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One of the biggest concerns that companies struggle with as they transition to a new QMS software application, is what to do with their legacy data. Understanding the investment of time and resources required to effectively implement a new software system will help to focus the transition process and reduce frustration. At Accupoint Software, our goal is to help you get up and running as quickly as possible, so that they can realize an ROI in short order.
To that end, we have incorporated 4 methods for users to import their legacy data into the platform:
1.Upload and Attach
If you have previously developed process documentation, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Simply upload and attach the applicable documents into the system. Once entered, the platform will handle access and revision control duties. For example, if you have an existing standard operating procedure (SOP), you can simply upload and attach the file into the Accupoint document management system.
2.Template Import
If you maintain your records on an excel spreadsheet and want to transition to the Accupoint platform; simply download an import template, populate it with your data and click a button to import. The system will take care of formatting the existing data and creating new records. For example, if you are maintaining your corrective action program on a spreadsheet, populate the applicable import template and upload into the Accupoint application.
3.Active Link
If your organization uses an ERP or accounting system program, you can connect your QMS with the external application alleviating the need for redundant data entry. For example, if you are using an Accounting System to track payroll expense for your employees, there is no need to enter those records into you Accupoint application. With the Active Link technology, the platform will automatically scan the external application and create a corresponding employee training record in your QMS platform.
4.Legacy Load™
Send us your legacy data and we will do the rest. With our Legacy Load™ service, we take the hassle out of converting to a new system. Our technical services team will load your legacy data, users, and company information into the application, and alert you when your system is ready use.
To summarize, it is important to get your new QMS system up and running as quickly as possible. We understand that daily responsibilities sometimes get in the way of achieving this goal. At Accupoint,, we have developed processes and built-in functionality to ensure your success. To learn more about legacy data import options, please contact a member of support team today.
1.Upload and Attach
If you have previously developed process documentation, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Simply upload and attach the applicable documents into the system. Once entered, the platform will handle access and revision control duties. For example, if you have an existing standard operating procedure (SOP), you can simply upload and attach the file into the Accupoint document management system.
2.Template Import
If you maintain your records on an excel spreadsheet and want to transition to the Accupoint platform; simply download an import template, populate it with your data and click a button to import. The system will take care of formatting the existing data and creating new records. For example, if you are maintaining your corrective action program on a spreadsheet, populate the applicable import template and upload into the Accupoint application.
3.Active Link
If your organization uses an ERP or accounting system program, you can connect your QMS with the external application alleviating the need for redundant data entry. For example, if you are using an Accounting System to track payroll expense for your employees, there is no need to enter those records into you Accupoint application. With the Active Link technology, the platform will automatically scan the external application and create a corresponding employee training record in your QMS platform.
4.Legacy Load™
Send us your legacy data and we will do the rest. With our Legacy Load™ service, we take the hassle out of converting to a new system. Our technical services team will load your legacy data, users, and company information into the application, and alert you when your system is ready use.
To summarize, it is important to get your new QMS system up and running as quickly as possible. We understand that daily responsibilities sometimes get in the way of achieving this goal. At Accupoint,, we have developed processes and built-in functionality to ensure your success. To learn more about legacy data import options, please contact a member of support team today.
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There are many incidents within the oil industry where adequate detection and mitigation could have reduced the impact of the incident. The goal of the API Spec Q2 standard is to define and control risks within your operating environment. In fact, the standard requires that service supply organizations “control risk throughout the execution of a service.” With this requirement in mind, we have outline 5 factors to consider when designing your Risk Management program:
1. Maintenance of equipment and machines
It is a fact that equipment will wear out at some point. It is of great importance to maintain equipment at standard levels. It the responsibility of the company to ensure proper safety measures are in place rather than waiting for regulatory agencies to spot-check their compliance.
2. Training and certification
Employees of should be trained on safety the safety management system. It is of no importance, for example, to have fire extinguishers on the rig if employees don't know how to use them.
3. Use of experts
When making operational decisions, experts can help the management by advising it on both short term and long term consequences. Safety engineers should be involved in decisions such as developing new operational workflows and documentation.
4. Observing industrial standards
Implementing and maintaining global quality, environmental and safety standard will provide a framework to identify and mitigate risks at the point of operation.
5. Change management
Risks are inherent whenever there is change. Changes that have safety implications should be to thoroughly evaluated, and have a comprehensive hazard analysis performed. It is also of great importance to document the management of change process so that a gap analysis can be performed subsequent to implementation.
