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Hydrite Chemical Co. Streamlining operations and increasing auditability and compliance with centralized asset management
Technology Category
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Device Management Platforms
Applicable Industries
- Chemicals
Applicable Functions
- Discrete Manufacturing
- Maintenance
Use Cases
- Predictive Maintenance
- Asset Health Management (AHM)
- Regulatory Compliance Monitoring
Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Hydrite Chemical Co., a leading US chemical producer, was facing challenges due to the rapid growth of its business. The company was finding it increasingly difficult to obtain a clear view of assets, processes, policies, and licenses across its different sites. All their sites had developed their own ways of managing assets, mainly using simple tools such as spreadsheets, calendar reminders, and small databases. Without a consistent set of systems, it was difficult to compare the same thing between two different sites. This lack of standardization and visibility was making it difficult for the company to demonstrate compliance with current laws and regulations, which involved regular audits by regulators and customers.
About The Customer
Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Brookfield, WI, Hydrite Chemical Co. is one of the largest providers of chemicals and related services in the United States. The company employs more than 850 people across 14 locations. As a leading US chemical producer with a significant focus on toll manufacturing for other chemical companies, Hydrite is often subject to external audits and inspections. However, the rapid growth of its business meant that it was becoming increasingly difficult to obtain a clear view of assets, processes, policies, and licenses across its different sites.
The Solution
Hydrite decided to implement IBM Maximo Asset Management, which is part of the IBM Watson IoT portfolio. The solution replaced paper-based methods of tracking work orders, inventory, and purchasing with an asset management platform that helps to control expenditures and facilitate compliance. With Maximo’s asset hierarchy, Hydrite can now track assets, and schedule repairs, replacements, and inspections all from a single database. Hydrite is also using Maximo to track regulatory obligations and ensure that it keeps all its licenses and permits up-to-date by creating a “compliance calendar.” Additionally, Hydrite is using Maximo to ensure quality-critical lab instruments are properly calibrated.
Operational Impact
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