Operator rounds, plant equipment inspections and risk assessments play a critical role in plant maintenance. They’re also important for environmental, health and safety (EHS) compliance. Effective operator rounds provide timely, actionable information that:
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Reduces plant and equipment downtime, |
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Keeps revenue streams flowing, |
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Eases profit margin pressures, |
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Boosts regulatory compliance. |
Equipment failures and unplanned downtime can have a devastating impact on plant safety, productivity and profitability.
Unfortunately, many operator rounds inspections still use traditional manual data collection methods. These include paper forms, clipboards and Excel spreadsheets. Such methods have proved to be time-consuming, tedious and labor-intensive.
They also often fail to get vital operational, performance, production and safety information to decision makers in a timely manner. This delays appropriate remedial action. It also increases risk. Rather than being proactive in solving issues and problems, plant maintenance and compliance are instead reactive. A different approach is needed.
A Connected Worker Strategy
What is a Connected Worker strategy? A Connected Worker strategy joins technology and digital trends, like:
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Cloud |
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Mobile |
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Wearables |
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Augmented reality |
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AI/ML |
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Virtual assistants |
A Connected Worker strategy aims to help front-line workers get their jobs done faster, better, cheaper and safer. Forward-looking organizations can use a Connected Worker strategy to address plant and equipment downtime, site safety and regulatory compliance.
More Efficient Digital Data Collection
A Connected Worker strategy offers an agile, flexible solution through mobile, digital operator rounds. No more forms or Excel spreadsheets. A Connected Worker strategy digitizes the data collection and distribution process, adding needed speed and efficiency. Operators, technicians and other front-line workers use mobile handheld or hands-free devices to electronically perform their duties. These devices include:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Smart glasses
- Smartwatches
- Drones
Operators simply scan barcodes using a mobile device and enter important data points and measurements. It’s quick, easy and efficient. Once collected, data is automatically and immediately uploaded into a back-office system of record (SAP or IBM Maximo).
Through a Connected Worker strategy, such dynamic, mobile technology can be personalized by site, role, user and geographies. Capabilities can be further aligned to ensure higher productivity and worker safety.
Get Key Operational Data to Decision Makers in Real Time
Decision makers – maintenance and EHS directors, managers and supervisors – can view critical operational, performance and compliance information as it’s gathered in the field in real time. They can analyze data via desktop dashboards or on their mobile device. This eliminates the frustrating delays that prevent timely preventative action.
Decision makers and more experienced technicians can collaborate with the operator conducting the rounds. The operator can take a quick video or photo, share it with the decision maker, and get real-time feedback and instructions on what else to look for that might shed greater light on the situation, even if they’re physically located miles apart.
Now when an operator rounds inspection identifies an issue with an operationally critical pump, a repair work order can be issued before the pump fails, halting production. Likewise, when a safety issue involving scaffolding is identified, it can be fixed before an accident happens that results in a worker injury.
Digitized, Mobile Operator Rounds
Innovapptive is the only Connected Worker platform that digitizes the last mile of your front-line workers into SAP and IBM. We’ve developed Connected Operator Rounds. The Connected Operator Rounds app empowers you and your front-line workers to achieve the efficiency described above.
Connected Operator Rounds delivers a streamlined data collection process, gives technicians and decision makers greater agility and flexibility to share information and collaborate in real time, reduces downtime and mitigates risks. Click here to schedule a free demo, or call us at 844-464-6668.
