CA2944208A1 - System and method for monitoring maintenance of appliances - Google Patents
System and method for monitoring maintenance of appliances Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2944208A1 CA2944208A1 CA2944208A CA2944208A CA2944208A1 CA 2944208 A1 CA2944208 A1 CA 2944208A1 CA 2944208 A CA2944208 A CA 2944208A CA 2944208 A CA2944208 A CA 2944208A CA 2944208 A1 CA2944208 A1 CA 2944208A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- appliance
- processing device
- portable processing
- operative
- maintenance
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/20—Administration of product repair or maintenance
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/40—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
Landscapes
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Operations Research (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances (12) at multiple premises. Machine readable tags (10) are mounted in physical association with respective appliances. Each tag records a respective identifier. An operative such as an engineer carries a portable processing device (14) which may be a tablet or smart phone and which is used to read the identifier from the machine readable tag. The operative records maintenance data using the portable processing device. The portable processing device communicates with a remote server 18. This communication may be via a mobile (cellular) network. The remote server stores maintenance data for the appliances. Users - for example landlords or contractors -can access the maintenance data through a user interface, which may take the form of a website.
Description
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING MAINTENANCE OF APPLIANCES
The present invention relates to a computer-based system and method for monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances at multiple premises, and to a computer program product and computer-readable medium for use by operatives in recording maintenance data relating to appliances.
The present invention has been created to address a need relating to maintenance of gas burning appliances and will be explained below in that context but is applicable in relation to other appliances or installations requiring maintenance. Examples include, without limitation, electrical appliances such as white goods (refrigerators, tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers etc), electrical installations (e.g. mains wiring in buildings), lifts (elevators) etc. The invention may be employed in relation to domestic dwellings or commercial buildings. So while issues relating to gas safety are discussed below, it should be borne in mind that applications of the invention are potentially much broader.
Gas burning appliances and the flues associated with them require regular checks and periodic servicing for the sake of safety. In a faulty or incorrectly installed appliance, incomplete combustion can result in emission of carbon monoxide gas which is injurious to health in low concentrations and can be rapidly lethal at higher concentrations. There are also potential dangers involved in emission of fuel gas from faulty appliances or pipework.
An annual safety check by a competent engineer is typically recommended for domestic gas appliances. In the United Kingdom, for example, landlords have a legal obligation to be able to provide a gas safety record demonstrating that gas appliances have had an annual safety check by a suitably registered engineer.
For landlords this is potentially a significant administrative burden and expense, and ensuring that all relevant work is suitably carried out is important given the dangers to tenants and the associated liability that could be created by faulty or slipshod work. It is a common practice for landlords to use an external, expert service provider, paid on a monthly or annual retainer, to carry out the required safety checks, servicing and repairs and to maintain the necessary records.
Difficulties remain in implementing a practical system for ensuring regular and competent safety checks and servicing. Some relate to lack of competence or probity on the part of service engineers.
One such is "drive-by" safety checks, where the engineer drives to the address (his or her location being recorded by an electronic positioning system such as GPS) and completes a gas safety certificate indicating that checks have been carried out, but does not actually leave his/her vehicle and enter the premises or make the necessary checks. Another type of difficulty arises where work is carried out in a manner which is unsatisfactory or unsafe. The work done is self-certified by the engineer but organisations need to manage and regulate their engineers appropriately in order to maintain standards.
The present inventor has recognised that these and other practical problems relating to gas safety and servicing have a technical solution. Furthermore related problems concerned with maintenance of other types of appliance and installation, including electrical appliances, can also be solved by virtue of the present invention.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a system for monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances at multiple premises, the system comprising machine readable tags for mounting in physical association with respective appliances, each tag recording a respective identifier;
a portable processing device configured for use by an operative in recording maintenance data and having a reader for reading the identifier from the tag and an interface for exchanging data with a remote server;
a remote server which stores maintenance data for the appliances; and a user interface for providing the maintenance data to users;
wherein the portable processing device is configured to read the identifier from the tag, to record maintenance data input by the operative relating to the appliance identified by the identifier, and to transmit the maintenance data to the remote server for subsequent access by users.
The appliance may be a gas appliance. The physical association of the tag with the appliance may be such that the tag is mounted on or adjacent the appliance, or may reside in the fact that the tag is at the same address or in the same building as the appliance.
Note that the term "maintenance" as used herein covers installation of the appliance, inspection of the appliance, routine servicing, repair, as well as decommissioning of the appliance and its condemnation as being unusable on safety grounds According to a second aspect of the present invention there is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is run on a portable processing device, cause the device to:
The present invention relates to a computer-based system and method for monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances at multiple premises, and to a computer program product and computer-readable medium for use by operatives in recording maintenance data relating to appliances.
The present invention has been created to address a need relating to maintenance of gas burning appliances and will be explained below in that context but is applicable in relation to other appliances or installations requiring maintenance. Examples include, without limitation, electrical appliances such as white goods (refrigerators, tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers etc), electrical installations (e.g. mains wiring in buildings), lifts (elevators) etc. The invention may be employed in relation to domestic dwellings or commercial buildings. So while issues relating to gas safety are discussed below, it should be borne in mind that applications of the invention are potentially much broader.
Gas burning appliances and the flues associated with them require regular checks and periodic servicing for the sake of safety. In a faulty or incorrectly installed appliance, incomplete combustion can result in emission of carbon monoxide gas which is injurious to health in low concentrations and can be rapidly lethal at higher concentrations. There are also potential dangers involved in emission of fuel gas from faulty appliances or pipework.
An annual safety check by a competent engineer is typically recommended for domestic gas appliances. In the United Kingdom, for example, landlords have a legal obligation to be able to provide a gas safety record demonstrating that gas appliances have had an annual safety check by a suitably registered engineer.
For landlords this is potentially a significant administrative burden and expense, and ensuring that all relevant work is suitably carried out is important given the dangers to tenants and the associated liability that could be created by faulty or slipshod work. It is a common practice for landlords to use an external, expert service provider, paid on a monthly or annual retainer, to carry out the required safety checks, servicing and repairs and to maintain the necessary records.
Difficulties remain in implementing a practical system for ensuring regular and competent safety checks and servicing. Some relate to lack of competence or probity on the part of service engineers.
One such is "drive-by" safety checks, where the engineer drives to the address (his or her location being recorded by an electronic positioning system such as GPS) and completes a gas safety certificate indicating that checks have been carried out, but does not actually leave his/her vehicle and enter the premises or make the necessary checks. Another type of difficulty arises where work is carried out in a manner which is unsatisfactory or unsafe. The work done is self-certified by the engineer but organisations need to manage and regulate their engineers appropriately in order to maintain standards.
