Shift changes at industrial plants are a critical time of day. Information about what transpired during a shift is passed to the incoming group of workers, managers, and supervisors so they can better understand any changes and potential issues or problems they’ll face during the coming shift. In this blog, you’ll learn how a Cloud-based mobile operator rounds process can get more accurate data to decision makers faster, and provide a clearer picture of what’s going on in the plant when a shift changeover takes place.
Paper-Based Operator Rounds Are Problematic
Despite the fact we’re nearly a quarter of the way into the 21st century, many industrial and manufacturing plants still use a paper-based process to conduct operator rounds and share data collected. This paper-based process offers almost no advantages, especially in a fast-paced environment. Instead, it likely causes as many problems as it solves. Paper-based operator rounds are slow, cumbersome, and frequently inaccurate.
With paper, the operator has to lug around a clipboard or binder, manually entering data – first on the form, then into the back-office ERP. This process means a lot of things can go wrong. For example:
- The clipboard or checklist could be lost or misplaced
- The operator or administrator may not be able to decipher the handwriting
- The operator could be interrupted during the round and forget or overlook a step
- A preventable equipment issue or safety incident could occur during the time it takes to enter paper-based operator rounds information into the back-office system
So, the question arises: Is it worth it to still be using a paper-based process for operator rounds? No, it’s not. Managers and supervisors need a better way to gather, store, and share information during, and after a shift.
Is there a way to accurately gather round information and get it into the hands of managers and supervisors in a timely fashion for rapid action? Is a solution available today that doesn’t require a back-office ERP or a proprietary third-party system and hardware? And, is there a system that can be used by operators without a lot of training or instruction? Finally, is there a solution that can be deployed quickly without weeks, even months, of testing before it’s ready for use?
Happily, the answer to all of those questions is an emphatic yes.
Introducing mRounds: Mobile Operator Rounds for the Cloud
Innovapptive, a global leader in connected worker solutions, has developed a Cloud-based operator rounds system that corrects all the problems associated with a paper-based process. How does it work?
Rather than conducting a round using a paper checklist and clipboard, an operator can complete the inspection in a 100 percent digital manner – no paper or manual data entry is required. The operator instead uses the convenient portability of a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to perform the round.
The manager or supervisor can plan, schedule, and issue a round, configuring the digital form to meet the company’s business needs, in just minutes thanks to Innovapptive’s patented Rapid Application Configuration Engine (RACETM). RACE permits a user to quickly and easily create, edit, and deploy digital forms, even if the user has little or no coding or technical knowledge, or experience.
In the field, the operator electronically completes the form by either checking boxes or filling in fields. The operator cannot skip a step; every portion must be filled in before a round can be finished. Data is automatically uploaded to the Cloud as it is entered. Managers and supervisors may follow round progress in real time, gaining valuable visibility into conditions at the plant and a head start on making knowledge-based decisions on potential remedial action to take, if needed.
mRounds operates as a standalone solution connected to the Cloud. This permits data collection and sharing from anywhere, at any time. The application also offers online/offline capability with rapid synchronization for use in areas with poor connectivity. mRounds operates without an ERP, such as SAP or IBM Maximo. This delivers more freedom and utility. However, the solution can be easily integrated to a back-office ERP if so desired.
What You and Your Team Can Accomplish with mRounds
Innovapptive’s mRounds Cloud-based mobile operators rounds offers an intuitive, easy-to-use solution to:
- Eliminate slow and cumbersome paperwork
- Gain greater operational visibility
- Cut equipment downtime
- Extend and improve asset life and reliability
- Reduce accidents and improve safety compliance
- Decrease operational costs
mRounds offers fully digitized rounds planning and scheduling. Managers and supervisors can easily configure, create, edit, issue, and monitor operator rounds, including:
- Adding data validation rules, filters, and label changes
- Analyzing results to make knowledge-based decisions regarding corrective action
- Assigning and managing tasks, crews, and roles
- Affixing notes and/or photos
- Attaching work instructions and SOPs
- Ensuring mandatory tasks cannot be skipped without a note
On the other side, operators and technicians can raise notifications for corrective action before an issue becomes catastrophic, resulting in a costly EHS incident or asset downtime.
mRounds use cases
- Plan and schedule operator rounds
- Fully digital planning and scheduling based on templates
- Define, customize
- Operator rounds execution
- View and execute tasks from one place
- Digitally access standard procedures and documents
- Work in online and offline modes
- Post execution
- Real-time data capture and execution progress
- Raise notifications directly from the app
- Auto-create work orders
What Differentiates mRounds?
The mRounds solution offers many distinguishing factors that make it unique. This makes it the right choice for any organization wishing to digitally transform operations from the plant of today to the facility of the future where data plays a primary role in operations and production.
Key features and functionalities include:
- Supports Android, iOS, and Windows applications
- Runs on tablet devices, mobiles, and desktops
- Utilizes native mobile device capabilities, such as GPS, camera, and barcode readers
- Easy configuration and customization using no-code/low-code technology
- Intuitive, easy-to-follow workflows with touchscreens
- Works in Offline and Online modes
- Role-based mobile screens
- Integrates with industry-standard barcode/QR code scanners, OCR, printers, and hands-free devices
- Compatible with Bluetooth devices
- Integrates with work order management and work instruction software
- Easy-to-use UI and superior UX
Along with the functionalities above, you’ll also enjoy several primary differentiators:
Easy configuration to meet your unique needs - Customize mRounds for local geographies, specific end-user roles, and more. No previous technical knowledge or coding experience is required.
Completely digital solution - Get rid of paper forms and binders. mRounds works on mobile devices and wearables tied into the Cloud.
No Back-Office System Required - mRounds can operate as a standalone, Cloud-base solution untethered to an ERP. This can reduce operating costs and provide greater utility in use. mRounds can be integrated with SAP or IBM Maximo as needed.
Intuitive and easy to use - Frontline workers can be productive immediately as the solution requires little or no training. mRounds' superior user experience promotes high user adoption rates.
Get up and running almost instantly - mRounds can be deployed in just minutes, providing a rapid time to value.
Start Your Operator Rounds Revolution; Arrange for a Free Demo Today
Keep your team informed. More efficient shift handovers are available now. Discover the benefits and advantages of a Cloud-based mobile operator rounds solution. Our experts are standing by to offer a free demonstration of mRounds, answer your questions and understand your unique needs. Click here or give us a call today at 844-464-6668.
