THE TRADITIONAL METHOD OF EQUIPMENT CONTROL
With most major projects involving cranes, typically all lifting equipment is stored in rigging lofts where they can be protected, controlled and logged-in and out.
The tracking and logging of the equipment has traditionally been undertaken using T-cards and paper-based spreadsheets located in the rigging loft. This manual process provides a basic in/out control of the equipment but relies solely on individuals writing the information correctly and does not track the length of time or the location of the equipment once logged-out.
THE CHALLENGES
T-Cards are a time consuming, often flawed, old school approach to tracking lifting equipment. Setting up the T-Cards, spreadsheets and certification packages is a time-consuming process with lengthy associated man-hours. This often leads to further time being wasted with the end-user losing or struggling to locate test certificates once the equipment arrives in the field. Additionally, there is no way of tracking the state of the equipment or its location and the length of time it was in service.
To align with lifting regulations and the HSE, audits are carried out periodically, where the end-user proves the correct processes are in place. The end user must demonstrate the equipment and certification can be located as requested. Unfortunately, the conventional processes can make this challenging for the auditor.
Lifting supervisors are tasked with knowing where the equipment is located on the facility and how long it will be there. They have to undertake regular checks of the equipment in use and provide check sheets. In audits, they must identify equipment locations and provide test certificates.
Inspectors often spend considerable time locating equipment prior to any inspection and use the last inspection report from the previous 6 or 12 months as the basis for their current work activities because they do not have access to the latest status of the equipment or its location.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Technology can and will play a major part in improving the overall process. The sheer lack of it highlights the substantial man-hours consumed trying to control lifting equipment, certification and carrying out audits.
Due to the lack of data, sites are often overstocked with lifting equipment which can lead to unnecessary third-party inspectors’ expenditure.
The current T-card system or paper-based systems provide basic in/out control but do not give any detailed location or schedule information. In addition, these systems do not provide any overall detailed usage information that can be used for decision making and improvements.
THE SOLUTION
Rig-Ware is a tablet-based app specifically designed to provide a day-to-day management tool for the deck crews.
The inspection spreadsheet is used to populate the Rig-Ware database which provides the base information for use within the tablet. The Rig-Ware system checks equipment in and out efficiently and provides timing information, identifies personnel, locations and sends out alerts for equipment due back. It supports rapid multiple bookings of equipment.
The creation of check lists makes the process digital and more efficient, removing the need to write down the information or re-type into a spreadsheet instantly improving operations for the deck crew and making the lifting supervisor’s role easier and more efficient.
Because the day-to-day data is captured, it can be used to provide vital usage information. For the first time, supervisors and managers have real-time accurate information on, frequency, duration, and usage/non usage of equipment.
This technology enables inventory levels to be based on real time data, reducing overspend, optimising operations and providing commercially sound decisions.
At Intebloc, we are focused on developing technology-based solutions for the management and improvement of lifting and crane operations. For more information, please get in touch.
info@intebloc.com