Failures and unexpected shutdowns of industrial plant are major causes of financial loss to companies. In cases where experts must be called in the cost of travel and the time lost while they travel can add greatly to the losses incurred by the company. These issues are greatly exacerbated where the support is being provided internationally and equipment and expertise must be flown in over long distances. There are two particular areas where losses can be reduced. Equipment variables can be monitored to allow prediction of failures and estimate remaining equipment life allowing maintenance at scheduled shutdowns, and Experts can use audiovisual communication technologies and current information technologies to provide support remotely, this gives rise to the 'tele-expert'. This paper discusses investigations into both of these areas in the context of an integrating framework called an ASK (Audiovisually-Supported Knowledge) Centre; a product being developed by SchemNZ Ltd.