SOLUTIONS DATABASE

SOLUTIONS DATABASE

Introduction SDB,

           The name of this article is almost a misnomer. But emphasizes the extreme importance of this type of database. This paper discusses databases and solution databases. As in many databases, a solution database is not an all-intelligent live artificial entity ready to research and solve myriads of problems like a mechanical genius alone. There is the requirement of manipulation through inputs and then utilization of a human operator source. The SDB is a custom-built database of words and words/numbers as decided upon and entered by the human operator with input from expert sources and reference material.

Some persons would say Excel does not serve well as a database, and again we must listen to the rantings of persons hampered/influenced by blinders as they cannot see the world through the eyes of a database architect.  Pooh-poohing Excel is an immediate indicator of the commentator's lack of experience in database architecture/construction. The Excel function we are discussing is the “Table Function” and is nearly identical to the tables in Oracle, Access, and SAP database programs, including the data search and manipulation capabilities. It's easy to import into Access if our database is much more extensive than the one million data lines. What if the data stored in Excel exceeds its capacity? We would import that information into the Access program.  No special programming or reprogramming skill is needed. Many users can utilize the excel table function, but if there is a need for datasets more extensive than one million forty-eight thousand records. We can use Access. As with the computer I’m using now, our limitation is 12GB Ram of data when utilizing MSAccess. If we employ a 36GB RAM computer, the file size is 36GB; if we use 120GB, So is the file size capacity. I’m sure we could order one with a terabyte or more RAM, if not now, then shortly. Currently, I have a two-terabyte thumb drive, so the RAM is likely to follow soon.   

First, the databases we are discussing here are not self-operating entities; if you think about it, the search for something on Amazon is manual.  They require a human architect who understands all the filtering capabilities and the needed/utilized taxonomy. Second, the Excel sheet is 1,048,576 rows deep by 16,384 columns wide; the columns can be 255 characters wide; this is the overall width, but it is not counting the text wrap functionality for data storage. Third, 66,530 hyperlinks are installable per Excel page. Fourth, 10,000 items can be viewable in the filter drop-down; there are many options, even advanced filtering. If your database is more extensive than this, then other excellent MS Office programs are available.

 At some time in the past, these nay-sayer persons were sold-on and then became enamored with purportedly irreplaceable and commercially sold, high price database programs. [Note: The DBs and Data Bases described within this article are not gigantic, so there is no need for online cloud services to operate these programs correctly.] As with the scheduler, who should know the work of all persons, plus the materials, machines, and tools needed and has the cost of persons and parts for a total project cost and time, in a program that is only limited to 999 billion dollars entire project.  We then have a database architect assembling an SDB. The DB or the SDB is the file cabinets, shelving units, and the Rolodex on steroids. The author of this document has utilized both Oracle and Access Database programs in their commercial/industrial/manufacturing usage.  These programs are excellent but do present some problems to the database architect where the tied-together information must appear as a compiled singular but ganged reference view. This view only works through the use of Excel Tables. The filters in Excel work and the filters in any other database program. For our purpose here and now, the significant difference is the availability of Excel on many computers these days. Excel accepts and fully utilizes hot links inserted within the worksheets or tables. The Excel table represents a similar format used within the other commercially available database programs. The commercially available database programs require carefully crafted Excel CSV files to upload the data into those programs.

DB, Database within this article, is also a valuable tool. This tool’s usefulness directly reflects the quality and conciseness of the information as it occurs within.  

“IT” is often only mistakenly associated with a person or service that only deals with solving problems or the initial set-up of your PC, Notebook, or another device. IT goes far beyond the mechanical setup in the broad view of science. It includes software, programming, numerous programming languages, AI, Artificial Intelligence, AML, automated Machine learning, and other data-related subject areas. We will still call our computer set-up and troubleshooting technician our IT service.