The present inventor has recognised that these and other practical problems relating to gas safety and servicing have a technical solution. Furthermore related problems concerned with maintenance of other types of appliance and installation, including electrical appliances, can also be solved by virtue of the present invention.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a system for monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances at multiple premises, the system comprising machine readable tags for mounting in physical association with respective appliances, each tag recording a respective identifier;
a portable processing device configured for use by an operative in recording maintenance data and having a reader for reading the identifier from the tag and an interface for exchanging data with a remote server;
a remote server which stores maintenance data for the appliances; and a user interface for providing the maintenance data to users;
wherein the portable processing device is configured to read the identifier from the tag, to record maintenance data input by the operative relating to the appliance identified by the identifier, and to transmit the maintenance data to the remote server for subsequent access by users.
The appliance may be a gas appliance. The physical association of the tag with the appliance may be such that the tag is mounted on or adjacent the appliance, or may reside in the fact that the tag is at the same address or in the same building as the appliance.
Note that the term "maintenance" as used herein covers installation of the appliance, inspection of the appliance, routine servicing, repair, as well as decommissioning of the appliance and its condemnation as being unusable on safety grounds According to a second aspect of the present invention there is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is run on a portable processing device, cause the device to:
2 take log-in data from an operative attending premises to carry out maintenance work in relation to one or more appliance(s) read a tag associated with an appliance at the premises to obtain an identifier associated with the appliance;
take input from the operative relating to maintenance work carried out on the appliance to create a maintenance record which identifies the appliance on the basis of the identifier read from the tag; and transmit the maintenance record to a remote server.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is a computer-readable medium comprising instructions executable by a portable processing device, wherein the instructions when executed cause the portable processing device to:
take log-in data from an operative attending premises to carry out maintenance work in relation to one or more appliance(s) read a tag associated with an appliance at the premises to obtain an identifier associated with the appliance;
take input from the operative relating to maintenance work carried out on the appliance to create a maintenance record which identifies the appliance on the basis of the identifier read from the tag; and transmit the maintenance record to a remote server.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is a method of monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances at multiple premises, the method comprising providing the appliances with respective machine readable tags, each tag recording a respective identifier;
reading the identifier of the tag of a specific appliance using a portable processing device carried by an operative;
recording of maintenance data relating to the specific appliance by the operative using the portable processing device;
transmitting the maintenance data to a remote server to create or amend on the remote server an appliance record relating to the specific appliance referenced by the identifier; and
take input from the operative relating to maintenance work carried out on the appliance to create a maintenance record which identifies the appliance on the basis of the identifier read from the tag; and transmit the maintenance record to a remote server.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is a computer-readable medium comprising instructions executable by a portable processing device, wherein the instructions when executed cause the portable processing device to:
take log-in data from an operative attending premises to carry out maintenance work in relation to one or more appliance(s) read a tag associated with an appliance at the premises to obtain an identifier associated with the appliance;
take input from the operative relating to maintenance work carried out on the appliance to create a maintenance record which identifies the appliance on the basis of the identifier read from the tag; and transmit the maintenance record to a remote server.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is a method of monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances at multiple premises, the method comprising providing the appliances with respective machine readable tags, each tag recording a respective identifier;
reading the identifier of the tag of a specific appliance using a portable processing device carried by an operative;
recording of maintenance data relating to the specific appliance by the operative using the portable processing device;
transmitting the maintenance data to a remote server to create or amend on the remote server an appliance record relating to the specific appliance referenced by the identifier; and
3 providing the maintenance data to users through a user interface.
Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a highly schematic representation of the major components of a monitoring system embodying the present invention.
In the system depicted in Figure 1, an electronic tag 10 is physically associated with a gas appliance 12. The tag 10 interfaces with a portable processing device 14. In the present embodiment the tag interfaces with the portable processing device through a wireless link. This is preferably a short range link. More specifically in the present embodiment the tag operates according to the NFC (near field communication) standard. This type of technology is well known. A radio frequency signal from an interrogating device induces an EMF (electro-motive force) in the antenna of the tag which can be used to power the tag to transmit data to the interrogating device. A
passive tag of this type is well suited to use in the present invention since it can be economical to purchase and requires no on-board power source. Given that use of the tag is expected to be infrequent (e.g. annual), it is highly advantageous that the tag 10 is powered by the interrogating field and does not need to be active except when polled by the interrogating device, nor to maintain a battery or other power source in a state of readiness for use. NFC connectivity is already widely provided in portable processing devices such as mobile telephones (cell phones) and compact computing devices such as tablet computers, and tags themselves are economical to purchase, so the cost of this part of the system can be minimised.
The tag 10 is to be mounted, upon, or in close proximity to, the gas appliance 12. It may for example be a self-adhesive item stuck to the front of the appliance, or perhaps a collar secured in a tamper resistant manner around some component of the appliance. It may alternatively be incorporated into the device during manufacture, e.g. with a notice on the exterior of the device indicating where the tag is located and hence where the portable processing device 14 needs to be placed to establish a connection to the tag.
The gas appliance 12 is installed in a building 16 (typically a domestic dwelling, although it could be a commercial premises) and requires periodic inspection and maintenance. The gas appliance 12 may be a boiler (for central heating and/or water heating) but it may also be any gas consuming appliance or installation such as a gas fire or heater, oven, hob, cooker, flue etc.
The tag 10 carries identifying information which, when interrogated, it provides to the mobile device 14. The identifying information may simply comprise a code or serial number to identify the gas appliance 12 to a remote server 18.
Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a highly schematic representation of the major components of a monitoring system embodying the present invention.
In the system depicted in Figure 1, an electronic tag 10 is physically associated with a gas appliance 12. The tag 10 interfaces with a portable processing device 14. In the present embodiment the tag interfaces with the portable processing device through a wireless link. This is preferably a short range link. More specifically in the present embodiment the tag operates according to the NFC (near field communication) standard. This type of technology is well known. A radio frequency signal from an interrogating device induces an EMF (electro-motive force) in the antenna of the tag which can be used to power the tag to transmit data to the interrogating device. A
passive tag of this type is well suited to use in the present invention since it can be economical to purchase and requires no on-board power source. Given that use of the tag is expected to be infrequent (e.g. annual), it is highly advantageous that the tag 10 is powered by the interrogating field and does not need to be active except when polled by the interrogating device, nor to maintain a battery or other power source in a state of readiness for use. NFC connectivity is already widely provided in portable processing devices such as mobile telephones (cell phones) and compact computing devices such as tablet computers, and tags themselves are economical to purchase, so the cost of this part of the system can be minimised.
