The use of mobile technology is the future of conducting Compliance and Safety inspections as it addresses many issues and streamlines the process of compliance  inspection.

How does a safety inspector find the right paperless inspection solution?

By following three simple steps, described below, safety inspectors can accelerate the selection process and ensure that their selection would fit their needs:

  1. First, determine what you want the paperless solution to do for you. Make sure you understand your current processes and information flow.

Try to answer the following questions:

  • List things that work well within your current process and things that can improve. Focus on the process and NOT on software or mobile devices.
  • Prioritise potential improvement areas
  • Describe a short scenario where improvements can achieve your objectives. For example, minimize unnecessary administrative tasks such as rescheduling safety inspections, or eliminating unnecessary data entry in the office.

At this point, you have gathered your requirements.  Now try to answer the following:

  • Who will use the system? How technology proficient are the users? (remember to separate field safety inspectors requirements from managers and supervisors).
  • What are your procedures for paperwork flow? Will the software improve this flow or make it worse?
  1. Next, evaluate features offered by different solution providers and compare them to your needs. Create a list of desired features so you can compare ‘apples-to apples’ without getting confused (or blindsided) by the different vendor presentations.

When reviewing brochures offered by vendors or when speaking with sales people, it is sometimes difficult to clearly identify the differences between the packages.  However, certain packages offer significantly better value than their competitors, both in terms of functionalities, ease of use, and price.

Electronic Forms

The differences between the paperless inspection applications can be highlighted in the following areas:

  • How comprehensive is their solution and their app? Is it easy-to-learn and easy-to-use?
  • How easily does the mobile devices application integrate with the desktop/server component?
  • Does the package enable efficient planning of safety inspection activities by using schedulers and alerts, and by automating repetitive tasks?
  • Is the solution easy to use? Does it offer different levels to different users related to their responsibilities?
  • Does the solution minimize unnecessary administrative tasks such as reminders and repetitive activities? For example, alerts, escalation procedures, and other exceptions should be automated and should alert users proactively.  Regular safety inspection due dates should be automatically calculated based on schedules, etc.
  • Does it include management functions, reports, queries and exceptions? Can the solution help planning and can it highlight problem areas?

 

  1. Finally, determine the best value and fit; Include in your evaluation important factors such as the ability to tailor a solution to your needs and the cost of the solution.

Once you have created your short list of potential packages, look at the following factors to choose ‘the right solution for you’:

  • Is the provider willing to tailor the solution to your needs if required?
  • Can you customise settings, such as field aliases and screens available to each user?
  • Will you be able to expand the use of the package without ‘hidden’ module charges, costs and complexities?
  • Does the package include future software releases, so when new and improved features are added you will be receiving these upgrades without excessive additional charges?
  • And finally – is the solution within your budget?

Maintaining this focused approach is the best way to select a safety inspection package that is right for your needs.  By taking the time to systematically research and evaluate your options, you avoid regretting hasty decisions later.

 

We suggest using Pervidi
– Visit Pervidi AUS or Vist Pervidi America / Canada 

To find out more about the digital safety inspections view the link below
– Benefits of Digital Safety Inspections
– Customer Satisfaction Through Paperless Automation
How to automate your inspection process 
Intrinsically Safe Mobile Devices 
Digital Australian Standards Checklist on Mobile Devices 

Or learn more about Pervidi and our features
Automation 
Features 
– Pervidi’s Clients
– Pervidi Mobile Software
 Inspection Software
CMMS 

 

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