7 Best Practices for Managing Industrial Site Data in 3D

November 18, 2024

Want to supercharge your industrial site management with 3D data? You're in the right place. Here's a quick rundown of the 7 best practices you need to know:

Set clear data collection standards
Create a central storage system
Set up automatic data processing
Track all data changes
Control who can access data
Connect your data systems
Make data load faster

These practices will help you build accurate digital twins, boost efficiency, and make smarter decisions. Let's dive in and see how you can put them to work.

Why this matters: 60% of manufacturing enterprises are already using or planning to use 3D visualization. Don't get left behind.

The big challenge: Integrating old systems, ensuring data accuracy, and managing the flood of information from 3D models and IoT sensors.

The payoff: Cut downtime, optimize energy use, and make your supply chain more agile.

Ready to transform your industrial site management? Let's get started.

1. Set Clear Data Collection Standards

Setting clear data collection standards is key for 3D industrial site data management. It's not just about collecting data - it's about making sure every bit of info is useful and high-quality.

Why does this matter? Bad data costs companies big time. Gartner says poor data quality sets organizations back $12.9 million on average each year. For 3D industrial sites, sloppy data can lead to expensive mistakes, inefficient operations, and missed chances to improve.

Here's how to set up solid data collection standards:

Figure out what "good enough" data means for your team
Use the same data formats across your whole organization
Set up automatic quality checks as data comes in
Decide how often different types of data need updating

Melody Chien from Gartner puts it this way:

"Good quality data provides better leads, better understanding of customers and better customer relationships. Data quality is a competitive advantage that D&A leaders need to improve upon continuously."

Take Anvil Labs, for example. The platform handles all sorts of data types needed for 3D industrial site management - 3D models, 360° photos, thermal images, LiDAR point clouds, you name it. By setting clear standards for all these different data types, Anvil Labs helps its clients build accurate digital twins of their industrial sites.

2. Create a Central Storage System

Managing 3D industrial site data? You need a solid central storage system. Here's why it's a game-changer:

One source of truth for all your data
No more data silos or redundancy
Better data quality across the board

AVEVA puts it nicely: "By creating a virtual replica of physical assets or processes, businesses can monitor and analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies."

So, what makes a good central storage system? Let's break it down:

Scalability: Your data's gonna grow. Make sure your storage can keep up. Cloud options like Dell's are great for this.
Data integration: Bring everything together - sensors, 3D models, operational systems. It's key for building comprehensive digital twins.
Security: Lock it down. Use strong access controls and encryption to protect your industrial data.
Performance: Speed matters. Especially when you're dealing with massive 3D models and real-time sensor data.

Want to see it in action? Check out Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). They've got over 10 million data points across 120 dashboards. Result? Way better operational visibility and business agility.

Or take SCG Chemicals. They're using an operational digital twin with centralized dashboards for equipment statuses, alarms, and performance metrics. It's supercharged their operations and decision-making.

Picking the right solution? Here's what to look for:

Deployment options: On-premises, cloud, or hybrid
Data type support: Make sure it can handle 3D models, LiDAR scans, thermal imagery, etc.
Integration capabilities: It should play nice with your existing tools and workflows

Anvil Labs, for example, offers a platform that handles various data types, including 3D models, 360° photos, and LiDAR point clouds. Plus, it works across devices and integrates with services like Matterport and AI analysis tools.

Ready to implement? Here are some tips:

Do a data audit first. Know what you're working with before you choose a system.
Set data standards. Clear guidelines for formats and quality keep everything consistent.
Train your team. Everyone should know how to use the system effectively.
Keep it maintained. Regular checks and updates keep things running smoothly.

3. Set Up Automatic Data Processing

Setting up automatic data processing is a game-changer for 3D industrial site data management. It's about making your data work for you efficiently.

Automatic processing slashes time and costs in managing industrial site data. Instead of weeks of manual number crunching, you can now process mountains of data in hours. This frees up your team to focus on what matters: analysis and decision-making.

Why is this so important?

It's fast: Automated systems chew through large datasets way quicker than humans. Take drone surveying - it can gather data in hours, not days or weeks.

