INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
collect and access information for maintenance and operation of most facilities ( P . Teicholz , 2013 ). However , research have shown that 360 Image-based Immersive Virtual Environment ( IVE ) could potentially improve human experiences and performance compared to traditional IVEs although they provide less interactivity ( Amezquita Radillo , 2022 )
Visualisation is an important tool in the process of education and training , not only in the classroom but also for open learning via the web ( Haque et al ., 2005 ). The same tool has become an important part of facility management that requires training for new or visiting employees so that they can quickly navigate the facility and get work done . The 3D walkthrough training tool also contributes to increase in situational awareness for staff and even serve as a guidance to better respond in case of emergency or disasters incidents . The same approach was used by University of Western Australia that has developed a 360 virtual laboratory tour to help its firstyear students to familiarise and prepare for an upcoming laboratory class ( Clemons et al ., 2019 ).
Lovelace , ( 2019 ) has shown in his survey that the Department of Transportation Minnesota have been using image equipment such as 360 camera and light detection and ranging ( LiDAR ) to create and utilise 3D modelling to document its existing facilities , communicate inventory and inspection data . Scanning technology such as Ni drones , LiDARs , cameras and lasers as well as processing software can be used to digitally document building sites , exteriors and building interiors to effectively manage these important assets . 360 cameras have also been used with drones to carry out bridge inspection making the inspection process more cost effective and safe ( Humpe , 2020 ). Similar methods have also been made in conservation , assessment and management of historic buildings . 3D reality based on 360 scenes is being used as a versatile tool for smart documentation of historic building and allowing remote access for users , technicians and authorities to evaluate conservation and safety measures for the historic buildings ( De Fino et al ., 2022 ). Very recently , Chow et al ., ( 2021 ) have introduced a work method for automated defect inspection on concrete structure which utilise 360 camera and LiDAR . The image and LiDAR data allow mapping and integration of the structure defects into a BIM model to better manage facility . Digital transformation has been driving more effective practices in variety of domains including asset management . A broad spectrum of advanced technology and solutions are available which include drones , 3D interface , 360 images laser scanning , web services and mobile apps that should be assessed at system level due to its multi-dimensional benefits . ( Kortelainen et al ., 2020 )
Challenges in Biomedical Asset Management in MOH Facilities
The outbreak of COVID-19 has increased demand for hospitals ’ specific treatment facilities . During the pandemic , the surge of COVID 19 patients led to over stressing of certain BE assets as well as increased demand for ventilators . The current asset information system , ASIS , which contains the inventory of BE across hospitals has limitations especially in out-of-hospital interventions and managing of critical BE asset at hospital level . The module in ASIS computerised information system currently contains records such as asset register , user area and user location for every MOH hospital . The system only records and stores text-based data without any form of visualisation format therefore making it difficult for the information system user who is unfamiliar with BE to verify and visualise the BE itself including its location . Location and asset ID are required following any breakdown complaint by both equipment users and maintenance personnel , which could be time and cost-consuming even before any corrective action can be taken . Therefore , visualisation technology such as the 360 image-based virtual environment application allow more efficient facility management processes resulting in quick respond time and timely corrective action . Usage of such tool not only allows effective BE maintenance and uptime , but also improve optimisation of emergency planning and response in critical events such as the COVID 19 pandemic .
Timely location verification of BE asset is also essential to avoid theft and misplacement , especially in the ward department , where sometimes BE assets are found in unintended
48 VOL 96 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2023