It is a fact that equipment will wear out at some point. It is of great importance to maintain equipment at standard levels. It the responsibility of the company to ensure proper safety measures are in place rather than waiting for regulatory agencies to spot-check their compliance.
2. Training and certification
Employees of should be trained on safety the safety management system. It is of no importance, for example, to have fire extinguishers on the rig if employees don't know how to use them.
3. Use of experts
When making operational decisions, experts can help the management by advising it on both short term and long term consequences. Safety engineers should be involved in decisions such as developing new operational workflows and documentation.
4. Observing industrial standards
Implementing and maintaining global quality, environmental and safety standard will provide a framework to identify and mitigate risks at the point of operation.
5. Change management
Risks are inherent whenever there is change. Changes that have safety implications should be to thoroughly evaluated, and have a comprehensive hazard analysis performed. It is also of great importance to document the management of change process so that a gap analysis can be performed subsequent to implementation.
In short, managing risk requires proactive and preventive measures to protect your organization’s and customer’s interests. Detection and mitigation of risk potential should be at the core of your total risk assessment strategy.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help you manage your risk mitigation efforts, please email or call us at (800) 563-6250.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help you manage your risk mitigation efforts, please email or call us at (800) 563-6250.
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One of the requirements of the API Spec Q2 standard deals with supply chain quality management. Organizations, both large and small, have been spending time, talent and resources to address the supply chain control provisions outlined in the standard.
To help focus your efforts, we have outlined a number of best practices related to supply chain control:
To help focus your efforts, we have outlined a number of best practices related to supply chain control:
- Identify a list of metrics and KPI’s that are important to monitor
- Measure and track costs of supplier quality
- Maintain a corrective action plan
- Create a supplier risk scorecard
- Maintain a collaborative environment and enforce supply chain audits
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.
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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
As the oil and gas industry is in the midst of evaluating and improving business practices in order to competitively deliver services and products, the underlying drive is to find ways to create faster and more efficient processes. Further, the pressure to deliver at an optimum level while maintaining cost effectiveness is greater than ever.
One of the growing trends of balancing reduced resources is integrating technology solutions, including cloud computing. Simply put, a business subscribes to an application and accesses it over the internet.
One of the growing trends of balancing reduced resources is integrating technology solutions, including cloud computing. Simply put, a business subscribes to an application and accesses it over the internet.
The oil industry is going to have to call in technology companies and academics to solve its digital problems.
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.
For a demonstration of how Accupoint Software can help improve your operational efficiency, we invite you to contact us today.
For a demonstration of how Accupoint Software can help improve your operational efficiency, we invite you to contact us today.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
Simply put, contingency planning is an outline of procedures to follow in case some major event impacts your business operations. Technically, the contingency plan is a document that identifies the actions the organizations will take when a specified incident happens. The goal is to minimize the incident’s impact to your operations, employees, supply chain and customers. Contingency plans should be developed for all critical processes, tasks and systems.
To that end, we have detailed 8 steps for effective contingency planning:
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.
Stay safe and healthy!
- 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.
- Record the business processes for each department.
- Identify issues (real and potential) that can negatively impact business operations.
- Review the issues list with department managers and rank contingency priority to help focus plan development.
- Create plans to address each prioritized issue. Try to minimize the number of steps required to resume operations.
- Test your contingency plans. If a portion of the plan is flawed or conflicts with other contingency plans, modify and then reassess the plan.
- Formalize and communicate the plan with applicable personnel within the organization.
- 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.
Stay safe and healthy!
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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.
This is especially true in the oil and gas industry. Just a couple of decades ago, questions and answers had to go through phone calls, faxes or face to face meetings. Information was compiled and stored on paper documents in a limited number of locations. But today, questions can be answered instantly through e-mails and texts and information can be stored in one place yet easily and instantly accessed by an entire workforce via electronic devices.
Unfortunately, access to new technology alone does not guarantee improved results. We've all heard stories of someone we know with a phone that doesn't understand how to do the simplest of tasks. Or of the company that purchased new computer hardware and software but never utilized it because the employees were fearful and uncertain of how to use it.
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.
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.
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Maintaining a management system that is effective, satisfactory and suitable is a requirement of the API Spec Q2 standard. In fact, section 6.5 states:
“The organization’s quality management system shall be reviewed at least annually by the organization’s management to evaluate the quality management system’s continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness.”
To that end, we thought we would discuss a couple of items to help streamline your Management Review planning.