It saves money: Automation cuts costs big time. Propeller, a 3D mapping and analytics company, says self-processing can cost about $21,000 a year when you factor in hardware and labor. Outsourcing to a service? You might slash that bill in half.

It's more accurate: Automated systems don't get tired or make silly mistakes. They apply rules consistently, reducing human error.

It gives you real-time insights: With automated processing, you're not waiting around for updates. You get near real-time info on your site, so you can make decisions faster.

Want to set up automatic data processing? Here's how:

1. Pick the right tools

Choose software that can handle your specific data types. If you're using drones for surveys, you'll need photogrammetry software that can crunch aerial images.

2. Set up data validation

Build in automated checks to keep your data clean. This could be schema validation, range checks, or making sure important fields are filled out.

3. Use the cloud

For big datasets, cloud-based processing is your friend. It gives you serious computing power without needing expensive on-site hardware.

4. Create data pipelines

Set up automated workflows that move data smoothly from collection to processing to storage and analysis. This keeps information flowing without hiccups.

5. Play nice with your other systems

Make sure your new automated setup can talk to your existing systems, like your central storage or digital twin platform.

Here's a real-world example: ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) has gone all-in on automated data processing. They've set up over 10 million data points across 120 dashboards. The result? They can see what's happening in their operations much more clearly and react more quickly to changes.

Remember, the point of all this isn't just to crunch numbers faster. It's about turning that data into insights you can act on. As Michael Leppitsch, an expert in the field, puts it:

"Automation eliminates these sources of error and ensures consistent data processing, reducing discrepancies and ensuring dependable results."

4. Track All Data Changes

Tracking data changes in 3D industrial site management isn't just bookkeeping - it's the backbone of your digital twin's accuracy.

Picture a detailed log for your industrial site. Every update gets recorded, showing how your data evolves. Here's why it matters:

Accountability: You'll know who did what and when. Crucial for big teams on complex projects.

Error Catching: Mistakes happen. Good tracking helps you spot and fix them fast. You can even roll back if needed.

Compliance: Many industries have tough data rules. Change tracking keeps you audit-ready.

How to track changes effectively:

1. Use Version Control

Git isn't just for coders. It's great for 3D industrial data too. Each change becomes a "commit" - a snapshot of your data at that moment.

2. Set Up Data Checks

Automate quality checks. This could mean range checks or making sure key fields are filled out right.

3. Build Data Pipelines

Automate data flow from collection to storage. It cuts down on manual errors and keeps tracking consistent.

4. Go Cloud

Cloud solutions handle big datasets well and offer solid tracking features.

Real-world example: ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) tracks over 10 million data points across 120 dashboards. It's boosted their operational visibility and decision-making speed.

Michael Leppitsch, an expert in the field, says:

"Automation eliminates these sources of error and ensures consistent data processing, reducing discrepancies and ensuring dependable results."

The point isn't just to track changes. It's about using that tracked data to make smarter choices. A clear record of your data's evolution sets you up for better decisions and smoother operations.

5. Control Who Can Access Data

Keeping your 3D industrial site data safe is a big deal. As digital twins become hubs for teamwork, they can also be security risks. So, how do you make sure only the right people can see and use your important data?

Let's break it down:

Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC is like giving out different keys to different people based on their job. Engineers might get a master key, while maintenance folks get a more limited one. This approach:

Cuts down on sneaky access
Makes managing users easier
Helps you follow data protection rules

Give People Only What They Need

It's called the principle of least privilege (PoLP). Basically, give people the bare minimum access they need to do their job. If something goes wrong, it won't be as bad.

Stan Przybylinski from CIMdata puts it well:

"Data that is accessible to all is just as dangerous as it sounds, so digital twin developers will likely want to employ secure design philosophies like the principle of least privilege to ensure only authorized users can get at the data."

