With healthcare environments being increasingly complex and diverse, operational effectiveness is not just a goal; it is a necessity. From acute primary care to major trauma services, the daily functioning of thousands of clinical and microbiological assets underpins patient care and safety. Yet, a challenge remains: performance data for these critical assets is often fragmented, creating a siloed, incomplete view of performance and reliability.

As healthcare systems need to be increasingly efficient and sustainable, gaining a comprehensive, integrated and clear picture of asset performance has become essential.

This challenge reflects a broader issue across large healthcare facilities. Assets ranging from air handling units to energy-intensive equipment in clinical labs need to work in harmony. However, without a unified view, managing these systems holistically can be an uphill battle.

Sodexo, in collaboration with its client Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), identified the need to improve the visibility and reliability of critical assets, to ensure they are fit for purpose in supporting clinical operations, are cost-efficient and address both Sodexo’s and MFT’s sustainability goals.

A HOLISTIC VIEW OF ASSET PERFORMANCE

Due to the complexity of the asset management within MFT, Sodexo knew a solution needed to be both robust and adaptable. Drawing from its experience across various global sectors, multiple market solutions were assessed. Each offered potential benefits, but Xempla was selected as its partner.

This decision automation system specialises in asset performance management, and the software provides Sodexo with a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance decision-making for Operations & Maintenance (O&M) teams.

Xempla stands out for its advanced capabilities, including functional design data, anomaly detection, energy optimisation, predictive analytics, and maintenance optimisation. The technology’s ability to integrate seamlessly with mechanical assets that emit performance data enables Sodexo teams to monitor asset health in real-time and to act proactively.

The system has been integrated into MFT’s ecosystem with a clear goal to streamline operations, anticipate potential failures, and optimise energy usage through real-time insights. Since its deployment the software has enabled a smarter, more responsive approach to managing critical infrastructure at MFT, bolstering clinical reliability and one that aligns with the Trust’s sustainability goals.

REAL-TIME INSIGHTS

Sodexo’s partnership with Xempla went live in 2022 with a pilot phase that sought to bring real-time data analysis into MFT’s asset management process. Starting with essential air handling units, the solution has since expanded to cover 2,000 assets and 12,000 data points, each streaming data every 15 minutes. From the outset, its real-time monitoring provides early insights into asset deviations, which is helping engineers investigate and correct minor issues before they escalate into critical failures.

Integration with IBM Maximo used by Sodexo has further enhanced the system, allowing technicians to receive work orders directly to their tablets. Each order comes with specific recommendations based on real-time data, enabling immediate corrective actions without delay. This efficiency in communication has transformed maintenance from a reactive to a proactive approach, as technicians are empowered to address issues before they impact clinical operations.

Derren McCreadie, Technical Services Director Sodexo UK & Ireland on delivering efficiency and consistency in critical hospital assets

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