COMOS Mobile Worker application is a critical component of the “Siemens Digital Worker” concept, designed to digitize and optimize field operations across the lifecycle of a process plant, specifically in Plant Commissioning, Inspection rounds, and Maintenance rounds.
The COMOS Mobile Worker app leverages Augmensys’ expertise in mobile data management and Augmented Reality (AR) to provide a unified, digital interface for field personnel. Its core value lies in creating a seamless, bidirectional link between the physical plant and its digital twin residing in the SIEMENS COMOS engineering and asset management platform, as well as other enterprise systems (like ERP, DCS, etc.).
Key Features and Technology
Augmented Reality (AR) Integration:
Visualization: Using a mobile device (tablet, smartphone, or AR glasses), field workers can overlay digital information (e.g., equipment data, live sensor values, engineering drawings, work instructions) directly onto a real-world view of the plant equipment.
Asset Detection: The AR and location-based navigation functions help workers quickly and reliably identify, locate, and get to the correct piece of equipment, reducing search time and errors in complex plants.
Bidirectional Data Exchange: The app ensures a consistent and current data flow between the field and the central IT systems. Field personnel can access relevant information from various sources (COMOS, ERP, Process Control System) and, crucially, can also enter or change data directly on the mobile device.
Changes (e.g., completing a task, updating a status, taking measurements, or redlining a document) are securely transferred back to the corresponding source systems, ensuring that the plant’s digital twin (the COMOS database) is always up-to-date.
Cross-System Data Consolidation: The platform can consolidate data from disparate systems (CAE, ERP, DCS, DMS) into one easy-to-use mobile interface, eliminating the need to search through multiple data silos or rely on outdated paper documentation.
Offline Capability: It supports work in areas with poor or no network connectivity. Data processed offline can be synchronized retrospectively once a connection is re-established, ensuring continuous workflow.
Applications
The integration significantly improves efficiency, quality, and safety across critical plant lifecycle phases:
Plant Commissioning:
The app replaces traditional paper-based check records and punch lists, streamlining the final phases of a new plant build or upgrade.
- Guided Execution: Engineers are guided to relevant equipment/locations on site using navigation functions.
- Digital Checks: Commissioning checks (Electrical & Instrumentation, Mechanical) are executed and documented directly on the mobile device.
- Punch List Management: Deviations and necessary fixes (“punch-points”) can be generated instantly, including photos and location data, via the mobile device. Punch list items are cleared digitally upon completion.
- Automated Reporting: Progress tracking is facilitated in real-time, and a final commissioning report can be generated automatically from the consolidated digital data.
Inspection Rounds (Operator and Scheduled Inspections)
It digitalizes and optimizes routine checks, ensuring consistent data collection and immediate action on anomalies.
- Checklist Execution: Operators follow guided, digital checklists for routine inspection rounds.
- Mobile Data Acquisition: Workers record measured values, visual observations, and notes directly into the system.
- Anomaly Reporting: If an anomaly is detected, the worker can immediately create a notification or work request, often pre-populating it with asset data, photos, and location.
- Direct Data Feed: Inspection data, including live values from the DCS or other systems, is visible, allowing workers to compare current conditions against specifications instantly.
Maintenance Rounds (Preventive and Corrective Maintenance)
The solution acts as a digital assistant for maintenance technicians, leading to faster execution and fewer errors.
- Task Management: Technicians receive work orders and tasks on their mobile device, typically pulled from the connected ERP/CMMS.
- Access to Documentation: Instant access to all relevant information for the task, including P&IDs, wiring diagrams, manuals, and maintenance history from the COMOS database.
- Guided Workflows: Step-by-step instructions and procedures are presented digitally.
- Documentation in the Field: Workers digitally document the work performed, record time, import photos, and update the equipment status.
- Remote Expert Assistance: Through video chat and AR capabilities, technicians can connect with remote experts who can see what the field worker sees and guide them with AR annotations overlaid on the video feed. This helps to reduce unplanned downtime.