The tag 10 is to be mounted, upon, or in close proximity to, the gas appliance 12. It may for example be a self-adhesive item stuck to the front of the appliance, or perhaps a collar secured in a tamper resistant manner around some component of the appliance. It may alternatively be incorporated into the device during manufacture, e.g. with a notice on the exterior of the device indicating where the tag is located and hence where the portable processing device 14 needs to be placed to establish a connection to the tag.
The gas appliance 12 is installed in a building 16 (typically a domestic dwelling, although it could be a commercial premises) and requires periodic inspection and maintenance. The gas appliance 12 may be a boiler (for central heating and/or water heating) but it may also be any gas consuming appliance or installation such as a gas fire or heater, oven, hob, cooker, flue etc.
The tag 10 carries identifying information which, when interrogated, it provides to the mobile device 14. The identifying information may simply comprise a code or serial number to identify the gas appliance 12 to a remote server 18.
4 The portable processing device 14 is able to communicate and exchange data with the remote server 18 during a visit to the building 16. In the present embodiment it does so by use of a mobile telephone network (cellular network).
The portable processing device 14 is typically carried by a service engineer and used by him/her to maintain records relating to site visits and work carried out, as will be explained in greater detail below. As well as having an interface for interrogating the tag 10, and connectivity to the remote server 18, the portable processing device 14 is provided with a positioning system for determining the device's geographical location. The positioning system can be satellite based, and in the present embodiment is a GPS (global positioning system) device, although it could take other forms. The portable processing device 14 may take the form of a mobile telephone (cellular phone) or other mobile processing device such as a tablet computer, which in either case runs a dedicated app (computer program).
The remote server 18 receives data from the portable processing device 14 and, using this and potentially data from other sources as well, it maintains records relating to multiple gas appliances 12. Note that the term "server" is used in a broad sense herein and does not necessarily refer to a single computing device - the server's functions may be implemented in any suitable physical architecture. As well as communicating with the portable processing device 14 (and, in a typical practical implementation, with multiple other such devices carried by other service engineers), the remote server 18 provides data to users. This data provision may be made using the internet. A web server 20 provides internet connectivity for users, who may be landlords 22, tenants 24, the contractor 26, or others. The nature of the data provided will be explained below.
The illustrated system can have several types of user. There are a. the engineers who carry out on-site work b. the organisation that manages the engineers (referred to herein as "the contractor") c. the landlord of a rental property, and d. the tenant of a rental property.
Also the system may be implemented and maintained by a service provider which is neither the landlord nor the contractor.
The working of the illustrated system will first be explained from the viewpoint of a gas engineer making a site visit to inspect gas appliances 12 in a building 16. Note that there will typically be
The portable processing device 14 is typically carried by a service engineer and used by him/her to maintain records relating to site visits and work carried out, as will be explained in greater detail below. As well as having an interface for interrogating the tag 10, and connectivity to the remote server 18, the portable processing device 14 is provided with a positioning system for determining the device's geographical location. The positioning system can be satellite based, and in the present embodiment is a GPS (global positioning system) device, although it could take other forms. The portable processing device 14 may take the form of a mobile telephone (cellular phone) or other mobile processing device such as a tablet computer, which in either case runs a dedicated app (computer program).
The remote server 18 receives data from the portable processing device 14 and, using this and potentially data from other sources as well, it maintains records relating to multiple gas appliances 12. Note that the term "server" is used in a broad sense herein and does not necessarily refer to a single computing device - the server's functions may be implemented in any suitable physical architecture. As well as communicating with the portable processing device 14 (and, in a typical practical implementation, with multiple other such devices carried by other service engineers), the remote server 18 provides data to users. This data provision may be made using the internet. A web server 20 provides internet connectivity for users, who may be landlords 22, tenants 24, the contractor 26, or others. The nature of the data provided will be explained below.
The illustrated system can have several types of user. There are a. the engineers who carry out on-site work b. the organisation that manages the engineers (referred to herein as "the contractor") c. the landlord of a rental property, and d. the tenant of a rental property.
Also the system may be implemented and maintained by a service provider which is neither the landlord nor the contractor.
The working of the illustrated system will first be explained from the viewpoint of a gas engineer making a site visit to inspect gas appliances 12 in a building 16. Note that there will typically be
5 multiple gas appliances at a single address, and that individual appliances require their own inspection records.
As noted above, on a site visit the gas engineer carries the portable processing device 14 which runs a dedicated app for recording maintenance data. The app prompts the engineer to log-in in a secure manner. Typically this involves entering a username and a security code such as a password or personal identification number. The intention is that the engineer will keep at least the security code confidential, and thus be able to prevent others from making false use of his/her identity. Records of maintenance activities include the identity of the engineer carrying out the work, and the use of the security data helps to validate the record of the engineer's identity.
Additionally or alternatively, the engineer may log in using the number associated with their professional qualification. In the UK
qualified engineers receive a "gas safe" number which can be used for this purpose.
The system maintains certain data relating to the engineer, such as their level of qualification, a photograph of the engineer, etc. This data may be accessible to the engineer through the app and some aspects of it may be editable by the engineer (other aspects may be editable only by other users).
Note that some data may be stored ¨ temporarily or long term ¨ on the portable processing device 14, and some data is stored on the remote server 18. Some data may be stored in both places, e.g.
with a synching process to maintain them in conformity with one another. Thus for example the portable processing device 14 is intended to retain sufficient data and provide sufficient functionality on its own that an engineer can carry out a site visit and generate the necessary records even when connectivity to the remote server 18 is unavailable, e.g.
because the mobile (cellular) network used does not provide coverage on-site.
During a site visit the engineer establishes an interface between the portable processing device 14 and the tag 10 of a particular gas appliance 14. For example where the interface uses NFC, the engineer may simply bring the portable processing device 14 into contact ¨ or sufficiently close proximity ¨ with the tag 10, and will be provided with a visible and/or audible signal when the interface has been established. In the present embodiment the transfer of data is one directional ¨
the portable processing device 14 receives from the tag 10 its identifying information. Based on this, the portable processing device 14 identifies the gas appliance 12. As well as being stored on the tag 10, the identifying information is duplicated in an appliance database. A set of records ("the appliance record") relating to the specific appliance and stored in the appliance database can thus be referenced using the identifying information. The appliance record can in particular include:
As noted above, on a site visit the gas engineer carries the portable processing device 14 which runs a dedicated app for recording maintenance data. The app prompts the engineer to log-in in a secure manner. Typically this involves entering a username and a security code such as a password or personal identification number. The intention is that the engineer will keep at least the security code confidential, and thus be able to prevent others from making false use of his/her identity. Records of maintenance activities include the identity of the engineer carrying out the work, and the use of the security data helps to validate the record of the engineer's identity.
Additionally or alternatively, the engineer may log in using the number associated with their professional qualification. In the UK
qualified engineers receive a "gas safe" number which can be used for this purpose.
