A method according to one embodiment includes receiving real-time sensor data from a plurality of pump sensors, wherein each pump sensor of the plurality of pump sensors is configured to generate sensor data associated with at least one characteristic of the pump's operation, comparing the real-time sensor data to at least one threshold value, determining fault information in response to determining the real-time sensor data is outside of one or more of the at least one threshold value, determining a real-time operating point of the pump on a pump performance curve associated with the pump based on the real-time sensor data, displaying, on a graphical user interface of an administrative device, the real-time operating point of the pump on the pump performance curve, and displaying, on the graphical user interface of the administrative device, the fault information in real time.

A method for detecting defects in a rotational element of a machine based on changes in measured vibration energy includes: (a) collecting vibration data over an extended period of time using vibration sensors attached to the machine; (b) processing the vibration data to generate a time waveform comprising processed vibration values sampled during sequential sampling time intervals within the extended period of time; (c) detecting multiple time blocks within the extended period of time during which the processed vibration values exhibit sustained increases at progressively increasing rates; and (d) generating alerts based on detection of the multiple time blocks during which the processed vibration values exhibit sustained increases at progressively increasing rates. The multiple time blocks may include a first time block during which the processed vibration values increase at a first rate, and a second time block occurring after the first time block during which the processed vibration values increase at a second rate that is greater than the first rate.

A method for detecting defects in a rotational element of a machine based on changes in measured vibration energy includes: (a) collecting vibration data over an extended period of time using vibration sensors attached to the machine; (b) processing the vibration data to generate a time waveform comprising processed vibration values sampled during sequential sampling time intervals within the extended period of time; (c) detecting multiple time blocks within the extended period of time during which the processed vibration values exhibit sustained increases at progressively increasing rates; and (d) generating alerts based on detection of the multiple time blocks during which the processed vibration values exhibit sustained increases at progressively increasing rates. The multiple time blocks may include a first time block during which the processed vibration values increase at a first rate, and a second time block occurring after the first time block during which the processed vibration values increase at a second rate that is greater than the first rate.

A system for acquiring vibration-related information associated with operation of a rotary machine may include a case configured to contain therein, and facilitate access to, components of the system. The system may also include a sensor configured to be detachably coupled to the rotary machine and generate a signal indicative of vibrations related to operation of the rotary machine. The system may also include a supervisor module in communication with the sensor and configured to generate an acceleration signal. The system may further include a subordinate module in communication with the supervisor module and the sensor and configured to generate a second acceleration signal. The supervisor module may be configured to provide operation instructions to the subordinate module, receive the second acceleration signal from the subordinate module, and communicate image data indicative of the first acceleration signal and the second acceleration signal to an output device.

A system for acquiring vibration-related information associated with operation of a rotary machine may include a case configured to contain therein, and facilitate access to, components of the system. The system may also include a sensor configured to be detachably coupled to the rotary machine and generate a signal indicative of vibrations related to operation of the rotary machine. The system may also include a supervisor module in communication with the sensor and configured to generate an acceleration signal. The system may further include a subordinate module in communication with the supervisor module and the sensor and configured to generate a second acceleration signal. The supervisor module may be configured to provide operation instructions to the subordinate module, receive the second acceleration signal from the subordinate module, and communicate image data indicative of the first acceleration signal and the second acceleration signal to an output device.

A method according to one embodiment includes receiving real-time sensor data from a plurality of pump sensors, wherein each pump sensor of the plurality of pump sensors is configured to generate sensor data associated with at least one characteristic of the pump's operation, comparing the real-time sensor data to at least one threshold value, determining fault information in response to determining the real-time sensor data is outside of one or more of the at least one threshold value, determining a real-time operating point of the pump on a pump performance curve associated with the pump based on the real-time sensor data, displaying, on a graphical user interface of an administrative device, the real-time operating point of the pump on the pump performance curve, and displaying, on the graphical user interface of the administrative device, the fault information in real time.

A method according to one embodiment includes receiving real-time sensor data from a plurality of pump sensors, wherein each pump sensor of the plurality of pump sensors is configured to generate sensor data associated with at least one characteristic of the pump's operation, comparing the real-time sensor data to at least one threshold value, determining fault information in response to determining the real-time sensor data is outside of one or more of the at least one threshold value, determining a real-time operating point of the pump on a pump performance curve associated with the pump based on the real-time sensor data, displaying, on a graphical user interface of an administrative device, the real-time operating point of the pump on the pump performance curve, and displaying, on the graphical user interface of the administrative device, the fault information in real time.

An illustrative example method of monitoring value added activity includes positioning a detector near a selected portion of a machine using a clip for situating the detector in a position where the detector can detect at least one electrical characteristic associated with operation of a machine; communicating an indication of the detected electrical characteristic between the detector and a user interface; and displaying a visual representation of value added activity information based the indication. The value added activity corresponds to human operator performance that is distinct from machine performance during a manufacturing or assembly process.

An illustrative example method of monitoring value added activity includes positioning a detector near a selected portion of a machine using a clip for situating the detector in a position where the detector can detect at least one electrical characteristic associated with operation of a machine; communicating an indication of the detected electrical characteristic between the detector and a user interface; and displaying a visual representation of value added activity information based the indication. The value added activity corresponds to human operator performance that is distinct from machine performance during a manufacturing or assembly process.

An illustrative example method of monitoring value added activity includes positioning a detector near a selected portion of a machine using a clip for situating the detector in a position where the detector can detect at least one electrical characteristic associated with operation of a machine; communicating an indication of the detected electrical characteristic between the detector and a user interface; and displaying a visual representation of value added activity information based the indication.