Business success and operational excellence rely on many things. Realistic and far-reaching company goals and the right business systems are key ingredients for this success. But at a more basic level, success is traced to one corporate asset: people.

The competency and dedication of an organization’s personnel are the biggest reasons for its success or failure, which is why the API Spec Q2 standard addresses the training and competency of personnel from the start. Training & competency is an important part of every successful organization’s mission, and the Q2 spec formalizes the development process. Documenting skill assessments and tracking training milestones ensures that a competent workforce remains focused on the quality of their actions and outcomes.

It makes sense; a well-trained employee will assess risk in a systematic and logical manner. This activity carries on through the service and process design review, and into contingency planning, where competency is critical for proper prevention, mitigation, and communication during an unplanned event.

The Q2 spec also requires tight controls on the supply chain and service quality planning functions. Trained personnel need to be competent in assessing suppliers, developing methods for qualification, controlling subcontractors, and documenting plans. The Q2 spec clearly defines requirements for quality management in these subjects for personnel to follow, as well as for preventive maintenance, change management, and other areas.

Success in these areas still comes down to one thing - people - personnel who know their functions, and understand their process. Accupoint’s SAM Q2 platform can help streamline all of the API Spec Q2 requirements, starting with training & competency. To learn more, please contact us.

Training increases the knowledge base of employees, increasing performance and positively impacting the bottom line. However, training is becoming very complex with the growth in technology and learning styles. Understanding the needs of your business and employees is crucial in having effective training.

To that end, we have listed 4 best practices to help improve your training process:

• Set Clear Goals: Regardless of the teaching methods implemented for your training, setting precise goals is a must. Clear goals demonstrate the outcome of the training session, ensuring business trainers stay on track and employees understand where they are heading.
• Offer Several Learning Methods: Studies have discovered the many learning styles used by individuals to increase understanding. The complexity of the mind reflects the uniqueness of every human being; however, this can be a difficult aspect to manage when providing a training session. In order to ensure training is effective, it is crucial to choose a method which reflects what needs to be taught and offers many learning opportunities for the employees. For example, use an oral presentation while also engaging the learnings through writing or hands on activities.
• Give Coaching: After a training session, offer the employees coaching to keep new skills sharp and to clarify confusions. Through coaching, the new skills can be enhanced without another in-depth training session. To increase the acceptance of continued learning, foster a love of learning in your business by highlighting the importance and value of learning to their personal goals within the business.
• Provide Orientation: Providing an orientation to your new employees allows the employees to feel comfortable starting their new job while also presenting the needed skills. Orientation provides bonding with co-workers and supervisors, creating an atmosphere of respect. Providing key information and training before an employee begins also fosters the love of learning to opening the door for future coaching.

For more information on how Acupoint can help your organization meet the needs of API Spec Q2’s Training and Competency requirements, give us a call at 800.563.6250 or click here for more information.

Youngstown, OH—August 25, 2014.   Accupoint Software, LLC a global provider of compliance management software solutions, is pleased to announce our association with the Wollam Petroleum Advisory Group (WPAG), LLC.   WPAG is a world recognized consulting firm that supports the oil and gas industry by working with operators, service providers, regulators and the American Petroleum Institute on the development of industry standards, training, and certification.

The change in focus on quality systems requires companies to rethink their approach to compliance. The distribution agreement between Accupoint Software, LLC and WPAG, LLC will utilize the specialties of both companies to assist manufacturers and service providers in meeting the ever-changing market demands as well as build progressive compliance management programs.

 “Accupoint Software is extremely pleased to be working with such a progressive and successful organization, said Jeff Cianciola, CEO of Accupoint Software, LLC.  Oil & Gas product and service providers are under increasing pressure from customers to comply with new compliance standards and regulations.  We believe that this agreement creates a synergistic effect for our customers by combining leading edge technology with best practice consulting.”

"The combination of Accupoint and WPAG, LLC creates an exciting opportunity for the Industry," said Bryan Wollam, CEO, WPAG, LLC. "In addition to creating world-class products and services, this is a compelling strategic partnership which ensures the mitigation of risk and process optimization for both company’s clients. This agreement will yield many synergies and benefits to the industry today and in the years ahead. Jeff Cianciola and his team have created an innovative, comprehensive integrated platform, meeting the intent of API Q1 and Q2. Accupoint and WPAG, LLC will work together to deliver the most innovative IT solutions and services, which guarantees a superior customer experience within the highly competitive and dynamic marketplace in which we operate."

The agreement benefits client companies by delivering an innovative structure of consulting, training and solutions to provide a foundation for success.

About Wollam Petroleum Advisory Group, LLC

The Wollam Petroleum Advisory Group specializes in the development, implementation and sustainment of management systems that improve efficiencies while minimizing risks. WPAG has international experience with the development of industry standards, consulting, training, auditing, and inspection of both large and small operators, manufacturers, and service providers. 

The Wollam Petroleum Advisory Group is a privately held corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, go to: http://www.wollampag.com

About Accupoint Software, LLC

Accupoint Software LLC is a global provider of innovative compliance management systems.  Our solutions empower companies of all sizes to make optimal decisions that improve profitability and positively impact operations.  Our integrated platforms streamline business processes, increase customer satisfaction and help organizations to navigate today’s complex regulatory requirements.

Accupoint Software LLC is a privately held corporation headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio. For more information visit: http://www.accupointsoftware.com