Forth rolls out new app to reduce business equipment downtime

A new app designed to help businesses manage hydraulic hoses and reduce expensive equipment downtime has been launched by a Cumbrian engineering firm.

Forth, which has bases in Maryport, Cleator Moor and Barrow, has rolled out Hosebuilder, a system allowing customers to design and order hoses in minutes.

Every hose manufactured through the platform is fitted with an embedded RFID chip.

Users can scan the chip with a smartphone to access maintenance history, specifications and manufacturing records, and instantly order an identical replacement.

The system also provides step-by-step guidance to modify existing designs and prevents incompatible fittings from being selected.

The platform was developed with input from the British Fluid Power Association and uses a red, amber and green rating system for hose conditions.

Hoses under three years old are classed as green, between three and five years old are amber, and those over five years old are red.

The launch is being supported by specialist training courses to help organisations improve asset management.

Chief executive Mark Telford said: “Hydraulic hoses are everywhere, from cars and tractors to heavy machinery operating in some of the UK’s most demanding environments.

“When a hose fails, the cost is often far greater than the replacement itself.

“Equipment can be out of action for hours while somebody removes the hose, drives to a supplier and waits for a new one to be built.

“Hosebuilder removes that process.

“For too long, businesses have had to rely on guesswork when it comes to hose replacement and asset management.

“A single hose failure can result in significant downtime, costly repairs and, in some cases, serious environmental consequences if hydraulic oil is released.

“By simply scanning a hose, customers can instantly access the information they need to make informed decisions, improve safety, support compliance and reduce the risk of avoidable failures.

“What we have created is the Just Eat of the hydraulic hose world.”

Forth rolls out new app to reduce business equipment downtime – Business Crack