When to Have a Review:
The standard requires that you review your system annually, at a minimum. However, best practice dictates that you schedule your reviews more often, say quarterly and focus on specific aspects during each session. Ultimately, this makes the process easier to manage and avoids duplication of efforts.
What to Include:
When you are setting up your Management Review agenda, make sure to compile data for use in the discussion. Include internal and third party audit results, customer complaints, non-conformities and corrective action requests. Develop a schedule that allows you to review each aspect of the management system by the anniversary date. Be sure to allow for a discussion period, to address areas for improvement as well as ways that the system should be monitored.
Upon completion, prepare action plans to address required changes to processes, resources, and other items identified in the review.
Documentation:
Per the standard, the results of the Management Review must be documented and maintained. In addition, top management must review and approve the summary assessment. Results should be communicated with appropriate individuals throughout the organization. Finally, the results should be used to drive continual improvement efforts within the organization.
To find out how Accupoint can help streamline your Management Review processes, please call toll free 800.563.6250 or visit us at accupointsoftware.com.
When to Have a Review:
The standard requires that you review your system annually, at a minimum. However, best practice dictates that you schedule your reviews more often, say quarterly and focus on specific aspects during each session. Ultimately, this makes the process easier to manage and avoids duplication of efforts.
What to Include:
When you are setting up your Management Review agenda, make sure to compile data for use in the discussion. Include internal and third party audit results, customer complaints, non-conformities and corrective action requests. Develop a schedule that allows you to review each aspect of the management system by the anniversary date. Be sure to allow for a discussion period, to address areas for improvement as well as ways that the system should be monitored.
Upon completion, prepare action plans to address required changes to processes, resources, and other items identified in the review.
Documentation:
Per the standard, the results of the Management Review must be documented and maintained. In addition, top management must review and approve the summary assessment. Results should be communicated with appropriate individuals throughout the organization. Finally, the results should be used to drive continual improvement efforts within the organization.
To find out how Accupoint can help streamline your Management Review processes, please call toll free 800.563.6250 or visit us at accupointsoftware.com.
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In today’s world, the only constant is change. As the pace of technological innovation quickens, organizations must develop effective ways to adapt their core business models. This fact is especially true in the energy sector, where legacy infrastructure and strict regulations make it challenging to stay on the cutting edge of digitization.
After all, it’s hard to transform a well-established energy company into a Silicon Valley-style tech company overnight. While large corporations like Shell and BP are working tirelessly to make this transition, most firms don’t have the resources of an international conglomerate at their disposal.
Thankfully, there are a number of innovative solutions that can help any organization improve how they approach technology. One of the most promising trends for the energy sector is digital oilfield technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Let’s explore what a digital oilfield is and how it can benefit your company.
What Is A Digital Oilfield?
By definition, digital oilfield is a concept that enables organizations to maximize productivity, reduce cost, and minimize the risk associated with operations. When imagining a digital oilfield in action, it can be tempting to envision a high-tech operations center with hundreds of computer screens manned by dozens of experts. However, the inner workings of this new approach to oil and natural gas management are far more intricate.
How Does A Digital Oilfield Work?
In practice, a digital oilfield isn’t a physical location, but rather a collection of sophisticated hardware and software that helps to digitize the day-to-day operations. A typical technology stack includes sensors to monitor oil and natural gas extraction sites, servers to store incoming data streams, and software to analyze and interpret the information collected.
Through this technology, digital oilfields empower decision-makers with up-to-date business intelligence, which can pay dividends for any organization. In fact, there are several impressive benefits associated with implementing a digital oilfield, including improved compliance, increased productivity, and responsive maintenance for critical systems.
How Can Digitization Benefit Your Company?
In the world of business, there are numerous benefits associated with digitization. When it comes to oil and natural gas processes, key benefits include:
As we have seen, digital oilfield technology provides organizations with some great benefits. If your company is looking to adopt digitization technologies, please contact the Accupoint team to find out how to the first steps.
After all, it’s hard to transform a well-established energy company into a Silicon Valley-style tech company overnight. While large corporations like Shell and BP are working tirelessly to make this transition, most firms don’t have the resources of an international conglomerate at their disposal.
Thankfully, there are a number of innovative solutions that can help any organization improve how they approach technology. One of the most promising trends for the energy sector is digital oilfield technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Let’s explore what a digital oilfield is and how it can benefit your company.
What Is A Digital Oilfield?
