Why digital running lists actively contribute to improving process reliability in industries
So-called ” running lists” support inspectors during regular inspections – whether in fire protection, maintenance, plant inspection or security. Compared to the paper-based form still used in many places, digital routing lists make a significant contribution to improving safety, especially in complex processes, in critical infrastructures or in extensive areas.
Inspection rounds to check systems, workplaces and buildings are an integral part of occupational and process safety in companies, as they help to ensure the quality of processes and the safety of employees. A common “tool” for monitoring actual conditions and comparing them with target conditions are so-called “running lists”, which inspection personnel use to record data during the rounds. In many companies, they are still provided in paper form.
Advantages of digital running lists
Digital running lists have decisive advantages over their paper-based counterparts: The data is available electronically right from the start and can be stored centrally across all locations. Thanks to the centralized provision, everyone works with the latest version, which is provided via smartphone and saves walking distances. In addition, routing lists react dynamically to entries, and it is also possible to branch out into various subsequent processes: if, for example, the delivery pressure of a pump is lower than specified, a warning message opens immediately upon entry and the inspector can send a message for maintenance or create a task for a specific person. The streamlined and seamless processes therefore consume significantly less working time than the paper form.
No more user errors
Practice has shown that digital running lists counteract typical user errors: individual points cannot be skipped or accidentally forgotten. Data that is not plausible is resubmitted to the auditor. There are no illegible entries, and the inspector always has the current, possibly multilingual checklist to hand thanks to the central document repository. The start and end times of the inspection round are automatically set in the digital checklists, allowing inspection times to be monitored centrally – and this also provides security for the inspector, as they can prove that an error only occurred after their round was completed, for example. Employees can use the digital routing lists regardless of their computer skills, as most are familiar with the use of smartphone apps.
Greater insight through better data
More data is often passed on digitally than with paper-based inspections, be it with image, voice or text information. If the inspector detects a malfunction in a unit, for example, he can also document this with a photo and mark the position using a GPS signal so that maintenance can locate the problem more quickly. It is also possible to create ad-hoc evaluations of inspections and defects. These and similar functions not only improve the quality of inspections. Better data also provides greater insight, and users can make better decisions and deductions.
Optimized for mobile devices
Digital running lists are optimized for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets: The person carrying out the inspection can complete the digital checklist online or offline and sign it electronically. This means that there is no need to store the data in paper form. When data is entered offline, it is automatically synchronized as soon as a network connection to the central system is available again.
Process security for food, healthcare and CRITIS companies
As digital routing lists are location- and device-independent, their use contributes to process reliability in the food and healthcare sectors as well as in critical infrastructure (CRITIS companies). The inspector does not have to carry their mobile device with them throughout the entire inspection process, but can, for example, interrupt the checklist in zone A and resume it in zone B on another device. This process design makes it possible to avoid cross-contamination caused by a device being carried along, for example.
Connected worker platform as a central communication hub
Everything that is entered in the digital running list can be synchronized directly with other Connected Worker applications such as the FINITO digital shift log. There, an event – such as the pump’s delivery pressure being too low – is immediately visible to all affected employees, maintenance can take immediate action and management staff are also immediately informed.
Your added value
- Master data transfer. Labor saving, as master data such as inspector, date, time etc. is automatically transferred from other systems; support selection fields.
- Task management. As part of task planning, digital running lists can be triggered and assigned to individual inspectors, planning of intervals and deadlines possible.
- Evaluations and reporting. Data can be comprehensively evaluated and summarized in reports. Storage in a central database. Interfaces to other systems.
- Platform-independent. The digital running lists work on any IT device and with any platform – be it iOS, Windows or Android. They can be accessed as an app or via Internet Explorer.
- Integrated. The digital running lists can be used as a stand-alone solution. Integration with other IT systems, in particular the FINITO shift book, is also possible.
- Layout in your own corporate design. The layout of the digital routing lists can be designed according to your own CD guidelines.
Changes are continuously updated and the data is archived in a central database in an audit-proof manner. The data can be exported in various formats, for example to Excel, for evaluation. Connection to common master data and reporting systems is possible.
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Christoph Schiffer
Sales Team Germanedge