I have written about Solutions and other Databases over the years. But now feel it is time to convey the extreme usefulness of SBDs, as Solutions Databases provide a basis for immediate retrieval of critical information. With this disclosure, many valuable utilizations present a great opportunity through the definitive utilization by others and are addressed for use by many persons. Again, I want to discuss and reiterate the indispensable usefulness of these tools.  Those who do not understand or yet appreciate the ultimate convenience when the DB is available for utilization in those time-critical situations will be enlightened. It is within the wheelhouse of some persons to immediately transmit valuable information to others; this is especially true when time goes to waste for the careful analysis of critical processes. We are not discussing industrial spying. One person directly involved with this information sharing that we will first discuss here is a maintenance planner/scheduler. A well-informed and data-driven maintenance planner will supply assistance in information such as the procedural steps for by-passing and then preventing the shut down due to one of the SIS transmitter’s need for recalibration. Without a bypass or a forced fake/replacement signal, disconnection for calibration could cause the processing system to shut down/crash. One might ask to be shown the method of this information transfer from the office to the field where the instrumentation technician will work? Only after consideration and often planning and parts as the worker needs for the task does the paper trail of the work order exist. Such as, with the utilization of the Oracle I-Cloud CMMS system, there is an essential function called attachment where a snip-it or copy and paste can be added to the work order printout. Here we would supply the pre-approved methodology in steps so the assigned technician can utilize this for a non-eventful and practical completion of the work. This methodology for critical items in critical processes that could have vital negative results without specific guidance as a reminder to eliminate/ reduce a resultant disaster or improper procedure utilization. Remember, some of the items/equipment may go untouched, except for PM, Preventative Maintenance activities for many weeks or months without any work occurring. When the primary problem begins, unfamiliarity and perhaps misguided troubleshooting could take place; particularly where unfamiliar or rarely dealt with logic systems. The training of key personnel in troubleshooting SDB Solution DataBase will help reduce the problems by not missing correct step logic. There should be input and review, on occasion, to ascertain the accuracy, and updates take place as changes occur to the steps of bypass during these critical tasks or other critical information as needed.

There is a definite need for a database of critical tasks so that an alert will come to attention before commencing the work. This DB would include equipment numbers associated with essential tasks and the recommended action/steps that should take place. In thoughts about this DB, it will consist of a column with the equipment number. The next column would list all possible problem(s), then the next column would list the tasks required to affect the repair without a process shutdown. As we can see at this point, this requires thorough identification and research to determine and diligently address the make-safe requirements of all critical logic systems.

This versatility is why I enjoy creating solutions database so immensely. The applications are endless and, in fact, are how artificial intelligence is compiled for the algorithmic search/ location/utilization.   

DB=Data Base, the DB; if you have never created a DB, it is difficult to understand the architectural difficulty and the real reward when the DB operates perfectly. The human mind is a beautiful device that many in AI, Artificial Intelligence, AML, Automated Machine Learning, and ANN, Artificial Neural Networks are trying to imitate. When you begin to assemble the table, watch AI kick in and start guessing your next move

SDB= Solution Data Base; when assembling the SDB, each determination step will include the expected/needed conditions within the recorded parameters. If this is a mechanical solution, then there might be a requirement for a micrometer test of a shaft diameter should be 1.275”.

Or, in the case of electrical troubleshooting, sampling at this moment might be PM-305B, a three-phase motor with one phase testing 8.00 megaohms, indicating a problem with the phase insulation integrity. Choosing to ignore this problem would create a failure and fire. If this was on one of the standalone pieces of machinery in your process, then production was just shot out of the water.

MPC=Most Probable Cause, the MPC discovered after a process of elimination has taken place.

BAI= Best Available Information

The SDB explored in this article utilizes tables in Excel. Some would ask, why are you not using a commercial database program? There is no need to purchase extra hardware. With the entire market of commercially available software, none has a magic wand of solutions through AI, Artificial Intelligence, or otherwise. Identical work requires the thought, research, and interviewing needed to arrive at the complete and necessary information for populating the database.  The report, assembled in the correct order/sequence of absolute clarity, is performed manually by the database architect.