By definition, digital oilfield is a concept that enables organizations to maximize productivity, reduce cost, and minimize the risk associated with operations. When imagining a digital oilfield in action, it can be tempting to envision a high-tech operations center with hundreds of computer screens manned by dozens of experts. However, the inner workings of this new approach to oil and natural gas management are far more intricate.
How Does A Digital Oilfield Work?
In practice, a digital oilfield isn’t a physical location, but rather a collection of sophisticated hardware and software that helps to digitize the day-to-day operations. A typical technology stack includes sensors to monitor oil and natural gas extraction sites, servers to store incoming data streams, and software to analyze and interpret the information collected.
Through this technology, digital oilfields empower decision-makers with up-to-date business intelligence, which can pay dividends for any organization. In fact, there are several impressive benefits associated with implementing a digital oilfield, including improved compliance, increased productivity, and responsive maintenance for critical systems.
How Can Digitization Benefit Your Company?
In the world of business, there are numerous benefits associated with digitization. When it comes to oil and natural gas processes, key benefits include:
- Improved Compliance With Regulations: One key advantage of digital oilfield technology is the ability to have real-time information on critical operations. This can help to ensure an organization remains in continuous compliance with environmental and worker safety regulations.
- Increased Productivity: Real-time feedback on operations in the field helps to promote increased productivity. When the status of processes is known, its outcome can be optimized to maximize profits and minimize inefficiencies.
- Responsive Maintenance For Critical Systems: Digitization can help firms know the current state of their critical infrastructure. This can assist with both proactive and reactive maintenance, which in turn helps minimize downtime and maximize profits.
As we have seen, digital oilfield technology provides organizations with some great benefits. If your company is looking to adopt digitization technologies, please contact the Accupoint team to find out how to the first steps.
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Managing field service contracts had never been easier with the arrival of Propel Field Service Management (FSM) solution from Accupoint Software.
Propel allows real time monitoring and management of all rig service work and corporate service contracts from a single interface. Propel manages all contract pricing and issues and tracks work orders, as well as, completion status.
When a technician arrives on site, Propel can handle site inductions and pre-work site safety checklists. Propel logs contractor time on site, tracks technician’s movements and provides real time location fixing, which is essential in case of emergency.
Propel is also a powerful audit tool and reporting platform. It will accommodate any form of audit, inspections, surveys and checklists and any scoring or rating system. All inspections are GPS located and photos can be attached easily. Rectification of hazards and sub-standard work can be tracked using Propel’s Inspection Workflow system.
Realtime data visibility is enhanced with unlimited custom dashboards that enable managers and employees immediate access to the current status of the work being performed and outcomes relative to their responsibilities. The Propel dashboard streamlines contract reporting with auto assembly of real time or set period data in multiple graphical and tabular formats with the ability to add text and tables of contents. Reports can be published to the Dashboard, viewed online or printed and emailed from within the application.
The Propel Messaging center handles and tracks all contract communications. Emails generated by Propel users will appear in both Propel and email client app and all responses are automatically logged. Users can open, close and track email trails and Propel keeps a permanent record of communications, even if deleted off of the email client server.
The Propel FSM System will change the way that contracts are managed and provides an end-to-end total service solution for oil and gas industry. For more information, or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration contact us today.
Propel allows real time monitoring and management of all rig service work and corporate service contracts from a single interface. Propel manages all contract pricing and issues and tracks work orders, as well as, completion status.
When a technician arrives on site, Propel can handle site inductions and pre-work site safety checklists. Propel logs contractor time on site, tracks technician’s movements and provides real time location fixing, which is essential in case of emergency.
Propel is also a powerful audit tool and reporting platform. It will accommodate any form of audit, inspections, surveys and checklists and any scoring or rating system. All inspections are GPS located and photos can be attached easily. Rectification of hazards and sub-standard work can be tracked using Propel’s Inspection Workflow system.
Realtime data visibility is enhanced with unlimited custom dashboards that enable managers and employees immediate access to the current status of the work being performed and outcomes relative to their responsibilities. The Propel dashboard streamlines contract reporting with auto assembly of real time or set period data in multiple graphical and tabular formats with the ability to add text and tables of contents. Reports can be published to the Dashboard, viewed online or printed and emailed from within the application.
The Propel Messaging center handles and tracks all contract communications. Emails generated by Propel users will appear in both Propel and email client app and all responses are automatically logged. Users can open, close and track email trails and Propel keeps a permanent record of communications, even if deleted off of the email client server.
The Propel FSM System will change the way that contracts are managed and provides an end-to-end total service solution for oil and gas industry. For more information, or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration contact us today.
