• ​Identify a list of metrics and KPI’s that are important to monitor

Key performance indicators and defined metrics are important to monitor because most companies are dependent on suppliers and the global supplier network makes it difficult to manage and track supplier performance. As a result, failure to manage and monitor supplier performance can lead to major supply chain disruptions, delivery problems, poor quality, and other issues that damage a company’s credibility, as well as the bottom line. 

• Measure and track costs of supplier quality

Tracking the costs associated with supplier quality helps to determine business productivity and measure the impacts associated with doing business with a supplier.  By tracking costs, companies reduce risk associated with doing business with certain suppliers, maintain a competitive business advantage, and track ROI.  

• Maintain a corrective action plan

Maintaining a corrective action or preventative action plan is very important in dealing with any potential problems or future incidents. The results of the corrective action process should be to implement a corrective action to remove identified problems, improve product quality and improve the overall effectiveness of the quality management system.

• Create a supplier risk scorecard

Companies can configure a scorecard to meet specific needs. Set thresholds for acceptable, moderate, and severe risk levels. With multiple categories to choose from, companies can measure and view overall supplier risk.

• Maintain a collaborative environment and enforce supply chain audits

With so many different and new suppliers in the oil and gas industry, the risk associated with doing business has increased and it is more important than ever to reduce that risk in the supply chain by increasing the number, frequency, and duration of audits performed. By maintaining awareness and collaboration creates effective relationships to minimize and track risk.
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Accupoint’s family of compliance solutions can help implement all of the best practices suggested above.  To find out how Accupoint Software can help manage your supply chain requirements , please contact us today.

​Considering the recent drop in crude oil prices and how it affects business development and systems management globally, oil and gas industry experts propose that leaders view this as an opportunity to address talent and technology needs. In light of layoffs and stalled project advances, businesses are looking to do more with less

There are many advantages to using cloud-based technology, especially when your talent pool has been downsized:

• Increased operational knowledge retention
• Improved communications with customers and partners
• Improved process management to minimize operational issues
• Increased savings in cost and time 
• Faster returns on your investment due to operational  efficiencies

Due to changes within the industry and the demand to remain competitive within a global market, many businesses are adopting technological solutions to fill the void of talent and the mandate to do more with less. In fact, many businesses discover better business practices as they learn to operate according to a leaner, more efficient model.
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For a demonstration of how Accupoint Software can help improve your operational efficiency, we invite you to contact us today. 

​With the fluctuation of oil prices lately, it’s natural for organizations within the oil and gas industry to worry about the uncertain times.   As oil and gas producers examine questions about locking in demand and thriving during a period of oversupply, questions of efficiency improvements and business model adjustments are at the forefront.
 
A common mistake that companies make during difficult times, is to focus on cost-cutting measures. Typically, employees and the knowledge they possess is often the first casualty of any downturn. In order to succeed long term, an organization must protect the institutional knowledge that is critical for continued success and growth.
 
The oil and gas industry has demonstrated the ability to be inventive by integrating new technology to address this problem.  As an example, many organizations are using the current downtime to implement a knowledge management system to capture and archive important process and procedures information.  As the industry recovers, these systems will guarantee employee learning and productivity improvements from the field to the boardroom.
 
Simply stated, are you prepared to thrive in a business environment that is volatile and uncertain?
While there are real challenges within the industry, opportunities exist to adjust and prosper into the future.  For more information on how Accupoint can help you manage these uncertain times, contact us today.

​The current Covid 19 pandemic reminds us employees, operations, supply chains and customer relations can all be affected by unplanned disruptions.  That is why every business needs a plan to meet potential interruptions with clarity, confidence and calm.

​​That being said, the development of a set of comprehensive contingency plans comes in handy.  A good contingency plan will identify likely disruptions and identify develop action items designed to minimize the impact on operational performance.

To that end, we have detailed 8 steps for effective contingency planning:
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1. Start by setting up a committee and chose a lead.  The leader will provide the skills, tools and direction so that each department can develop its own plans.  Contingency planning is a big task, so involve the appropriate number of people to maximize input.
2. Record the business processes for each department.
3. Identify issues (real and potential) that can negatively impact business operations.
4. Review the issues list with department managers and rank contingency priority to help focus plan development.
5. Create plans to address each prioritized issue.  Try to minimize the number of steps required to resume operations.
6. Test your contingency plans. If a portion of the plan is flawed or conflicts with other contingency plans, modify and then reassess the plan.
7. Formalize and communicate the plan with applicable personnel within the organization.
8. Finally, make sure to review the plan at pre-determined intervals to insure continued relevance.   This review will help identify areas for improvement.

By following the steps outlined above, you will be well on your way to creating effective contingency plans that chart realistic tactics and achievable goals in addressing potential operational disruptions.

To learn more about how Accupoint can help streamline your contingency planning, please contact us today.
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Stay safe and healthy!

​New technology continues to overwhelm and amaze us as faster and smaller devices with specific software continue to make a major difference in how we live our lives and conduct our work. 

Here are two helpful reminders when considering purchasing and installing new technology. First, the education and training of the workforce is just as important as the equipment itself. New technology touted to save your staff time and energy cannot work if the staff doesn't fully understand how to use it. Training and support are required. Be sure to factor into any purchase decision the ability for users to ask questions and then be willing to consistently evaluate if the software is working as it was intended.
 
The second consideration is a focus on mobile technology. The benefits of mobile computing are numerous and include: data capture in the field, ease of collaboration from multiple locations, and better decision making. This in turn improves efficiency, communication and profitability.  Many organizations understand these benefits, but are not fully embracing it in their day to day operations. 
 
For more information on Accupoint's mobile solutions and our ability to empower employees and increase productivity in the manufacturing, energy and service industries, please contact us today.