How does Digital work?
Depending on your setup, needs and requirements, Digital Inspection can often be tailored to meeting what you require. In short, safety inspection software converts the items on inspection checklists previously carried out manually to an electronic form. Using a personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet or smartphone, an inspector can use the electronic form to carry out any type of inspection.
The inspection process can be simply summarised as follows:
STEP 1
The safety inspection software will generate a work order when a scheduled inspection is due to be undertaken, providing the inspector with an electronic checklist. The work order is sent wirelessly to the device of the inspector.
STEP 2
Once the inspector has received the work order and checklist, the inspection software is started at the site/facility or location of the asset/equipment piece. With GPS timestamps and reference material, the inspector can verify the previous inspection history, the checklist type and necessary guidance.
STEP 3
The inspector makes inspection recordings to undertake the work order on the electronic checklist using features such as the device camera to take pictures or scan barcodes/RFID. Recordings can also usually be made with speech-to-text services and standardised response checklist input. Through smart checklist layout, only necessary steps are taken saving time but ensuring the right information is captured.
STEP 4
Once the inspection has been finished and the checklist completed, the inspection software sends the information to a database which safely and securely stores the report for analysis and future access. The inspection report is automatically filed against the historical tracking for that facility/equipment piece etc., and the system is updated to show the work order as complete. The inspection information can be accessed at any time and reports generated, shared and distributed as required.
Is there More?
Digital inspection solutions often come with possibility to tailor the inspection process at certain points to meet organisational needs and requirements. This can involve things such as hosting the inspection solution on in-house servers or through Cloud-based systems (SaaS). Often modern inspection solutions can run on iOS or Android devices, but for certain locations, a rugged or intrinsically safe solution is needed. With increasingly industry availability, paperless inspection solutions are now available for organisations and businesses with such requirements.