Skip to main content

Operator Rounds

Purpose​

Operator Rounds are the centerpiece of Phase 1. They provide a structured way for operators to walk the plant floor, inspect assets at defined checkpoints, and capture standardized readings alongside observations, photos, and notes — all while working offline if needed.

What is an Operator Round?​

An operator round is a predefined route through the plant that guides an operator to specific checkpoints. Each checkpoint is tied to an asset or functional location and defines which readings to capture and checks to perform.

Key Concepts​

  • Round Template: The predefined sequence of checkpoints that make up a round
  • Checkpoint: A stop on the round where the operator inspects an asset or location
  • Asset Readings: Structured measurements (counters, temperature, pressure, vibration) captured against asset attributes
  • Observations: Free-form notes, pass/fail checks, photos, and comments recorded at each checkpoint
  • Round Instance: A specific execution of a round template by an operator at a point in time

Phase 1 Vision​

Phase 1 focuses on capturing reliable asset condition data from the field. Each round instance stores:

  • Who: The operator who performed the round
  • When: Timestamp for the round and each checkpoint
  • Where: Which assets and functional locations were inspected
  • What: Structured readings tied to asset attributes (e.g., "Pump discharge pressure: 45 bar")
  • How: Pass/fail checks, observations, photos, and notes

All of this data is stored locally first and syncs in the background when connectivity is available, ensuring operators can complete rounds even in areas with poor or no network coverage.

Structured Asset Readings​

At each checkpoint, operators record readings for specific asset attributes:

  • Counters: Running hours, production counts, cycle counts
  • Temperature: Bearing temps, fluid temps, ambient temps
  • Pressure: Discharge pressure, suction pressure, differential pressure
  • Vibration: Vibration readings at measurement points
  • Other Measurements: Flow rate, level, voltage, current, etc.

Each reading is:

  • Tied to a specific asset attribute (defined by the asset's type)
  • Timestamped with when it was captured
  • Linked to the operator who recorded it
  • Stored as both the "last known value" for that attribute and in historical records for trending

See Asset Readings & Checkpoints for more detail on the reading model.

Observations & Photos​

Beyond structured readings, operators can:

  • Add free-form text observations about unusual conditions
  • Take photos of issues or equipment state
  • Record pass/fail checks for visual inspections
  • Add general notes and comments

These observations supplement the structured data and provide context that helps supervisors and engineers triage issues.

Offline-First Design​

Operator rounds are designed to work without connectivity:

  • Round templates and asset data are synced to the mobile device in advance
  • Operators complete rounds entirely offline if needed
  • All readings, observations, and photos are stored locally
  • Background sync pushes data to the server when connectivity returns
  • No data is lost if the operator moves in and out of coverage

This is critical for industrial environments where Wi-Fi coverage is spotty or non-existent in parts of the plant.

Data Model (Phase 1 Vision)​

The core entities supporting operator rounds:

  • Round Template: Defines the sequence of checkpoints
  • Checkpoint: Links a round to an asset/location and specifies which attributes to measure
  • Round Instance: A specific execution of a round template
  • Checkpoint Reading: The actual measurement values captured at a checkpoint
  • Asset Attribute Value: Stores the reading tied to a specific asset attribute
  • Observation: Free-form text, photos, and comments captured during the round

How It Works​

  1. Setup: Define round templates with checkpoints for each asset to inspect
  2. Schedule: Assign rounds to operators (daily, weekly, per shift, etc.)
  3. Execute: Operator opens the round on mobile, walks the route, captures readings at each checkpoint
  4. Record: Structured readings are stored against asset attributes; photos and notes are attached to checkpoints
  5. Sync: When connectivity is available, the round instance syncs to the server
  6. Review: Supervisors and engineers review completed rounds, check for abnormal readings, and follow up on observations

Relationship to Other Features​

  • Assets & Asset Types: Rounds inspect assets; the asset type determines which readings are required
  • Asset Attributes: Readings are recorded against specific attributes defined for the asset type
  • Functional Locations: Checkpoints can be tied to locations in the plant hierarchy
  • Phase 2 (Future): Abnormal readings and observations can be flagged as alerts and triaged
  • Phase 3 (Future): AI agents can query observations and readings via MCP server to provide intelligent insights

CRUD & Management​

  • Create/Edit Round Templates: Define the route, add checkpoints, specify which asset attributes to measure
  • Assign Rounds: Schedule rounds for specific operators or shifts
  • Execute Rounds: Mobile interface guides operators through checkpoints with streamlined data entry
  • Review Completed Rounds: Web interface shows round history, readings, and observations

What's Next​

Phase 1 establishes the foundation for capturing asset condition data. Phase 2 will build on this model to add:

  • Automated alerts when readings exceed thresholds
  • Observation triage workflows
  • Supervisor dashboards for abnormal conditions

See the Product Roadmap for the full vision.