The system maintains certain data relating to the engineer, such as their level of qualification, a photograph of the engineer, etc. This data may be accessible to the engineer through the app and some aspects of it may be editable by the engineer (other aspects may be editable only by other users).
Note that some data may be stored ¨ temporarily or long term ¨ on the portable processing device 14, and some data is stored on the remote server 18. Some data may be stored in both places, e.g.
with a synching process to maintain them in conformity with one another. Thus for example the portable processing device 14 is intended to retain sufficient data and provide sufficient functionality on its own that an engineer can carry out a site visit and generate the necessary records even when connectivity to the remote server 18 is unavailable, e.g.
because the mobile (cellular) network used does not provide coverage on-site.
During a site visit the engineer establishes an interface between the portable processing device 14 and the tag 10 of a particular gas appliance 14. For example where the interface uses NFC, the engineer may simply bring the portable processing device 14 into contact ¨ or sufficiently close proximity ¨ with the tag 10, and will be provided with a visible and/or audible signal when the interface has been established. In the present embodiment the transfer of data is one directional ¨
the portable processing device 14 receives from the tag 10 its identifying information. Based on this, the portable processing device 14 identifies the gas appliance 12. As well as being stored on the tag 10, the identifying information is duplicated in an appliance database. A set of records ("the appliance record") relating to the specific appliance and stored in the appliance database can thus be referenced using the identifying information. The appliance record can in particular include:
6 1. the address at which the appliance is installed 2. the type of appliance ¨ its function (boiler/ hob/ oven/ flue etc.), its manufacturer and model etc.
3. its maintenance records.
4. photographs of the appliance.
There may be several appliances which require maintenance at a single premises. In this case the data returned to the gas engineer by reference to the identifying information may include appliance records for multiple appliances at the premises.
In a system that is fully populated with data, the appliance's maintenance records will include dated (and in some embodiments time stamped) records of its installation and of all subsequent maintenance work. Where installation and/or maintenance certificates have been issued, these can also be included. Note that the term "maintenance" as used herein should be understood to encompass inspection, routine servicing and repair as well as decommissioning of the appliance and its condemnation as being unusable on safety grounds.
All or part of the appliance record can be made available to the engineer on site through the portable processing device 14 in order that the engineer can, for example, verify that the appliance is of the recorded type, be made aware of problems there have been with the appliance in the past, establish whether a safety check and/or service is due etc. Typically a list of gas appliances at the relevant site will also be provided, this also being referenced by the identifying information read from the tag 10. Hence the engineer is in a position to make sure all the relevant appliances are inspected during a single visit.
The engineer may also be provided through the app on the portable processing device 14 with documentation relating to the gas appliance, such as its instruction manual.
This may for example be auto-uploaded to the portable processing device 14 from a web address included in the appliance record, or from the remote server 18. Alternatively the documentation may be stored on the portable processing device 14 for quick access.
Having completed work on the gas appliance 14, be this a safety check, a scheduled service, repair of a fault and/or replacement of component(s), the engineer uses the portable processing device 14 to create a corresponding record, which may include an official certificate. Pre-prepared forms are implemented by the app on the portable processing device 14 for this purpose, and the app may also partly pre-populate these forms with data for the engineer to check and complete. Thus for
3. its maintenance records.
4. photographs of the appliance.
There may be several appliances which require maintenance at a single premises. In this case the data returned to the gas engineer by reference to the identifying information may include appliance records for multiple appliances at the premises.
In a system that is fully populated with data, the appliance's maintenance records will include dated (and in some embodiments time stamped) records of its installation and of all subsequent maintenance work. Where installation and/or maintenance certificates have been issued, these can also be included. Note that the term "maintenance" as used herein should be understood to encompass inspection, routine servicing and repair as well as decommissioning of the appliance and its condemnation as being unusable on safety grounds.
All or part of the appliance record can be made available to the engineer on site through the portable processing device 14 in order that the engineer can, for example, verify that the appliance is of the recorded type, be made aware of problems there have been with the appliance in the past, establish whether a safety check and/or service is due etc. Typically a list of gas appliances at the relevant site will also be provided, this also being referenced by the identifying information read from the tag 10. Hence the engineer is in a position to make sure all the relevant appliances are inspected during a single visit.
The engineer may also be provided through the app on the portable processing device 14 with documentation relating to the gas appliance, such as its instruction manual.
This may for example be auto-uploaded to the portable processing device 14 from a web address included in the appliance record, or from the remote server 18. Alternatively the documentation may be stored on the portable processing device 14 for quick access.
Having completed work on the gas appliance 14, be this a safety check, a scheduled service, repair of a fault and/or replacement of component(s), the engineer uses the portable processing device 14 to create a corresponding record, which may include an official certificate. Pre-prepared forms are implemented by the app on the portable processing device 14 for this purpose, and the app may also partly pre-populate these forms with data for the engineer to check and complete. Thus for
7 example the address and the details of the appliance itself may be inserted by the app, reducing input time for the engineer. Other parts of the form may for example be completed using a question and answer format, the app prompting the engineer to provide the necessary data. A template certificate ¨ such as a gas installation certificate or a gas maintenance certificate ¨ may also be provided for the engineer to edit if necessary and sign off. The engineer's identity and details such as the "Gas Safe" number used in the UK to identify a qualified engineer may also be automatically inserted in the documentation, this being validated by the engineer's use of his/her security code and username.
It is advantageous for the relevant forms to be stored by the app on the portable processing device 14, so that they can be completed on-site by the engineer even if no connection to the remote server 18 is available. In this case the app may be configured to upload the forms to the server 18 automatically when connectivity is restored.
Some or all of the documentation generated by the engineer using the portable processing device 14 has associated data or metadata indicating the location of the portable processing device 14, as determined by its positioning system, and the time and date. The location data may for example be created using the open source Geotag program. Data or metadata demonstrating reading of the tag 10 and containing or referenced by means of its identifying information may also be included. A date and time stamped record may be created when the tag 10 is read, demonstrating that the engineer attended the relevant premises at a certain time and date. If mobile (cellular) connectivity is unavailable at that location or time then this record may be created and stored on the portable processing device 14, to be uploaded to the remote server 18 later when connectivity is restored.
It is at present a common ¨ and not altogether satisfactory ¨ practice for engineers to complete documentation after leaving a site. For example the engineer may make multiple site visits in a day and complete the relevant documentation when a batch of visits has been completed, relying on memory of the relevant circumstances. Sometimes this can lead to errors. This practice can be prevented by means of the present invention by virtue of the use of the tag 10 and/or the positioning system. For instance the engineer may be given access to the forms and documentation for a given appliance only following reading of the tag 10 for that appliance (and before reading another tag 10). Alternatively or additionally the documentation generated may be stamped with the location of the portable processing device 14 at the time of its generation, so that the contractor is able to determine whether the engineer was on site when the documentation was generated.
