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Smartflow is a SaaS solution to model, prepare, execute, and analyze inspection checklists. Inspectors in the field use Smartflow's mobile app to efficiently execute workflows and capture data that is shared with internal and external stakeholders in real-time.
Wearables integration
It has been on our priority list to embed the voice commands and visualization feature into our builders so that business users can configure their use cases without a technical background.
Wearables and keyboardless technologies are making their way into the inspections sector, and we’ve seen an increase in demand, especially since COVID-19 regulations. Remote inspections and contactless inspections are necessary since having too many people on site can be dangerous and too risky.
Being equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS smart glasses are the next future-proof addition to mobile inspections. Smartflow is leveraging their capabilities to help field inspectors and operators share data with the back-end team without having more than necessary people on site.
Using Smart Glasses in inspection processes
Industrial companies have expressed higher interest in smart glasses to facilitate their remote inspection and control their internal processes. This technology secures the inspectors’ safety and allows anyone involved in the process to assist the inspection remotely.
Traveling hours for just a couple of minutes of inspection is no longer necessary as long as you integrate the smart glasses with a remote assistance platform. At Smartflow, we help users conduct these inspections or audits hands-free, ensuring all visual data is converted into documents.
Smart glasses inspection is a powerful tool to have contactless inspections as you can use voice commands to take pictures, videos, set-up forms, checklists, and any other action inspectors would normally use their hands.
If inspectors find themselves in a difficult situation while in the middle of an inspection and they need information from a PDF file explaining more thoroughly how the machine in front of them works, instead of not completing the inspection and being forced to travel back to the office, they simply address the command and the file will be shown on the screen of their smart glasses.
This situation is unfortunately still encountered and there are times when inspectors will not complete the inspection due to a lack of proper documentation. The use of smart glasses helps companies avoid situations like this and support the inspectors fully.
Remote assistance
While on-site, the inspector can follow all the steps he needs to take through the smart glasses. Access visual instructions, watch videos, and listen to real-time guidance from their supervisors.
These tools help the inspector shorten their periods, increase quality control as everything can be visualized in real-time by other inspectors or supervisors, and make sure they gather all the information in one visit to the site. This method assures knowledge transfer and data access, as you can record the entire inspection for future references.
Industrial companies are performing inspections of assets daily to make sure that safety is assured. In the production line, quality control inspections are mandatory to perform every day.
Most inspections are conducted internally, either by the company’s operators, inspectors, or managers. But there are audits and regulatory inspections where government agencies, external auditors, and customers request to participate.
Given the current situation where safety restrictions are still quite aggressive, businesses can’t risk having too many people on site. Using smart glasses as an alternative creates a transparent and safe communication bridge between inspectors and the other parties.
Hands-free inspections in maintenance processes
To assure work safety and business stability, companies perform routine maintenance of their industrial equipment. To be compliant with the government regulations, many of these inspections are mandatory.
We have already seen how the maintenance process time shortens when companies support smart glasses inspections. These companies have also managed to cut travel time and costs and invest the budget in other innovative strategies.
Smart glasses technology allows field workers to move freely through hard-to-reach areas as tunnels and not worry about the inspection device they carry or the other tools they might need to use. The hands-free features offer inspectors lightness and comfort.
Using the command voice to open their Smartflow app, inspectors fill up the inspection forms quickly, accurately, all while assuring the data is recorded safely.
Knowledge transfer and training with Smart Glasses
Besides assisting the field inspector, companies can use smart glasses to train new young workers who might lack knowledge of machines due to less experience.
In the eventuality of experienced inspectors getting sick, leaving the company, or retiring, less experienced inspectors can be assisted in real-time. This way, companies can ensure all inspections are free of errors and they're consistent.
Businesses can also turn old inspections into video training and use them to onboard new workforce saving the current inspectors time by not involving them directly. Moreover, the new inspectors can access the information any time they need it.
If an inspector has to fill in a new form in their Smartflow app but still need guidance to do it, they access a video recording of a later inspection and follow the steps. This way, companies train independent inspectors that know where they can access information without waiting for someone to share their knowledge with them.
Smartflow helps companies implement hands-free inspections
Our mature solution paired up with wearable technology is reshaping how inspections have been conducted for so many years.
We have been testing our business solution in smart glasses, drones, smart helmets, scanners, chatbots, handhelds, and many other industries 4.0 technologies for an extended period to assure companies we can help them create a lean administration.
If you provide inspection services, this is the perfect opportunity to embrace these new technologies and rethink your business model.
TESTIMONIALS
Leo Brand
With the rollout of the Smartflow platform at our terminals, we will be able to speed up, building our digital infrastructure to transform our frontline operations. Our people at the terminal will be able to work much more efficiently, and they will be supported in standardizing processes like ISGOTT and digital operator rounds.
Thomas Visser
Usage of the Smartflow environment makes it much easier to standardize workflows and to reduce administrative time and errors. For example, when a tanker is discharging her cargo, only questions relevant for discharging activities are provided.
Furthermore standard information and remarks that are applicable for Vopak Terminal Europoort such as emergency procedures, can be pre-filled thus reducing the amount of questions that need to be performed.
Having all data in one digital environment makes it possible for each stakeholder to have easy access to all relevant and up-to-date ISGOTT documents. Zero paper waste as operators perform the process using a PC and ATEX certified tablet.
Mark van der Wolf
Smartflow offers MOBA many advantages in terms of efficiency and lead time reduction of the service order process. By implementing the user-friendly Smartflow, we expect a significant reduction in the manual administrative work of both the service engineers and the back office.
Mario Rovers
The Smartflow app helps inspectors collect and interpret data. We can easily analyze data and prepare for future events or to predict failure. Data can be analyzed immediately consequently improving the quality of inspections.
Schedule an inspiration call with us to discuss your current processes and how we can digitize them for you.
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