DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MAINTENANCE OF COMPUTERS USING DIGITAL CENTER

1.1 Introduction

A control system is an interconnection of components forming a system configuration that will provide a desired system response (Dorf and Bishop, 2011). In the context of this research study, a control system for the maintenance of computers is an interconnection of software modules, making up a system that enables users to monitor and perform maintenance activities on the computer system on which it is installed so that they give the desired system response. Just like a car and a house, a computer also needs maintenance to ensure its durability. Most times, users do not remember to perform maintenance operations on their systems hence, a control system that will ensure it is done becomes very necessary. The condition of a system or asset is the physical ability considered relevant for fulfillment of the functions of its functions. As the condition deteriorates due to aging, use and other factors, the system or asset may loose its capability to fulfill it function and a failure occurs. Maintenance assists organizations in controlling, preventing and reducing periods of unavailability (Rign, 2004).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

The computer system has grown to become an indispensable tool in the processing, storage, retrieval and transmission of information. In view of these vital functions of the computer system, it is adequate that the maintenance of computer systems is performed to enable the system last longer. To ensure this, computer maintenance engineers perform some regular routine activities to monitor the state of the computer system so that it performs its expected functions. In the light of the importance of computer maintenance activities, it is adequate for a control system for the maintenance of computers to be developed. It will go a long way to ensure that the systems are in good condition and it will also help to monitor the maintenance state of the systems.

Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) is very important to preserve the reliability of a computer system and it peripherals. Through careful inspection, cleaning, and maintenance, our computer workstations will perform better and last longer than those that are neglected. The PMI is a type of control system for the maintenance of computers that allow system users to detect serious problems before they occur and perhaps prevent system crashes and reduce equipment down time. Preventive maintenance is also periodic in nature. In fact, PMI sometimes stands for Periodic Maintenance Inspection. This information can be programmed so as to have a computerized system that will facilitate monitoring of computer maintenance activities.

1.3 Statement of Problem

Investigation revealed that many computer users are troubled over the rate of breakdown and malfunction of their computer systems. Most times the problems arise as a result of the lack of regular maintenance activities. In addition, since a computer system may contain important files, the lack of proper maintenance may bring about data loss if the system breaks down because of virus attacks and other system threats. Also, the inexperience of computer users on how to maintain the computer system also brings about the problem of system breakdown it is in view of these problems that this research study is carried out to design and implement a control system for the maintenance of computers.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to develop and implement a workable control system for the maintenance of computers. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to design and develop an application software that will:

1. Handle the proper maintenance of the computer system
2. Determine the need for maintenance control of the computer system
3. Determine the activities involved in maintenance control system
4. Determine the limitations of a control system for the maintenance of computers.

1.5 Significance of Study

The significance of the study is that it will provide an effective means to control, perform and monitor the maintenance activities of computer systems. The study is also significant in that it will serve as a useful research material for other researchers seeking information pertaining to the subject. It will provide an easy avenue to perform maintenance routine on computer systems.

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.6 Scope of Study

This study covers the design and implementation of a control system for maintenance of computers using Digital Center, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic as a case study.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).

1.8 Definition of Terms

Maintenance: Work that is done regularly to keep a machine, building, or piece of equipment in good working condition.

Control System: An interconnection of components forming a system configuration that will provide a desired system response.

Troubleshooting: The act or process of identifying and eliminating problems or faults, especially in electronic or computer equipment

Virus: A contagious computer program that is part of another and inserts copies of itself, often damaging the integrity of stored data.

Antivirus: A program that if installed in a computer system will fight against computer virus and prevent them from infecting or corrupting the files in a computer system.

Utility Program: A computer program that performs routine tasks and supports operations, that helps in the maintenance of the computer system.

Lead or procurement time: This is the period of time expressed in days, week’s months etc. between ordering and replenishment i.e leathern goods are available for use.

Demand: This is the amount or quantity required by sales, production etc. per week, month or year etc.

Physical stock: This is the number of items physically in stock at a given time.

Minimum or safety stock: This is a stock allowance to cover errors in re casting the lead time or demand during the lead-time.

Maximum stock level: This is the stock level selected as maximum desirable which is used as an indicator to show that stock have risen too high.

Recorder level: This is the level of stock of which further replenishment order should be proud.

Recorder quantity: This is the quantity of the replenishment order. In some types of inventory control system it is the EOQ.

1.9 Organization of the Research

This research work is organized into five chapters.

Chapter one is concerned with the introduction of the research study and it presents the preliminaries, theoretical background, statement of the problem, aim and objectives of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study, organization of the research and definition of terms.

Chapter two focuses on the literature review, the contributions of other scholars on the subject matter is discussed.

Chapter three is concerned with the system analysis and design. It presents the research methodology, analyzes the present system to identify the problems and provides information on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed system. The system design is also presented in this chapter.

Chapter four presents the system implementation and documentation. The choice of programming language, analysis of modules, choice of programming language and system requirements for implementation.

Chapter five focuses on the summary, conclusion and recommendations are provided in this chapter based on the study carried out.