Mobile technology-enhanced asset maintenance in an SME

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a prototype system to demonstrate the potential benefits of deploying mobile technology to enhance asset maintenance processes in a small food manufacturing plant. Design/methodology/approach – Design, development and deployment of a solution using open-source resources aimed at demonstrating improved asset maintenance functionality to principal stakeholders in a food manufacturing plant. Findings – The development of a prototype system supporting user interaction via a mobile phone demonstrates the potential benefits of more flexible data capture and improved information management which offer clear advantages over the limitations imposed by a stand-alone terminal. Research limitations/implications – The solution was developed as a prototype. In this respect it serves to illustrate system benefits but more work is needed to extend system functionality. Practical implications – Issues concerning data security and questions surrounding a suitable deployment platform would need to be addressed in deploying this technology. Originality/value – The research demonstrates that mobile technology can successfully be utilised to enhance asset maintenance in a small manufacturing plant by improving data capture and information management. These initiatives are likely to be of interest to other SMEs seeking to enhance asset maintenance processes.