HOW SMART TOOLS ARE REVOLUTIONISING INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE
BY VINEET THUVARA, CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER, FLUKE CORPORATION
As electricians and plant technicians are embracing new ways of working with machines, one of the main approaches we’ re seeing is the increasing use of smart tools. These tools are revolutionising how teams gather, analyse, and utilise data in real time on the plant floor. They’ re more than just a passing trend – in fact, they’ re fast becoming vital pieces of equipment to boost efficiency, safety, and long-term business success.
What Makes Smart Tools“ Smart”
Smart tools, in their simplest form, are devices that collect data through sensors and process that data to give technicians actionable insights. Traditionally, tools have been task-specific and reactive; smart tools, on the other hand, are proactive and multifunctional.
Smart tools are continuously evolving as being enabled by edge computing, cloud connectivity, and artificial intelligence( AI). These tools don’ t just measure – they analyse and recommend. They’ re evolving from basic task enablers to intelligent agents that provide real-time feedback to the technician. This feedback isn’ t just raw data, but actionable insights that improve decision-making and efficiency.
Smart Tools in Action Providing Insights in Real Time
One of the most significant benefits of smart tools is how they address challenges that conventional tools simply can’ t handle. The modern plant floor is complex, with machines that require different types of monitoring – voltage, temperature, pressure, and vibration, to name a few. Technicians often carry a variety of tools to meet these needs, but this
46 AUTOMATION, CONTROL & ENGINEERING