The app running on the portable processing device 14 can also prompt the engineer to take photographs of the gas appliance 12 and/or its installation (e.g. gas pipes running to the device or a
It is advantageous for the relevant forms to be stored by the app on the portable processing device 14, so that they can be completed on-site by the engineer even if no connection to the remote server 18 is available. In this case the app may be configured to upload the forms to the server 18 automatically when connectivity is restored.
Some or all of the documentation generated by the engineer using the portable processing device 14 has associated data or metadata indicating the location of the portable processing device 14, as determined by its positioning system, and the time and date. The location data may for example be created using the open source Geotag program. Data or metadata demonstrating reading of the tag 10 and containing or referenced by means of its identifying information may also be included. A date and time stamped record may be created when the tag 10 is read, demonstrating that the engineer attended the relevant premises at a certain time and date. If mobile (cellular) connectivity is unavailable at that location or time then this record may be created and stored on the portable processing device 14, to be uploaded to the remote server 18 later when connectivity is restored.
It is at present a common ¨ and not altogether satisfactory ¨ practice for engineers to complete documentation after leaving a site. For example the engineer may make multiple site visits in a day and complete the relevant documentation when a batch of visits has been completed, relying on memory of the relevant circumstances. Sometimes this can lead to errors. This practice can be prevented by means of the present invention by virtue of the use of the tag 10 and/or the positioning system. For instance the engineer may be given access to the forms and documentation for a given appliance only following reading of the tag 10 for that appliance (and before reading another tag 10). Alternatively or additionally the documentation generated may be stamped with the location of the portable processing device 14 at the time of its generation, so that the contractor is able to determine whether the engineer was on site when the documentation was generated.
The app running on the portable processing device 14 can also prompt the engineer to take photographs of the gas appliance 12 and/or its installation (e.g. gas pipes running to the device or a
8 flue extending from it). Photographs can be taken using an on-board camera of the portable processing device 14 for incorporation into the documentation. The photographs give the engineer a means of demonstrating that work has been undertaken. In some cases photographs may be taken of an unsatisfactory appliance or installation in order to flag and communicate a problem to the contractor, or to demonstrate why remedial work is necessary. It is believed also that the retention of a photographic record provides engineers with an incentive to ensure that work is carried out to a high standard. The portable processing device 14 has an on-board camera so integration of the photographs with the appliance record and their transmission to the remote server 18 can be handled automatically in software.
Sometimes it is necessary for the engineer to issue a notice condemning an appliance or installation that proves upon inspection to be unsafe. The app on the portable processing device 14 includes a form for this purpose and in the event that the engineer issues such documentation alerts to other stakeholders can be automatically issued, as will be explained below.
Completed documentation is transmitted to the remote server 18 for incorporation into the appliance record.
Sometimes when visiting a site the engineer may be unable to gain access, e.g.
because the resident is not at home. Unscrupulous engineers may wrongly claim to have attended the site and been unable to gain access to excuse a failure to carry out an inspection in the required time period. The app run on the portable processing device 14 provides a facility for the engineer to make a record of their visit ¨ even if they are unable to enter the relevant premises ¨ to demonstrate that the visit has taken place. On selecting the relevant option using the portable processing device 14, the engineer is prompted to enter the details of the property (address etc.) and the portable processing device 14 creates a record of the visit including the time at which the record is created and the device's location at that time, determined by means of the positioning system. This benefits both the engineer ¨ who is able to demonstrate that he/she visited the site ¨ and his/her employer, who can draw suitable inferences if the record of a claimed site visit is not made.
Looking now from the perspective of the contractor, the present system offers an efficient and effective way to monitor the performance and activities of the engineers. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the contractor 26 accesses data stored on the remote server 18 by means of a website hosted on the web browser 20. For the sake of security the contractor will need to sign in ¨
e.g. by entering a user name and security code ¨ in order to access its records. Having done so the contractor will be provided with access to a great deal of information relating to the activities of its engineers. It can view date and time stamps relating to site visits and so monitor the engineers'
Sometimes it is necessary for the engineer to issue a notice condemning an appliance or installation that proves upon inspection to be unsafe. The app on the portable processing device 14 includes a form for this purpose and in the event that the engineer issues such documentation alerts to other stakeholders can be automatically issued, as will be explained below.
Completed documentation is transmitted to the remote server 18 for incorporation into the appliance record.
Sometimes when visiting a site the engineer may be unable to gain access, e.g.
because the resident is not at home. Unscrupulous engineers may wrongly claim to have attended the site and been unable to gain access to excuse a failure to carry out an inspection in the required time period. The app run on the portable processing device 14 provides a facility for the engineer to make a record of their visit ¨ even if they are unable to enter the relevant premises ¨ to demonstrate that the visit has taken place. On selecting the relevant option using the portable processing device 14, the engineer is prompted to enter the details of the property (address etc.) and the portable processing device 14 creates a record of the visit including the time at which the record is created and the device's location at that time, determined by means of the positioning system. This benefits both the engineer ¨ who is able to demonstrate that he/she visited the site ¨ and his/her employer, who can draw suitable inferences if the record of a claimed site visit is not made.
Looking now from the perspective of the contractor, the present system offers an efficient and effective way to monitor the performance and activities of the engineers. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the contractor 26 accesses data stored on the remote server 18 by means of a website hosted on the web browser 20. For the sake of security the contractor will need to sign in ¨
e.g. by entering a user name and security code ¨ in order to access its records. Having done so the contractor will be provided with access to a great deal of information relating to the activities of its engineers. It can view date and time stamps relating to site visits and so monitor the engineers'
9 whereabouts and the times at which they attend site visits. By inspection of the photographs taken by engineers it can in some respects assess the quality of work carried out without need of on-site attendance by a second engineer. Because the photographs can be linked to both the identifying information read from the tag 10 and the location determined by the positioning system, the contractor can verify that the photographs logged by the engineer relate to the stated premises. In this way certain types of deceptive behaviour on the part of the engineer can be prevented. The system can also potentially provide statistical data relating to the performance of engineers so that where necessary ¨ in cases of under-performance ¨ individual engineers can be provided with additional training or other measures.
For the landlord, the system can provide a range of advantageous facilities.
The landlord can ¨
without great expense, due to the low unit cost of the tags 10 ¨ fit tags to all gas appliances in its property portfolio, giving it the ability to remotely audit all gas works carried out at all its premises.
