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 manufacturing industry, I have witnessed first hand how data collection has saved money, jobs, and in some cases, I would argue, saved lives.
Plant operations are a series of dependent assets that work together to produce a product. Each asset is important and the operation depends on it to run efficiently. Many assets are complex and require daily monitoring and maintenance. Data such as pressure, voltage, and temperature are just a few points that may be collected throughout any scenario. Tracking of this data provides operators and managers guidance as to how they can run a safer and more profitable enterprise. It also can alert operators to potential failures with equipment that could be harmful and cause injury. Staying ahead of the game can save lives.
In the event of an incident, data is critical in determining cause and future prevention. I have seen how a lack of data can set a company up for liability and can even cause operations to be shut down completely. The result can be catastrophic. Without the collection of relevant data, improvements cannot be accurately made to prevent further incidents from occurring.
Data collection can be wearisome for operators, especially those with high stress or heavy workloads. Antiquated processes and redundancy can cause fatigue and lowered morale that may result in data being overlooked or missed. It is our job as managers to ensure that relevant data is captured within our operations that in turn promotes safety, quality, and efficiency. Therefore the process by which it is captured is equally as important as how it is captured.
For years, paper logs have been used throughout industries to record and capture data. Still today, several operations continue to use paper. Many have moved into the twentieth century with the use of customized spreadsheets. While spreadsheets do offer a form of digital capture, they are difficult to organize and lack the ability to search multiple documents when specific data is needed for recall. Larger operations have purchased costly software solutions that can perform a multitude of functions with simple data capture being one.
But what about the vast majority of users who can’t afford large, robust, and costly software? Are we stuck with the “old school” way of doing things? I have found a better way to collect data and collaborate with teams. Doozer Software has built an easy to use system called LogBook that makes collecting data in the form of notes a breeze. Operations can be up and running within minutes with the ability to customize templates and even set alerts when the need arises. No more archaic paper logs or keeping up with spreadsheets. LogBook makes shift communications more streamlined and effective. With features like search and audit logs, managers can easily locate the data they need on demand.
An easy to implement and use system like LogBook can be a highly cost effective solution to enhance the way you collect data within your operation. However you choose to move into the future, keep good records, keep them organized and keep processes easy for operators to understand and execute on a daily basis. I think you will find that the more data is at your fingertips the more comfortable everyone in your operation will be.
For more information on how LogBook can help you, contact us at 205-413-8298 or email us at info@trylogbook.com