Save Time & Effort With QR Code-Enabled Oil Sampling

Traditional vs. QR Code-Enabled Oil Sampling

Oil sampling is the process of collecting a small amount of oil from your machine or system for analysis. This reveals the properties of lubricating oil, such as viscosity, acidity, contamination, wear particles, and additives. 

Also known as oil analysis, oil sampling is important for maintaining equipment performance and reliability because the oil’s condition reflects that of your machines.

Think of oil samping as a health check-up for your equipment.

However, traditional oil sampling methods have drawbacks. It’s time consuming and labor intensive, which can be expensive. Plus, traditional methods are also more prone to human error, difficult to monitor, and not very effective for benchmarking. 

Alternatively, QR code-enabled oil sampling, or the QR tag approach, streamlines data collection for plant managers and maintenance technicians, increasing your data accuracy.

While sampling quality is similar between both methods, QR asset tags save plants significant time by removing the need to fill out extensive forms chronicling the machinery, sample location, and type of lubricant.

Oil analysis is a given for any industrial facility, but you’ll find QR code-enabled oil analysis comes with several advantages. 

Benefits of QR Code-Enabled Oil Analysis

In today's fast-paced industrial world, time and efficiency are crucial factors to success. That's where QR code technology comes in, revolutionizing the oil sampling process. 

Implementing this advanced technique will save you valuable time and effort.

Streamlined Data Collection

Put simply, QR code-enabled oil sampling expedites data collection.

Traditional methods of gathering important data can be laborious and prone to errors. For instance, it’s easy to misread filled-out forms or write in the wrong information during a routine oil analysis; and it’s all the more likely when your maintenance tech is worn out or near the end of their workday.

That’s when errors most often creep in. 

However, by using QR codes, this process becomes quick and efficient. Simply scan the QR asset tag on the sample container and your machine, along with all the relevant inputted data, is instantly captured and recorded.

Information about the equipment being sampled at a plant ideally gets entered into a database. 

A plant can then upload entire lists of assets to be sampled, saving technicians time having to enter this info every instance they take a sample manually. Assets can also be added one at a time or as needed at additional points in the sample process using a QR code app.

Increased Efficiency & Accuracy

With the traditional approach, technicians must spend precious time manually labeling and documenting each sample by hand. With this new approach, sample bottles come with QR codes already on them, which are then scanned into a database along with their vital information, simplifying an otherwise tedious task. 

This not only saves plant managers time but ensures that your data is correctly associated with each sample, eliminating confusion and potential mix-ups.

Seamless Integration With Mobile Apps & Software

Integrating QR asset tags into your oil sampling procedures also offers opportunities for seamless integration with mobile apps and asset management software.

By scanning QR codes with a mobile app, your maintenance technicians can effortlessly capture and input oil sample data directly into your database, eliminating the need for error-prone manual data transfer.

Furthermore, this integration facilitates real-time tracking and monitoring of sample data, enabling proactive maintenance planning and predictive analysis.

Companies that implement QR asset tags report improved maintenance planning and significant cost savings due to reduced downtime and optimized maintenance schedules.

Improved Data Security

When it comes right down to it, QR asset tags are simply better at protecting your data.

Data security and confidentiality are valid concerns when implementing any new technology. However, QR code-enabled oil sampling addresses these concerns through encryption and authentication measures, ensuring it remains both confidential and secure.

Keep in mind that implementing best practices for data storage and access control further enhances data security. By following industry best practices, your industrial plant can be certain that only authorized personnel can access oil sample data.

How QR Code-Enabled Oil Sampling Works

QR code-enabled oil sampling is a simple and efficient process, and typically flows in the following manner:

1. Input Machine Assets Into Your Database 

• To begin, add all of your equipment into your database for oil analysis along with the asset locations from which oil samples will be drawn, such as bearing housings, lube oil reservoirs, mechanical seal buffer fluid, etc. Each asset will have a unique QR asset tag generated by your oil analysis provider. You can also reuse existing QR tags already in use at your plant. 

2. Ensure Sample Containers Are Properly Labeled

• Be certain your sampling bottles all have QR tags attached for easy scanning by technicians when conducting oil sampling.
• A feature of WearCheck kits, QR codes are unique to each bottle and contain all the relevant information about your sample, such as the date, location, and equipment details.

3. Scanning QR Codes & Capturing Data

• When it's time to collect an oil sample, your maintenance technician simply scans the equipment, picks the location being sampled (or adds a new one, if needed), scans a QR sample bottle tag, and then links them.
• The scanner captures all the relevant data encoded in the QR code, such as the sample ID, equipment information, and specific machinery instructions.

4. Inputting Data Into Your System

• After you scan the QR code, the captured data is automatically input into your database or asset management software.
• This eliminates the need for written data entry, reducing the chances of human error.
• Your data can then be accessed and analyzed in real time, allowing for proactive maintenance planning and predictive analysis.

5. Ensuring Data Security & Confidentiality

• To address concerns about data security and confidentiality, QR codes incorporate encryption and authentication measures.

6. Submit Your Oil Sample

• With the specific sample easily input into your system or mobile app, you then submit it for oil analysis.
• Using a mobile app such as WearCheck, you can manage oil analysis results without the hassle and error-prone nature of paperwork.
• The digital interface also enables painless monitoring of previous oil analyses or samples, helping keep your machinery in its best condition.

QR Code-Enabled Oil Sampling Products From Sunair 

Sunair has been helping industrial plant managers and maintenance technicians find the right lubrication solutions since 1974. With us, you can expect only the best-in-class products for your application, which is why we carry QR code asset tags and recommend you employ the WearCheck app for your oil sampling. 

In tandem with the WearCheck mobile app, QR code asset tags ensure your oil samples are always correctly matched with the right information. This effort is further supported by a color-coded system for identifying bulk storage, intermediate containers, and points of use for plant machinery. 

Sunair Co. can further assist you in establishing a high-performing lubrication program. For example, we offer Des-case for oil storage and transport, monitoring and sampling, and filtration; Royal Purple and Bel-Ray for high performance synthetic oils, greases, and barrier fluids; and ATS Electrolube for automatic grease delivery. 

Integration with WearCheck online simplifies the creation of both machine and fluid ID tags using various colors, shapes, and text, keeping your database organized in a cost-effective manner. [Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9boOLY72Us] 

WearCheck’s QR code-enabled oil analysis solution provides a safe and reliable way to keep your oil analysis properly sorted so you can be confident your equipment is performing its best, reducing unexpected and expensive downtime, and preserving the integrity of your industrial assets. 

Sunair provides you with QR code-enabled samples, assists with setting up a database of assets to be sampled, and trains you on how to properly use the WearCheck platform. We’ll even help you with ongoing monitoring and analysis of samples.

Our passionate experts provide industry-leading oil sampling solutions for your facility. When you work with Sunair, you have access to our fully equipped service center, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Contact Sunair today for assistance in developing and sustaining a lubrication program for your rotating equipment.