Like the contractor, the landlord 22 can access data stored on the remote server 18 through a website hosted on the web browser 20 following a secure log-in procedure. The system provides different users with the ability to access and edit different parts of the data, but typically the system will provide the landlord with a great deal of transparency about the gas work carried out on its properties. The landlord can for example view¨ essentially in real time - the data relating to any gas works carried out on its properties, and can ascertain when an engineer has completed installation or maintenance work at a property. The time and date of any such work can also be viewed.
Information such as an appliance's history and its installation and maintenance certificates are maintained by the system and available to the landlord upon demand. For landlords with substantial portfolios this alleviates what is otherwise a significant administrative burden. The landlord can also be provided with access to the photographs taken by the engineer, and their time and date stamps, in order to view the standard of work and validate when the photographs were taken. Being able to identify completed jobs, the landlord can check that work invoiced to it has been carried out.
Because data in the system is date and time stamped, it can be used to guard against the known but illegitimate practice of completing documentation and certificates only when the relevant stakeholder has reason to anticipate scrutiny of its records, e.g. in the aftermath of an accident.
The system can additionally provide a reminder and case management system for (a) routine inspection and servicing work; (b) repair and remedial work responsive to reported faults and (c) replacement of appliances which have reached the end of their intended service life. This reminder system can be used by engineers and/or contractors and/or landlords, and the reminder data made available to these classes of users may differ.
So far as routine work is concerned, the remote server 18 can include a record of service and inspection intervals and can calculate due dates and provide these to stakeholders in any suitable format. When work is carried out ¨ such as installation of an appliance or performance of an inspection ¨ the system may, in response to forms returned by the engineer, automatically remove any reminders which no longer apply and create new due dates for future work.
The system may provide a means for stakeholders to record faults reported to them and to create reminders to ensure that remedial action is promptly taken.
In some cases tenants may also be users of the system described herein, being provided through the website with selected information relating to appliances at their own address.
They may also be provided with a route for reporting of problems with their appliances through the website.
The system may also be used to manage and record the process of registration of an appliance for purposes of the manufacturer's warranty, and to keep track of warranty dates.
Typically a new appliance benefits from a warranty period during which the manufacturer undertakes to repair or replace the appliance should it malfunction. It is in the interests of the contractor and in some cases the landlord that where an appliance is within the warranty period, use should be made of the service offered by the manufacturer. In this way the cost of undertaking remedial work ¨ or of replacement of parts ¨ falls on the manufacturer and not on the contractor/landlord. Typically manufacturers require an online warranty registration process to be completed in order to qualify for the benefit of the warranty. The present system may prompt the relevant stakeholder to register for the warranty. For example the engineer may be prompted by the app on the portable processing device 14 to carry out this step when completing documentation relating to installation of an appliance. An automatic link may be provided to the relevant website and the app may keep a record when the process has been completed. The system may also store, as part of the appliance record, the date of the event that triggered the warranty period and in some cases also the duration of the warranty, in order that when a fault is reported the relevant stakeholder can be advised whether the appliance is in warranty.
It is also envisaged that the manufacturers of gas appliances may in future also be users of the system described herein. It is often a condition of the manufacturer's warranty that the appliance should be inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule.
Practically the manufacturer is typically not in a position to check whether the schedule has been followed.
Because the present system receives and stores the relevant data, it can potentially be used by manufacturers to establish whether liability falls elsewhere due to a failure to observe the schedule.
In one embodiment the use of the present system to log inspection and service work could be made a condition of qualification for the warranty. Registration of the appliance with the system described herein could be part of the process of registration for the manufacturer's warranty. In this scenario the tag 10 could be incorporated into the appliance during manufacture. The app could be made available without charge to gas installers in order that they can provide the necessary data.
The system described herein is not only beneficial to contractors and landlords: it may also be made available to home owners and general consumers. For example consumers may, upon installation of an appliance or purchase of a service contract, be offered the opportunity to have the appliance (and others at their premises) tagged and registered. A commercial service provider may then remind them of inspection dates and service intervals, and/or the consumer may be provided with online access to the relevant appliance records.
While the embodiment described above is used for maintenance of gas appliances, it will be apparent that the invention may be applied to great effect in relation to maintenance of appliances of other types which require maintenance, including electrical appliances.
For the landlord, the system can provide a range of advantageous facilities.
The landlord can ¨
without great expense, due to the low unit cost of the tags 10 ¨ fit tags to all gas appliances in its property portfolio, giving it the ability to remotely audit all gas works carried out at all its premises.
Like the contractor, the landlord 22 can access data stored on the remote server 18 through a website hosted on the web browser 20 following a secure log-in procedure. The system provides different users with the ability to access and edit different parts of the data, but typically the system will provide the landlord with a great deal of transparency about the gas work carried out on its properties. The landlord can for example view¨ essentially in real time - the data relating to any gas works carried out on its properties, and can ascertain when an engineer has completed installation or maintenance work at a property. The time and date of any such work can also be viewed.
Information such as an appliance's history and its installation and maintenance certificates are maintained by the system and available to the landlord upon demand. For landlords with substantial portfolios this alleviates what is otherwise a significant administrative burden. The landlord can also be provided with access to the photographs taken by the engineer, and their time and date stamps, in order to view the standard of work and validate when the photographs were taken. Being able to identify completed jobs, the landlord can check that work invoiced to it has been carried out.
Because data in the system is date and time stamped, it can be used to guard against the known but illegitimate practice of completing documentation and certificates only when the relevant stakeholder has reason to anticipate scrutiny of its records, e.g. in the aftermath of an accident.
The system can additionally provide a reminder and case management system for (a) routine inspection and servicing work; (b) repair and remedial work responsive to reported faults and (c) replacement of appliances which have reached the end of their intended service life. This reminder system can be used by engineers and/or contractors and/or landlords, and the reminder data made available to these classes of users may differ.
So far as routine work is concerned, the remote server 18 can include a record of service and inspection intervals and can calculate due dates and provide these to stakeholders in any suitable format. When work is carried out ¨ such as installation of an appliance or performance of an inspection ¨ the system may, in response to forms returned by the engineer, automatically remove any reminders which no longer apply and create new due dates for future work.
The system may provide a means for stakeholders to record faults reported to them and to create reminders to ensure that remedial action is promptly taken.
In some cases tenants may also be users of the system described herein, being provided through the website with selected information relating to appliances at their own address.
They may also be provided with a route for reporting of problems with their appliances through the website.
The system may also be used to manage and record the process of registration of an appliance for purposes of the manufacturer's warranty, and to keep track of warranty dates.