Use Smart Access Controls

New digital twin platforms have some cool features. For example, Anvil Labs lets you:

Block off certain areas or types of data
Give temporary passes to contractors
Shut down access fast when someone doesn't need it anymore

Check Who Has Access Regularly

Don't set it and forget it. Keep an eye on who has access:

Find and shut down accounts that aren't used
Spot people who have too much access
Update your access rules as needed

Make sure you know it's really your people logging in. Try things like:

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Fingerprint or face scans
Single sign-on (SSO) that works with your current system

Watch What's Happening

Keep track of what users are doing in your digital twin. This helps you:

Spot weird behavior or break-in attempts
Keep records in case you need to prove you're following the rules
Find ways to make your security even better

6. Connect Your Data Systems

Connecting your data systems is key in 3D industrial site data management. It's not just about gathering data - it's about making that data work together smoothly.

Why bother connecting data systems?

Think of it like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece of data is important, but you only see the full picture when they're all connected. Connecting your data systems breaks down silos, giving you a complete view of your industrial site.

Real-world example

CIMC, a big container manufacturer, used the ThingWorx Industrial IoT platform for a smart manufacturing project. They linked IoT with their Manufacturing Execution System (MES). The result? They broke down data silos and saw big improvements in efficiency and decision-making.

How to connect your data systems:

Use a common language: Stick to standard data formats and protocols. This helps all your systems talk to each other.
Get an industrial IoT platform: Platforms like ThingWorx can speed up your digital transformation by giving you one system for all your data.
Use protocol translation: This lets different systems understand each other, even if they originally speak different "languages".
Focus on real-time data: For digital twins to work well, they need constant updates from real-time data. As Toobler, a digital twin development company, says:

"Without this real-time connection, your digital twin risks being just a static reflection. It'll be useful, sure, but not nearly as powerful as it could be."

Use APIs and easy-to-use interfaces: This makes it simpler for different people to access and use the data.
Think about cloud solutions: Services like AWS IoT TwinMaker can make it easier to connect different data sources. It automatically creates and manages a digital twin graph, combining data from things like time-series sensor data, video feeds, and maintenance records.

7. Make Data Load Faster

In 3D industrial site data management, speed is crucial. Slow-loading models can kill productivity. Here's how to supercharge your data loading times:

Why Speed Matters

Google found that when page load time goes from 1 to 3 seconds, bounce rates jump 32%. At 5 seconds? It hits 90%. In industry, these delays cost real money.

Speed Up Your Data

Compress Smartly: Shrink file sizes without losing quality. This is key for big 3D models.
Load Progressively: Let users start working while details load in the background. Optellix uses this trick for instant engagement.
Adapt to Hardware: Adjust detail levels based on the user's device. This keeps things smooth across different setups.
Use the Cloud: Offload heavy lifting to the cloud. This helps users with less powerful machines.
Streamline CAD: Focus on essential features in your CAD models. As engineers say, "Keep it simple, stupid!" This speeds up loading and can cut machining costs.
Manage Add-ins: In SOLIDWORKS, only load what you need at startup. Check Tools/Options > Add-ins to see load times and turn off extras.
Watch Data Points: For 3D maps, stay under 200,000 points to avoid slowdowns. If you go over, try grouping data or splitting visualizations.

Real Results

These tricks work. Optellix says their 3D solutions, built with smart compression and progressive loading, boost conversions, teamwork, and brand image for clients.

Conclusion

Managing 3D industrial site data is tough. But it's key for staying competitive. Let's recap the seven best practices we covered:

1. Set clear data collection standards. Define what "good" data means for you. Use consistent formats and quality checks.

2. Create a central storage system. Set up a secure, scalable central storage. This becomes your single source of truth.

3. Set up automatic data processing. Use automation to handle data quickly. This frees up your team for analysis.

4. Track all data changes. Use version control. Keep a detailed log of updates. This helps spot and fix errors.

5. Control who can access data. Use role-based access control. Follow the principle of least privilege.

6. Connect your data systems. Make sure your systems can talk to each other. This gives you a full view of your site.

7. Make data load faster. Use compression, progressive loading, and cloud solutions to speed things up.

To keep this system running smoothly, think about having a digital asset manager. They can make sure everyone follows the rules and keeps the system up-to-date.

Your data strategy needs to be flexible. The industrial world keeps changing, so your data practices should too. Keep checking how your system is doing. Be open to new tech that can make your data management better.

This isn't just about being more efficient. It's about driving innovation and getting ahead of the competition.