If the installation and implementation of a Continuous Monitoring (CM) system is on your project radar, then there is a lot of work to be completed. Although the project may initially appear to be simple and straight-forward, it can rapidly become quite complex and require more time and resources than originally anticipated. Below are the 12 Keys to Successfully Implementing a CM System to help guide you through this project:
- Assemble a Dedicated Project Management Team
This team will follow the project through from project kick-off to the system go-live.
- Compile a Complete Equipment List by Department
This list should include information such as the location (building and/or room number), appliance type (refrigerator, freezer, incubator, etc.), minimum and maximum limits of monitoring and time delay(s).
- Understand the Unique Needs of Each Key Stakeholder
Each group and/or department involved with the project may have its own set of compliance, quality, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and/or operating requirements that need to be addressed.
- Secure Commitment from Each Department Director
Ideally, you will want each department to assign at least 2 primary system owners. They will be responsible for managing and maintaining their department system. This includes, but is not limited to, providing resources and committing to the success of the project.
- Floor Plans
For the design of the system, it is important to know the locations of all the appliances and/or points that the system will be monitoring.
- Select the Right Continuous Monitoring Vendor
You want to ensure that the vendor has an established track record and experience, and that they offer a modular and scalable system to meet your needs, assistance managing the project design and implementation, and on-going support services post-installation.
- Post-Installation Transition Period
This will include the transition from Legacy to the new CM system and system go-live, dry run, staff training, and the adoption of SOPs.
- On-Going System Support and Help Desk
You will want to make sure you know how to contact the vendor’s Help Desk for support, and that there is a clear expectation for their response time.
- Annual Probe Calibrations and System Maintenance
Each probe should be calibrated at least once per year to an ISO 17025 or NIST-Traceable standard.
- Regular Alarm Checks and Preventive Maintenance
Having scheduled system alarm checks and maintenance are vital to ensuring a reliable system in order to safeguard all assets.
- Disaster and Emergency Recovery Plan
You will want to establish SOPs for recovery following any system outage.
- Maintain On-Site Spare and Emergency Parts
For efficiency with emergency repairs and installation needs, you should maintain spare parts on hand.
To speak with a Mesa Labs consultant and investigate solutions to meet your specific needs, please contact us today.
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