Joy Global Achieves ROI in Nine Months with Predix Asset Performance Management

Background

Joy Global, now known as Komatsu Mining, is a leading worldwide provider of advanced equipment, systems, and direct services for the underground and surface mining industries. It partners with customers to both preserve the function of an asset long after it’s purchased as well as to help deliver the highest production rates.

Making better use of available data

To optimize performance, Joy Global analyzes data produced by its smart connected products. The company was in search of a solution that would support its life cycle management processes by allowing it to better use the data available. At this same time, it was undergoing a company-wide merger of its surface and underground business lines.

Developing a change management plan

Joy Global decided to implement Predix Asset Performance Management (Predix APM) (formerly Meridium Enterprise APM), specifically utilizing the metrics and root cause analysis (RCA) capabilities. The resulting ROI objectives for the implementation included 100% ROI within 12 months and the goal to overcome cultural and geographic differences.

The change management plan that was adopted to help achieve these objectives had three phases:

• Prepare: Develop a sponsorship model, identify value, and communicate those messages through the local leadership team
• Manage: Communicate how changes will be rolled out across the organization
• Reinforce: Remind the team of the overall goals and purpose

Enabling a continuous loop of improvement

The implementation was successful in part due to the benefits of working with a global APM company. Meridium, which was acquired by GE Digital in September 2016, understood Joy Global’s need to look at things from a worldwide perspective, and the capabilities within Predix APM took into consideration current and future software needs.

Overall keys to success included:

• Adapting the implementation approach to cultural norms
• Prioritizing areas of greatest opportunity
• Allowing the business to run the project
• Balancing proven methodologies and business needs

Joy Global has several hundred machines under lifecycle management contracts, a percentage of which are supported by Predix APM. In nine months, the company achieved 100% ROI. It recorded 115% ROI in 12 months, and ROI continues to be quickly achieved as the implementation is rolled out to other regions.

The company’s partnership with GE Digital has allowed Joy Global to fully engage customers about getting more involved in their operations and optimizing their entire business strategies and systems.