limited,
pp.489-497.
[6]. Domdouzis, K., Kumar B., and Anumba, C., (2007). Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) applications: A brief
introduction. Advanced Engineering Informatics, Vol. 21,
2007, pp 350-355.
[7]. Geoffrey, C. E. (2012). Automatic Access Control System
using Student’s Identification Card based on RFID
Technology, Unpublished Thesis Faculty of Electrical
Engineering, University of Teknologi Malaysia.
[8]. Kendall, K. E., Kendall, J. E. (2011). Systems Analysis and
Design. One lake street, Upper saddle river, New Jersey
07458: Prentice Hall.
[9]. Magrassi, P. (2001). A World of Smart Objects: The Role of
Auto Identification Technologies.
[10]. Mojares, P. (2013) iNotified: An SMS and RFID-Based
Notification System of Lipa City Colleges, Lipa City,
Batangas, Philippines. International Journal of Information
Technology & Computer Sciences, Vol. 12 Issue No: 2. ISSN:
2091-1610
[11]. Meints, M. (2007). A Structured Collection on Information
and Literature on Technological and Usability Aspects of
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). FIDIS deliverable.
[12]. Mojares, P. (2013) iNotified: An SMS and RFID-Based
Notification System of Lipa City Colleges, Lipa City,
Batangas, Philippines. International Journal of Information
Technology & Computer Sciences, Vol. 12 Issue No: 2. ISSN:
2091-1610
[13]. Olanipekun, A. A., and Boyinbode, O.K. (2015). RFID Based
Automatic Attendance System in Educational Institutions of
Nigeria. International Journal of Smart Home. Vol. 9, No. 12,
pp. 65-74
[14]. Wahab, M. H. A., (2011). RFID-Based Equipment Monitoring
System, Designing and Deploying RFID Applications, Dr.
Cristina Turcu (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-307-265-4, InTech
[15]. Saparkhojayev, N., and Guvercin, S., (2012). Attendance
Control System based on RFID-technology. International
Journal of Computer Science Issues, Vol. 9 Issue 3, No 1.
ISSN: 1694-0814
[16]. Techopedia. “What does Predictive Maintenance mean? –
Definition from Techopedia”. Techopedia.com
[17]. Techopedia. “Techopedia explains Predictive Maintenance”.
Techopedia.com
[18]. Fiix. “What is predictive maintenance? – Definition from
Fiix”. Fiixsoftware.com
[19]. IBM. “Predictive Maintenance – Maximize asset
productivity, improve product or component quality and
increase operational performance”. IBM.com
[20]. Marvin, R., (2016). “Predictive Analytics, Big Data, and How
to make them work for you”. PCMag.com
[21]. PCMag. “Regression Analysis – Definition from PCMag”.
PCMag.com
[22]. Kolovoza., (2013). “Predictive Maintenance by using R
Statistical Language for Predictive Analytics”.
[23]. R Foundation. “What is R?”. r-project.org
[24]. Lazim, H., Taib, C., Lamsali, H., Saleh, M., and
Subramaniam, C., (2016). The impact of preventive
maintenance practices on manufacturing performance: A
proposed model for SMEs in Malaysia. Conference
Proceedings 1761, 020059