LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANTQUEST

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Asset Management

Mobile Asset Tracking

EHS & Alarm Response

Production & Operations

Mapping SDK

Product

What is PlantQuest?

PlantQuest is a facility visualization and asset mapping platform that digitizes and transforms asset management, production, safety, alarm response, and other workflows for large industrial sites

What information does PlantQuest require to commence a deployment?

To start a project, PlantQuest requires site layout drawings and an asset list.

Which industries does PlantQuest work with?

PlantQuest serves industries including Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotech, Semiconductor, Chemical, and Industrial Manufacturing.

How does PlantQuest improve operational efficiency?

PlantQuest offers interactive mapping, real-time data visualization, asset tracking, and safety/alarm response tools. Supported by integrations, these features help teams make smarter, more informed decisions.

What is the benefit of Asset Mapping & Visualization?

Asset mapping and visualization at PlantQuest enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve safety. Our digital facility representation makes data easily accessible, leading to cost savings, higher productivity, and a safer work environment.

Is it easy to add or remove assets, or does it require suport?

Yes, it is very easy to add and remove assets. This can be done using the management portal and requires no support.

How does the indoor navigation work?

The indoor navigation works by providing the optimal route from any room or asset, to any other room or asset. It can work 100% signal-free. At deployment, you can configure priority routes and corridors.

How long does a deployment take and what effort is required from the client?

A typical deployment takes 4-6 weeks, with 90% done off-site and minimal client input. Clients may need to work with a project engineer to classify areas, set priority routes, and approve the project handover. PlantQuest is only on-site during the commissioning stage

Is there a 3D element to PlantQuest so that planners and technicians can understand what a room looks like without needing to walk into the field?

Yes, PlantQuest also provides a 3D visualisation element allowing users to get a Google Maps to Google Street View type experience.

How does PlantQuest help with asset management?

PlantQuest enables users to efficiently locate, track, and manage both fixed and mobile assets with real-time updates. This streamlines planning and execution across maintenance, reliability, calibration, and facilities workflows, enhancing overall asset management efficiency.

Can PlantQuest integrate with asset management systems?

Yes, PlantQuest integrates with various systems such as CMMS, BMS, BIM, and Calibration systems. This alignment and consolidation of data facilitate better decision-making and enhance overall asset management.

Do you have to tag every asset you want to locate?

No, for fixed assets (like pumps, chillers, valves, etc.), you can simply drop a pin in their location using the PlantQuest management portal or field survey tool. Mobile assets, such as calibration standards and tools, need to be tagged with a Wirepas tracking device and require the installation of a mesh network.

Is there a 3D element to PlantQuest so that planners and technicians can understand what a room looks like without needing to walk into the field?

Yes, PlantQuest also provides a 3D visualisation element allowing users to get a Google Maps to Google Street View type experience.

What is PlantQuest's solution for mobile asset tracking?

PlantQuest primarily uses Wirepas Mesh for scalable, accurate, and cost-efficient mobile asset tracking. Additionally, PlantQuest supports asset tracking solutions for Tier 1 Pharma, utilizing technologies such as WIFI and RFID.

Can PlantQuest track mobile production equipment?

Yes, PlantQuest can track mobile production equipment such as totes, IBCs, peristaltic pumps, and single-use mixers. This system provides real-time locations and alerts, improving management and increasing production output.

What types of assets does PlantQuest track?

PlantQuest tracks various types of assets, including production equipment (totes, IBCs, pumps, mixers), calibration standards (pneumatic test pump kits, multifunction calibrators, gauges), and general facility assets (ladders, MEWPs, lifting straps).

If an instrument is off-site for calibration, can you add comments to show this?

Yes, PlantQuest's management portal allows you to manage the status of assets and add comments, photos, notes, and metadata, indicating when an instrument is off-site for calibration.

What is the expected battery life of the asset tracking hardware and are the tags replacable?

The average battery life of tracking tags is 3 years, while anchors last between 7 to 20 years, averaging 9 years in large industrial settings. Most tags and anchors have fully replaceable batteries.

What are the dimensions and IP ratings of tags?

Tags come in various sizes and weights. The most popular tags measure 45mm x 23.2mm x 5.3mm (8 grams) and Ø 36mm x 11.5mm (13 grams).
The IP ratings range from IP52 to IP69, ensuring durability in different environments.

How does Wirepas work?

Tags are attached to assets and communicate with battery-powered anchors installed every 20 meters, creating a mesh network without cables. Location and IoT data packets are sent through this network to a gateway, which transmits the information to PlantQuest via MQTT.

How many anchors do you need to install in a facility?

As a rough guide, a 75,000 m² (807,593 ft²) manufacturing facility requires approximately 367 anchors.

