MAN Energy Solutions has developed a new range of augmented reality multimedia equipment maintenance ‘manuals’, to provide instructions and guidance on-site for engineers maintaining or repairing onboard equipment.
Using mobile devices or head-mounted displays, the TechGuide system, released under the MAN CEON brand, enables engineers to use their preferred learning style on a job, whether through 3D-models, animations, video, to have instructions read aloud or to browse a pdf.
“We foresee great benefits for our customers in the digital transformation of technical documentation. Thanks to the rapid development of information technology, MAN CEON TechGuide facilitates an intuitive documentation solution aimed at the safe and fast execution of maintenance and troubleshooting, and will further optimise the availability of our customers’ vessels,” said Per Hansson, Head of Digital and Strategy at MAN Energy Solutions.
“Technical documentation needs to be available on the platforms preferred by the modern generation of marine engineers and shipowners. Augmented reality is nowadays a proven and intuitive technology that makes it easy to deal with increasingly complex maintenance procedures.”
“That is why we at MAN Energy Solutions have embraced digitisation: our clients will benefit from the state-of-the-art support platforms and applications in the form of optimised maintenance procedures. We believe MAN CEON TechGuide will prove to be indispensable for our industry partners.”
The MAN CEON TechGuide is currently being tested aboard a number of bulk carriers owned by Singapore-based Berge Bulk, connected to the shipowner’s own fleet maintenance and management system.
When a maintenance job has been completed using the TechGuide, the information is automatically uploaded to the owner’s system via Wi-Fi in the engine room. The software has been developed with an application-programming interface (API) to support connection to different types of planned maintenance systems (PMS).
“The MAN CEON TechGuide app is transforming the way maintenance and inspection operations are carried out on board,” said Dr Lars Gruenitz, Berge Bulk.
“With the app working in tandem with our current fleet management system, we believe that it will not only significantly reduce our crew’s work load, but that it will also further enhance the quality and reliability of our maintenance operations.”