Typically a new appliance benefits from a warranty period during which the manufacturer undertakes to repair or replace the appliance should it malfunction. It is in the interests of the contractor and in some cases the landlord that where an appliance is within the warranty period, use should be made of the service offered by the manufacturer. In this way the cost of undertaking remedial work ¨ or of replacement of parts ¨ falls on the manufacturer and not on the contractor/landlord. Typically manufacturers require an online warranty registration process to be completed in order to qualify for the benefit of the warranty. The present system may prompt the relevant stakeholder to register for the warranty. For example the engineer may be prompted by the app on the portable processing device 14 to carry out this step when completing documentation relating to installation of an appliance. An automatic link may be provided to the relevant website and the app may keep a record when the process has been completed. The system may also store, as part of the appliance record, the date of the event that triggered the warranty period and in some cases also the duration of the warranty, in order that when a fault is reported the relevant stakeholder can be advised whether the appliance is in warranty.
It is also envisaged that the manufacturers of gas appliances may in future also be users of the system described herein. It is often a condition of the manufacturer's warranty that the appliance should be inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule.
Practically the manufacturer is typically not in a position to check whether the schedule has been followed.
Because the present system receives and stores the relevant data, it can potentially be used by manufacturers to establish whether liability falls elsewhere due to a failure to observe the schedule.
In one embodiment the use of the present system to log inspection and service work could be made a condition of qualification for the warranty. Registration of the appliance with the system described herein could be part of the process of registration for the manufacturer's warranty. In this scenario the tag 10 could be incorporated into the appliance during manufacture. The app could be made available without charge to gas installers in order that they can provide the necessary data.
The system described herein is not only beneficial to contractors and landlords: it may also be made available to home owners and general consumers. For example consumers may, upon installation of an appliance or purchase of a service contract, be offered the opportunity to have the appliance (and others at their premises) tagged and registered. A commercial service provider may then remind them of inspection dates and service intervals, and/or the consumer may be provided with online access to the relevant appliance records.
While the embodiment described above is used for maintenance of gas appliances, it will be apparent that the invention may be applied to great effect in relation to maintenance of appliances of other types which require maintenance, including electrical appliances.
Claims (49)
1. A system for monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances at multiple premises, the system comprising machine readable tags for mounting in physical association with respective appliances, each tag recording a respective identifier;
a portable processing device configured for use by an operative in recording maintenance data and having a reader for reading the identifier from the tag and an interface for exchanging data with a remote server;
a remote server which stores maintenance data for the appliances; and a user interface for providing the maintenance data to users;
wherein the portable processing device is configured to read the identifier from the tag, to record maintenance data input by the operative relating to the appliance identified by the identifier, and to transmit the maintenance data to the remote server for subsequent access by users.
a portable processing device configured for use by an operative in recording maintenance data and having a reader for reading the identifier from the tag and an interface for exchanging data with a remote server;
a remote server which stores maintenance data for the appliances; and a user interface for providing the maintenance data to users;
wherein the portable processing device is configured to read the identifier from the tag, to record maintenance data input by the operative relating to the appliance identified by the identifier, and to transmit the maintenance data to the remote server for subsequent access by users.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the portable processing device further comprises a positioning system for determining its location.
3. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the remote server stores appliance records which are able to be referenced using the identifier and which include the location of the appliance, so that a check is able to be made to determine whether the portable processing device is at the stored location when the tag is read.
4. A system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein a location determined by the positioning system is automatically recorded in relation to maintenance data input by the operative.
5. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-4 wherein a date of generation is automatically recorded in relation to maintenance data input by the operative.
6. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein a time of day is additionally recorded in relation to the maintenance data input by the operative.
7. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 wherein the operative is able to input maintenance data relating to an appliance only following reading of the tag associated with that appliance.
8. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-7 wherein the portable processing device is configured to provide the operative with one or more on-screen forms for inputting the maintenance data relating to the appliance.
9. A system as claimed in claim 8 in which the portable processing device is configured to at least partially pre-populate the on-screen form(s) with data relating to the appliance retrieved with reference to the identifier read from its tag.
10. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-9 in which the said interface of the portable processing device transmits the maintenance data to the remote server through a mobile (cellular) communications network.
11. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-10 in which the portable processing device is configured to enable the operative to input the maintenance data when a connection to the remote server is unavailable, storing the input data in conjunction with the identifier read from the tag in order that when a connection to the remote server is subsequently made the input data can be transmitted to it along with the identity of the appliance.
12. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-11 further comprising a reminder system for informing one or more stakeholders when maintenance of one or more of the appliances is due, the reminder system being constructed and/or updated based on the maintenance data input by operatives using the remote processing devices.
13. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 wherein the portable processing device is configured to retrieve data relating to the appliance, referenced by means of the identifier read from the appliance's tag, and display the retrieved data to the operative.
14. A system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the retrieved data comprises maintenance data for the appliance retrieved from the remote server.
15. A system as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the retrieved data comprises instructive material which may be a service manual relating to the appliance.
16. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-15 which stores warranty data for the monitored appliances and is configured to indicate, in response to a user query, whether a specified appliance is under warranty.
17. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-16 wherein the user interface for providing maintenance data to users comprises a website, at least part of the website being accessible to a user only after a log in procedure comprising one or more security measures.
18. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-17 wherein the user interface recognises multiple classes of user and provides different levels of information to different classes of user.
19. A system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the different classes of user include (a) landlords and (b) at least one contractor responsible for maintenance of appliances on behalf of one or more landlords.
20. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-19 wherein the portable processing device comprises a camera and is configured to prompt the operative to photograph the appliance and to transmit the resultant photograph(s) to the remote server for subsequent access by users.
21. A system as claimed in claim 20 wherein photographs are attributed to a specific appliance record by reference to the identifier read from the tag.
22. A system as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the portable processing device is configured to time and date stamp the photograph(s).
23. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1-22 wherein the portable processing device is configured to receive from an operative an indication that an appliance is not safe for use and to trigger in response a warning issued to user(s) selected by reference to the identifier read from the tag.
24. A computer-readable memory comprising instructions executable by a portable processing device, wherein the instructions when executed configure the portable processing device to:
take log-in data from an operative attending premises to carry out maintenance work in relation to one or more appliance(s) read a tag associated with an appliance at the premises to obtain an identifier associated with the appliance;
take input from the operative relating to maintenance work carried out on the appliance to create a maintenance record which identifies the appliance on the basis of the identifier read from the tag; and transmit the maintenance record to a remote server.
take log-in data from an operative attending premises to carry out maintenance work in relation to one or more appliance(s) read a tag associated with an appliance at the premises to obtain an identifier associated with the appliance;
take input from the operative relating to maintenance work carried out on the appliance to create a maintenance record which identifies the appliance on the basis of the identifier read from the tag; and transmit the maintenance record to a remote server.
25. A computer-readable memory as claimed in claim 24 wherein the maintenance record identifies the operative based on the log-in data.
26. A computer-readable memory as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to establish its own location by means of a positioning system and to include the established location in the maintenance record.
