Hoses and fittings play a critical role in industrial operations. Managing these assets is key to reliable operations.
They are the connecting points between all of the working components in a fluid power system that allows it to function and do the work it was designed to do. They can also act as a flexible conduit, seamlessly transferring gases, liquids, and other materials in endless applications, including fluid conveyance, suction and discharge applications.
Whether in oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, or heavy equipment applications, the reliability and performance of these components can make or break an operation. Any failure or mismanagement of hoses and fittings can lead to costly downtime, equipment damage, or even worker injury.
An effective preventative maintenance system should track hose assembly lifecycles, including exact hose specifications, usage history, visual inspections and replacement schedules. To effectively manage hoses and fittings, asset traceability is required. Traceability helps businesses quickly identify and quickly and accurately replace worn and damaged parts to reduce the risk of failure.
The Parker Tracking System (PTS) is one such traceability option.
The Parker Tracking System is an innovative component-tagging and asset management solution offered by leading hose manufacturer, Parker. The system enables real-time tracking of hose assembly data to streamline inventory management and reduce downtime events.
Traceability helps trace (and retrace) the path of an item or part throughout its entire journey—from creation to end-use. Part traceability is critical for operations looking to:
Hose manufacturers that offer a traceability program have better visibility into the lifecycles of their parts. Traceability also helps with recall management if parts are found to have defects, especially important for those businesses subject to recalls or liability. When a manufacturer can trace quality issues to the root source, they can take corrective actions sooner, protecting customers from unexpected equipment failures.
When hoses and fittings are used in hazardous environments, users can quickly identify faulty parts to prevent accidents and improve worker safety.
Asset tracking organizes specific details of parts and hose assembly components, including hose and fitting size, type, applications, and restrictions. Additionally, this database can house information such as:
Ideally, tracking this information on hose assemblies, their condition, and maintenance schedules helps businesses make more intelligent decisions about safety and performance.
Safety Note: While not recommended, it’s not uncommon for users to try to mix and match components from different lines or suppliers. By not using compatible materials, users can increase the risk of equipment failure due to wear, abrasion, or incorrect specifications. Traceability helps eliminate these occurrences and ensures proper hose assembly requirements are maintained.
Essential for hoses and fittings and other parts in the oil and gas industry, asset tracking allows for improved management of these components throughout their entire lifespan. Some of the key benefits of implementing a part-tracking system include:
Businesses can experience fewer downtime events, improve maintenance and safety inspections, and achieve cost savings through predictive maintenance, planned replacement, and consistent component assembly.
Moreover, by partnering with a supplier that offers traceability solutions, you can experience increased speed, timing, and accuracy in your next service event.
The 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was a stark reminder of the importance of safety and compliance in the oil and gas industry. Eleven people were killed, 17 were injured, and 134 million gallons of oil were released into the gulf, severely impacting ecosystems and wildlife (NOAA).
Equipment failures, lack of traceability, and lapses in maintenance were reported as key contributors to the disaster. As a result, the oil and gas industry has since adopted stricter safety regulations and implemented advanced technologies to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The cost of non-compliance? Beyond significant threats to personnel and the environment, companies that don’t comply can face hefty fines, legal penalties, and severe reputation damage.
High pressures, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and the potential for corrosion require conveyance systems like hoses and fittings to meet higher industry standards, including pressure ratings, material compliance requirements, and certification standards. These parts must also be immediately available to avoid expensive downtime.
Traceability is an important compliance tool used in these measures.
These practices are referred to as reliability-centered maintenance. While hose assemblies don’t degrade on a predetermined schedule, operators can scan key metrics to extend equipment life, protect the environment from unnecessary waste, and create a safer work environment.
PTS uses barcodes and RFID tags to store, access, and monitor critical asset information such as Bill of Material, application data, replacement details, customized instructions, and images and certification file attachments. Armed with real-time data, companies can:
PTS uses a modern, secure, web-based architecture, providing your supply partner with an integrated system that captures detailed information about your account and the products you’re using.
A global oil and gas industry leader wanted us to implement the Parker Tracking System (PTS) to manage its extensive hose assemblies and fittings inventory. Given the critical nature of its operations, this company needed a reliable system to track and replace components to avoid equipment failures that could lead to costly downtime, environmental risks, and safety hazards.
>> Learn more about safety risks tied to poor inventory management
By pairing high-quality products and expert recommendations with advanced traceability solutions, you can achieve longer part lifespans and fewer replacement costs over the life of your equipment.
It’s true. Partnering with a supplier, like MCE Automation, who understands your business needs can streamline your inventory costs, optimize maintenance schedules, and support regulatory compliance efforts.
When you partner with a reliable supplier that offers inventory management services and PTS technology, you have access to quality products, expert support, and critical spares inventory you need for better performance and productivity.
Supply partners that work with Parker can connect your hose assembly purchases to a portal, tracking parts usage, inspections, and replacement schedules at any of your locations—simplifying parts ordering and ensuring consistency across your organization.
MCE is your go-to resource for on-demand hose and fitting support, engineered solutions, training, and inventory solutions to keep your business running smoothly. Let us know how we can help your company adopt advanced traceability solutions for improved productivity and safety.