Everything Changed On 9-11 And We’re Still Adapting
We perceived a different world prior to 9/11, but we were harshly awakened to a new reality that day. America is not Mayberry RFD any longer. Some things changed quickly: TSA, the department of Homeland Security, Physical cockpit security on airplanes, but in other...
Who can get to Substation Charley, PDQ?
In any large-scale utility operation, there are complex remote facilities that have to be serviced. Of course there are other, non-utility businesses with the same issue, but it’s particularly a concern for power systems with their substations, gas pipelines, pumping...
Operational Accountability – Are your rounds truly being done?
Walkdowns and rounds are simply easier and better with a good mobile inspection platform. The ability to include pictures and comments in context with various measurements and observations is invaluable. However, one question we often get from managers and supervisors...
Digital Transformation and The Cloud
As a disruptor and leader in the LogBook and Mobile Inspection solution industry, we are sometimes asked why our solution is Cloud Based. To truly understand it, you have to consider where the future of business solutions is going. The following important observations...
Digital Transformation and Plant Walkdowns
Walkdowns. Rounds. Checkdowns. Inspections. Regardless of terminology, essentially all significant plant-like operations have ongoing manual inspections that must be performed to ensure operating continuity, efficiency and safety. If you are not using a mobile...
Compliance Audit – Have You Been Dinged?
Have you been dinged, yet? Odds are, you very well may be. Last week, we were meeting with an existing client, demonstrating one of our latest product offerings. They were extremely interested, which it not unusual, but they were more engaged than usual. We learned...
Mediocrity or Excellence, The Choice is Yours
Fatigue. It’s the enemy. Complacency. It’s the enemy. In any operation, daily repetition causes fatigue and complacency that introduce risk. The challenge is to fight the fatigue, avoid complacency and continuously improve. But, how is that done? Most can recognize...
Operational Awareness – Why It Matters
If I could summarize my observations of the various operations that I’ve visited, the biggest issue I’ve witnessed is a lack of operational awareness. Let’s look at what it means and why you should focus your energy on achieving it. What is Operational...
Visitor Logs- What’s New And Why It Matters
It’s a new day. One can’t tune-in to the news without hearing about scary assaults that were once unimaginable. Regulatory bodies are responding and not only pointing out our vulnerabilities, but in many cases requiring a more rigorous process and documentation to...
Notes On The Move
Whether I am visiting a manufacturing plant, a power generation facility, hotel, or logistics warehouse, they all seem to have the need to capture notes on the go. It may be a leaking valve or a broken window. You may see a safety hazard that needs reporting or you...
Digitized Records – Return Found
Regardless of your industry, there are some universal practices that are worth your investment. Whether you are working in manufacturing, energy production, petrochemical, or logistics it is important to invest in an easy-to-use record keeping software. Here are...
NERC – CMEP IP Part 3 – Keeping Good Records
Keeping Good Records – Why it Matters In any operation, unexpected events will happen. At some point, with all of the moving parts involved, the odds are that devices, machines, processes, and people will fail. Generally speaking, the effects may be minimal but...
NERC CMEP IP Part 2 – The Process
Building a Process Last week we discussed the creation of a solid plan for the upcoming year to ensure a safer more compliant operation. A good plan is your initial step into the right direction. Now come the details. The question “How will I get the plan implemented...
NERC CMEP Implementation Plan Part 1 – PLAN
Setting up for Success As 2017 comes to a close and 2018 is on the horizon, plants around the country are determining what measures need to be taken in order to meet NERC compliance and reliability standards. Each entity has its own set of challenges but there are...
How to Stop Using Spreadsheets and Paper
CASE STUDY - AMEA-Sylacauga Plant Learn how the AMEA Sylacauga Power Generation Plant is moving from paper logs and spreadsheets to a more efficient and more robust system for capturing Operational log data. FACTS Company Name: AMEA Sylacauga Plant...
Are Communication Breakdowns Damaging Your Operation?
Are Communication Breakdowns Damaging Your Operation? Clear, consistent communication among team members is important in almost every type of business. But in industries where safety and environmental concerns are just as important as getting orders right and pleasing...
The Importance of Collecting Data
I think most of us would agree that having access to data is important, but many times we may fall short of setting a priority to collect it. The data that may seem to be insignificant today could be the very thing that protects us tomorrow. Over my many years in the...
Workplace Accidents Caused By Poor Shift Communications.
2014 - DuPont LaPorte Toxic Chemical Leak Nearly 24,000 pounds of the toxic chemical, methyl mercaptan, was released after a series of shift communication mistakes. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board investigation reported that the errors began five days previous to the...
Importance of Digital Logs
Proper documentation is essential to a safe and efficient operation. Whether your operation is large or small, keeping a log of activities and issues can help managers understand how their team and equipment are performing throughout each day...
Why You Should NOT Use Paper Logbooks
10 Reasons You Should Abandon Paper Logbooks. Although numerous advancements have been made in the energy and manufacturing industries to create efficiencies, it is surprising that many companies are still using paper logbooks to track...