27. A computer-readable memory as claimed in claim 26 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to obtain from the remote server an address associated with the identifier, enabling a check to be made whether the address obtained from the remote server corresponds to the location established by means of the positioning system.
28. A computer-readable memory as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to include a date and time of creation in the maintenance record.
29. A computer-readable memory as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 28 wherein the operative is able to input maintenance data relating to an appliance only following reading of the tag associated with that appliance.
30. A computer-readable memory as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 29 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to provide the operative with one or more on-screen forms for inputting the maintenance data relating to the appliance.
31. A computer-readable memory as claimed in claim 30 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to at least partially pre-populate the on-screen form(s) with data relating to the appliance retrieved with reference to the identifier read from its tag.
32. A computer-readable memory as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 31 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to transmit the maintenance data to the remote server through a mobile (cellular) communications network.
33. A computer-readable memory as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 32 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to enable the operative to input appliance maintenance data when a connection to the remote server is unavailable and to store the input data in conjunction with the identifier read from the tag in order that when a connection to the remote server is subsequently made the input data can be transmitted to it along with the identity of the appliance.
34. A computer-readable memory as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to retrieve data relating to the appliance, referenced by means of the identifier read from the appliance's tag, and display the retrieved data to the operative.
35. A computer-readable memory as claimed in claim 34 wherein the retrieved data comprises maintenance data for the appliance retrieved from the remote server.
36. A computer-readable memory as claimed in claim 34 or claim 35 wherein the retrieved data comprises instructive material which may be a service manual relating to the appliance.
37. A computer-readable memory as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 36 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to prompt the operative to photograph the appliance, and to transmit the resultant photograph(s) to the remote server for subsequent access by users.
38. A computer-readable memory as claimed in claim 37 wherein the instructions when executed further configure the portable processing device to time and date stamp the photograph(s).
39. A portable processing device configured to execute the instructions of the computer-readable memory of any one of claims 24 to 38.
40. A method of monitoring maintenance of multiple appliances at multiple premises, the method comprising providing the appliances with respective machine readable tags, each tag recording a respective identifier;
reading the identifier of the tag of a specific appliance using a portable processing device carried by an operative;
recording of maintenance data relating to the specific appliance by the operative using the portable processing device;
transmitting the maintenance data to a remote server to create or amend on the remote server an appliance record relating to the specific appliance referenced by the identifier;
providing the maintenance data to users through a user interface.
reading the identifier of the tag of a specific appliance using a portable processing device carried by an operative;
recording of maintenance data relating to the specific appliance by the operative using the portable processing device;
transmitting the maintenance data to a remote server to create or amend on the remote server an appliance record relating to the specific appliance referenced by the identifier;
providing the maintenance data to users through a user interface.
41. A method as claimed in claim 40 wherein the portable processing device determines its own location using a positioning system.
42. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the remote server stores appliance records which are able to be referenced using the identifier and which include the location of the appliance, so that a check is able to be made to determine whether the portable processing device is at the stored location when the tag is read.
43. A method as claimed in claim 41 or claim 42 wherein a location determined by the positioning system is automatically recorded in relation to maintenance data input by the operative.
44. A method as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 43 wherein a date of generation is automatically recorded in relation to maintenance data input by the operative.
45. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein a time of day is additionally recorded in relation to the maintenance data input by the operative.
46. A method as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 45 further comprising enabling the operative to input maintenance data relating to an appliance only following reading of the tag associated with that appliance.
47. A method as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 46 further comprising transmitting the maintenance data to the remote server through a mobile (cellular) communications network.
48. A method as claimed in claim 46 comprising enabling the operative to input the maintenance data when a connection to the remote server is unavailable, storing the input data in conjunction with the identifier read from the tag and, when a connection to the remote server is subsequently made, transmitting the input data along with the identity of the appliance.
49. A method as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 48 further comprising photographing the appliance and transmitting the resultant photograph(s) to the remote server for subsequent access by users.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2944208A CA2944208A1 (en) | 2016-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | System and method for monitoring maintenance of appliances |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2944208A CA2944208A1 (en) | 2016-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | System and method for monitoring maintenance of appliances |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2944208A1 true CA2944208A1 (en) | 2018-04-04 |
Family
ID=61907399
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2944208A Abandoned CA2944208A1 (en) | 2016-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | System and method for monitoring maintenance of appliances |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2944208A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20230281569A1 (en) * | 2022-03-04 | 2023-09-07 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring refrigeration appliances |
-
2016
- 2016-10-04 CA CA2944208A patent/CA2944208A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20230281569A1 (en) * | 2022-03-04 | 2023-09-07 | True Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring refrigeration appliances |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| EP1450923B1 (en) | Regulatory compliance system and method | |
| US7525420B2 (en) | Environmental equipment alarm circuit verification system and method | |
| US7945471B2 (en) | Monitoring system communication system and method | |
| CN105378810A (en) | Remote sharing of measurement data | |
| CA2904680A1 (en) | Contractor locator, dispatch, scheduling, and component purchasing service | |
| WO2005122046A2 (en) | Monitoring system and method | |
| EP3662427B1 (en) | System and method for managing an industrial equipment system | |
| US10165054B2 (en) | Control system and method for IoT boilers using central management server | |
| GB2536948A (en) | System and method for monitoring maintenance of appliances | |
| KR101339594B1 (en) | Equipment management system using nfc tag | |
| CN109791495A (en) | Application development environ-ment provides system, Application development environ-ment providing method, computer-readable non-volatile recording medium and terminal installation | |
| US9098818B2 (en) | System and method for managing task performance at a data center | |
| CA2944208A1 (en) | System and method for monitoring maintenance of appliances | |
| KR20160108883A (en) | System for managing facilities of builings | |
| KR102196947B1 (en) | CONVERGENT CONSULTING SERVICE PROVIDING SYSTEM RELATING POWER COMSUMPTION DEVICE BASED ON IoT | |
| CN103269899B (en) | For the method and apparatus assessing residential consumer pre-installation standard | |
| KR102473960B1 (en) | Method of big data management in automatic enbergy meter reading system using an universal subscriber identify module and apparatus for the same | |
| CN112784316B (en) | Electrical equipment, electrical equipment management method, electrical equipment management equipment and storage medium | |
| JP7489270B2 (en) | Transmitter installation method and installation work navigation program | |
| KR100970691B1 (en) | Building management system with mss system and control method building management system with mss system | |
| JP2024080086A (en) | Vacant house monitoring system and vacant house monitoring method | |
| WO2023173169A1 (en) | Fire protection asset identity and managment | |
| TWM609790U (en) | Attendance management system | |
| CN117707003A (en) | Intelligent machine room environment monitoring system | |
| Butzbaugh et al. | Connected Equipment Maturity Model Version 1.0 |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20220406 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20220406 |