GE Intelligent Platforms (NYSE:GE) today announced that Cornell
University, an Ivy League higher education institution serving more than
32,000 students and staff, has implemented Proficy® Mobile to achieve
Real-time Operational Intelligence (RtOI) in its facilities management,
which has provided 40% faster off-hours troubleshooting, increasing
energy savings, reliability and equipment uptime.
Cornell, located in Ithaca, New York, manages power, water, HVAC and
electrical systems to operate its 260 campus buildings, over 745
contiguous acres. With an environmental focus, the university features
energy-efficient lake source cooling systems in addition to steam and
power generation. Proficy Mobile delivers real-time actionable
information from across these facilities systems, enhancing the
university’s Proficy HMI/SCADA-iFIX solution for campus-wide monitoring
and control.
With thousands of equipment assets running 24 hours per day 7 days per
week, the Cornell team emphasizes use of Proficy Mobile for off-hours
troubleshooting of its complex systems and equipment, accessing through
eight standard Apple iPad® devices. Decisions regarding equipment assets
significantly impact efficiency and energy usage. Additionally, when an
asset fails, a workaround must be implemented immediately. With Proficy
Mobile, the facilities team has Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
available, anywhere, anytime – which improves decision making and speeds
system troubleshooting, helping to get systems back online as
efficiently as possible.
“With Real-time Operational Intelligence from GE, I can see the KPIs I
want – anytime,” said Chris Smalt, plant manager for Cornell University.
“When an operator calls at night, I reach for the iPad with Proficy
Mobile. I can see what the operator is up against and what the campus
needs and immediately help with troubleshooting and decision making.”
Using Proficy Mobile, the Cornell team can monitor operations and drill
into KPIs such as electrical distribution, equipment status, how much
power the university is sending or receiving from the grid, power
through breakers, and more. Based on this information, managers assist
operators with critical decision making to achieve problem resolution.
As an example, the team must choose the right equipment based on
changing weather conditions, which greatly affects energy efficiency.
“Year round, we need to maintain the best service possible to the
university with the greatest energy- and cost-savings,” explained Bill
Richards, senior network engineer for Cornell. “With key information at
our fingertips through Proficy Mobile, we can speed troubleshooting,
reduce downtime and increase energy savings.”
Additionally, Cornell requires mobile technology that meets the
university’s own high standards of service. Facilities management
systems are critical to university operations, and uptime is essential.
Furthermore, the team must meet government regulatory requirements for
power generation, and the Proficy software eases the tracking and
documentation for compliance.
“As a university and utility, we want to be on the leading edge but only
through proven technology,” Richards said. “With Proficy Mobile, we can
be comfortable using mobility in a reliable and secure way. Just as
Cornell is a leader in academics, we’re also a leader in facilities
management, making the smartest choices for energy efficiency and
environmental stewardship.”
In 2014, the Cornell team plans to expand its use of Proficy Mobile to
advanced alarming and analytics. The team can then filter alarms based
on knowledge across systems and complex operational relationships –
simplified through basic analytics. The system can help Cornell increase
asset uptime by being proactive and avoiding issues before they occur.
For more information about Real-time Operational Intelligence and
Proficy Mobile, click here.
About GE
GE (NYSE:GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best
technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in
energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering,
moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For
more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
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Copyright Business Wire 2014