Data-driven support - The Australian Pipeliner

McElroy Manufacturing is set to roll out the latest technology features, updates and support options for its quality assurance tools.

For decades, McElroy has been a leader in fusion innovations and technology within the plastic pipe fusion industry. In the past year, the company has continued its commitment to digital development of its quality assurance tools with several new features to improve user experience.

The DataLogger® 7 captures and records all pertinent data related to each fusion joint, including pressures, the fusion standard being used, and the joint’s GPS coordinates.

Working in tandem with the DataLogger is the Vault™, McElroy’s powerful cloud-based data storage platform. Operators can share reports with supervisors, owners, and inspectors for closer evaluation to ensure each fused joint conforms to industry standards and is ready for service.

McElroy introduced new Vault notifications that allow operators to take better control of their fusion operations.

These notifications, tailored toward exception reporting are sent directly to the user’s Vault dashboard and can be sent to users’ inboxes as well.

An exception report highlights events that deviate from normal or expected results.

“Exception reports are invaluable from a quality control standpoint,” McElroy Digital Strategy Director Chris Zenthoefer told The Australian Pipeliner.

“On our end, we wanted to make sure there was a way to highlight what exactly was done that didn’t line up with accepted best practices, and to make sure that information is delivered quickly to the correct person.”

McElroy has been committed to improving both the quality control aspect and the user experience for its users.

“Updates that we’ve made in the last year have made that data more actionable,” Zenthoefer said.

“We have millions of joints recorded in the Vault, and we know that users at all levels – from machine operators to contractors to inspectors – are finding value in knowing that they can access everything they need in one place.”

And work is still going on. In mid-2024, McElroy rolled out a new user interface for the Vault. It was designed with mobile users in mind, and improvements include better navigation, better accessibility and collapsible navigation to accommodate a variety of screen sizes.

McCalc app

Alongside the Vault UI update, the interface for the McCalc® Fusion Pressure Calculator was given a refresh of its own. The McCalc App, available for both Android and iPhone, allows users to quickly determine the correct fusion pressures for their job.

“In situations where the DataLogger may not be an option, the McCalc App is a great resource for calculating the parameters you need for a successful fusion,” Zenthoefer said.

“For that reason, it’s critical to make sure that the app itself is as user-friendly as possible.”

Recently, McElroy created a “training mode” on the DataLogger 7. In training mode, a fusion is simulated without the DataLogger being connected to a machine.

“Training mode lets operators familiarise themselves with both the fusion process and with the machine they’ll be using without needing to physically go step-by-step through it,” Zenthoefer said.

“This functionality is now available on all connected equipment – meaning our TracStar iSeries line and the Tritan 560.”

Equipment Inspection app

Another addition to McElroy’s quality assurance line up is the McElroy Equipment Inspection app, which is now available online for Android and iOS devices.

The app allows machine owners to manage and maintain their fleets, ensuring each piece of equipment is ready to perform.

It also seamlessly guides users through the inspection with pre-populated checklists for machines and components.

The built-in DataLogger camera can be used to snap pictures of machines, allowing for easy identification. To streamline operations, the Inspection app allows users to create customised inspection surveys for any piece of equipment they own – not just McElroy fusion machines.

Through the app, owners and technicians can share jobs and create detailed reports at the push of a button.

The integration of technology and support

As the world becomes more technology-driven, McElroy has continuously connected with channel partners and users to gather feedback. That feedback has led to the addition of remote diagnostic help for TracStar iSeries and Tritan 560 machines.

If an operator or contractor is encountering a problem with their TracStar iSeries, after obtaining permission to access the machine, McElroy technicians can log in to the machine remotely and access the machine’s full CAN traffic.

To even further improve the level of support offered to Australian customers, McElroy debuted a website dedicated to Australian distributors and customers.

“Australia has been a large international market for McElroy for some time,” McElroy CEO and President Chip McElroy said.

“We saw the need for a localised site that would allow our partners to quickly access resources tailored to their geographical location.”

Through mcelroyfusion.com.au, users can also directly contact staff at McElroy’s Australian location, and offers users a way to quickly find available poly welding courses, training, and certification opportunities in Australia.

Guided firmware updates

In July 2024, McElroy introduced guided firmware updates, a process that allows users to update components controlled by firmware more easily.

The process, accessed via the DataLogger 7, will guide the operator in the correct procedure for updating machine components as new releases become available.

Updating firmware is essential to ensuring the machine is running the latest version for continued enhancements and new features.

To provide yet another level of support for users, McElroy has also published a new McElroy Help Portal at mcelroy.com/help.

The McElroy Help Portal provides videos and other resources to users to help them familiarise themselves with McElroy fusion machines, educational resources, and more – all in one common location. As the global need for actionable data and live support increases, McElroy remains committed to providing the highest level of quality in its equipment, quality assurance tools, and support.

For more information, visit the website.

This feature also appears in the September edition of The Australian Pipeliner.

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