Managing maintenance of serviceable items based on unique identification labeling

US7360701B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ECOLAB INC. · US

Inventors

• Cemal Sagnak · Erkelenz, DE
• Bernhard Meyer · Mettmann, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 2005
• Grant date: Apr 22, 2008
• Expiry date: Apr 18, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/20
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A system and method for tracking and managing maintenance of serviceable items based on unique identification labeling affixed to the items is disclosed. The serviceable items are described as filters within a common environment that require routine maintenance to adhere to certain expectations relative to the operability of the items. Such operability may relate to any type of filtering of contaminants from a liquid or gaseous substance that flows through the filters. A unique identifier (ID) label is affixed to each filter. The unique ID label represents a unique filter ID that uniquely identifies the filter relative to all other filters in the common environment. A handheld computing device communicatively connected to a local computer reads the unique ID label of each filter following maintenance of the filter to track maintenance of the filters over time.