Höganäs’ operation redefined its maintenance strategy by fully digitizing field procedures and centralizing asset information. By deploying sensors and QR codes across critical equipment, technicians gained instant access to manuals, parts lists, drawings, and failure histories, reducing uncertainty and accelerating execution.
The Challenge
The maintenance team struggled with delays caused by manual recordkeeping and slow access to technical asset data. Diagnoses were inconsistent, and the lack of a digital system made it hard to track inspections or foster a culture of shared learning.
The Solution
Höganäs built a digital maintenance methodology anchored in standard operating procedures (SOPs) directly integrated into the Tractian platform. The full asset tree was mapped into the system, with technical documents instantly accessible via QR codes on equipment.
Technicians now follow dynamic digital checklists triggered automatically by real-time sensor insights. Using the TPM methodology, the team also mapped weaknesses in spare parts tracking and built a continuous improvement schedule.
Building Quality SOPs
Höganäs implemented high-quality SOPs fully integrated into its CMMS and mobile platform. These SOPs guide technicians through each inspection step, reducing rework and inconsistency. They’re continuously updated as failure modes are analyzed, giving frontline teams clear, standardized instructions that boost efficiency and safety.
Best Practices in Action
Rafael Carmo, Reliability Technician at Höganäs and 2025 Tractian Awards winner in the Monitoring Key User category, turned online condition monitoring into a strategic decision-making tool.
Using the Tractian Analytics module, he interprets complex vibration signals with support from AI and his field experience. This real-time data plus expert analysis shortened diagnosis time and improved accuracy.
He also standardized how critical failures are documented—with photos, videos, and linked work orders—building a traceable and collaborative predictive maintenance culture.
Now, asset health indicators drive weekly maintenance planning. By tracking degradation curves, the team prioritizes tasks based on actual risk, moving away from reactive work and toward evidence-based decision-making.
Proof Point: From Detection to Action
In early 2025, Tractian AI detected abnormal vibration on the main hoist motor of Höganäs’ Electric Arc Furnace. Rafael later confirmed bearing wear on the motor. Thanks to predictive planning, the team scheduled a timely intervention—avoiding a critical failure on equipment that handles over 33,000 pounds of molten steel.
That single action prevented an unplanned outage and saved over $11,000 in potential losses.
Impact and Outcomes
Digitized field procedures and online condition monitoring have had a measurable effect:
- 13% reduction in MTTR (from 1.25h to 1.08h)
- 805 hours of avoided downtime in 2025
- 10% reduction in total maintenance costs