What if we cannot guarantee WiFi or 4G/5G coverage in specific places?

You only need internet connectivity where gateways are installed. Typically, a single gateway is required on each level of every building.

Can a tracking tag withstand a parts wash?

Yes, tracking tags with IP68 and IP69 ratings can withstand a parts wash.

Can you set up an alarm and notification if a tag moves in/out of an area?

Yes, you can configure alarms and notifications in the PlantQuest management portal. These can be set to trigger when an asset's status changes or when it moves in or out of a specific room, building, area, or custom geofence.

Is it possible to monitor temperatures? For example, is it possible to set alarms when a certain threshold is exceeded?

Yes, several tracking hardware options allow for capturing and monitoring data such as temperatures and humidity. You can set alarms to trigger when specific thresholds are exceeded.

Is it easy to add and remove assets or does it require support?

Yes, it is very easy to add and remove assets using the PlantQuest management portal, and it requires no support.

Can you track the historical movements of an asset?

Yes, you can track the historical movements of any asset for a defined period. PlantQuest also allows you to create heatmaps of the movement and locations of assets.

How does PlantQuest reduce alarm response times?

PlantQuest reduces alarm response times by enabling responders to instantly view the exact location of an alarm and the quickest route to reach it.

Can PlantQuest prevent evacuations?

Yes, PlantQuest can help eliminate unnecessary evacuations. Since deploying our solution in Europe's largest solid dose pharmaceutical facility in 2021, the site has reduced unnecessary evacuations from 2-3 per month to zero. Similar results have been experienced by other clients.

Can PlantQuest notify personnel of alarms?

Yes, PlantQuest can notify relevant personnel through desktop notifications, emails, and in-application tablets, providing precise alarm locations.

Can you integrate with our safety systems?

Yes, PlantQuest can integrate with any Fire, Lone Worker/Man Down, or PTW system.

What is the typical workflow your users follow when using PlantQuest to locate an alarm?

When a fire alarm sounds, security typically contacts the Emergency Response Team (ERT) with the alarming device's tag information. The responder inputs the tag into the PlantQuest tablet application, which then provides the alarm's location and the optimal route to reach it.
Where an integration has been done with the site's fire system, the tag of the alarming device is automatically populated into the tablet application.

How does PlantQuest improve production operations?

PlantQuest optimizes production planning and execution by tracking mobile equipment and batches, reducing waiting times and repeated cleaning cycles. By integrating with and visualizing MES data, PlantQuest provides additional insights into shop floor activities, enabling informed decision-making and enhancing overall production efficiency.

What kind of production facilities has PlantQuest worked with?

PlantQuest has been deployed in a variety of facilities, including biotech production, solid dose production, aseptic production, pharmaceutical R&D, medical device manufacturing, and contact lens manufacturing.

What type of production equipment does PlantQuest track?

PlantQuest can track various types of production equipment, including totes, IBCs, peristaltic pumps, and single-use mixers. This tracking provides real-time locations and alerts, improving management and increasing production output.

What is the PlantQuest Mapping SDK?

The PlantQuest Mapping SDK is an Industry 4.0 tool designed for seamless integration with existing technology stacks. It enables the embedding of an interactive map, allowing for dynamic visualization of data.

How is the PlantQuest SDK developer-friendly?

The PlantQuest SDK is developer-friendly with features such as API key management, prototype apps for testing, and React components for custom interactions. These tools enable developers to work efficiently and seamlessly integrate PlantQuest's capabilities into their applications.

Is there extensive SDK documentation that I can review?

Yes, PlantQuest provides extensive documentation for both the SDK and the PlantQuest API, offering detailed guides, API references, and example code for effective integration and utilization.

Which systems can PlantQuest integrate with?

PlantQuest can integrate with a wide range of systems, including CMMS, BMS, MES, PTW, BIM, CAFM, Fire, Lone Worker/Man Down, IoT, 360°, and Calibration systems, among others.

Does PlantQuest support BIM data?

Yes, PlantQuest can expose BIM data to all facility workers and create connections between BIM and existing systems.

Is there a mobile application that you can use to navigate to an asset in the field?

Yes, PlantQuest offers a tablet application with signal-free navigation functionality, allowing you to locate and navigate to assets in the field. The app also enables you to log the location of assets by dropping pins in the field.

Can we configure different views for different users?

Yes, PlantQuest has a built-in user management system that allows you to assign different access roles, such as Global Admin, Site Admin, Engineer, Operator, and Observer, providing customized views and permissions for each user.

Can PlantQuest be integrated with our Active Directory for SSO?

Yes, PlantQuest offers Single Sign-On (SSO) through integration with your Active Directory. This allows users to log in using their existing credentials, streamlining access and enhancing security by leveraging your organization's centralized authentication system.

Working with Industry Leaders