"It won't work here because we do things different"
"I can't see how this is going to be quicker than the way I can do it now"
How going mobile could save over 500 man-hours a year
Sound familiar?
These are the typical negative comments we all hear (or say) before something new is even tried out.
But don’t let this mindset dictate a culture of inaction.
Implementing positive change comes down to a firm commitment from management. With effective leadership, any team can work through the challenges, roadblocks, and negativity that inevitably comes with periods of change.
Over the years, we’ve heard every excuse under the sun not to make changes.
But the truth is, once our software is up and working - and showing great results - we see a complete switch in the attitudes and conversation from the floor.
Mechanics now tell their supervisor:
"Paper's bulls--t. Why don't we have any spare tablets?"
"It's so much easier with the tablets than paper."
In fact, within six months of introducing mobility-based software on ruggedised tablets, the feedback is always excellent.
We’ve heard from hardcore underground drill fitters who’ve become so engaged with this type of technology that they begin offering other ideas to streamline the process or add more value to the PM service.
This can only be achieved through effective change management and taking the frustration out of their daily tasks.
If management can listen and apply the necessary methods, then change is not only possible, but it’ll also be a very positive experience for all involved.
One client calculated that, for a fleet of 18 mining trucks, they spend about 600 man-hours each year handling daily inspection sheets. And that’s just paper-shuffling time - it doesn’t include the actual service or inspection time.
Incredibly, in a single day, one daily sheet might be handled six or seven times. That's not including the number of sheets completed and lost between the workshop and the planning office.
When you change to our mobile-based software, ZoneMaintenance<Link to ZoneMaintenance page>, there’s no paper handling, no supervisor sign-off, no archiving, and every element of data is included within the system.
Extend that system to PM services, and you suddenly have significant benefits for everyone in the process line.
ZoneMaintenance Software being used on a Motion Computing F5M Tablet during a Sandvik Solo PM Service in an underground gold mine workshop
Maintenance personnel often asked us, "Why are we still using paper service sheets?" and "How can we get away from paper service sheets?"
And the answer comes down to management.
How prepared is management to take on new technology that will add tremendous value to their department?
In most cases, their main concerns are that their workers will access the internet or that the tablet devices won't stand up to the tough environment.
But they’re all just excuses.
The fact is, the benefits of transitioning to a mobile workforce far outweigh any potential risks.
Being able to communicate efficiently - in both directions - and to be able to analyse data that has never been collected before offers a valuable opportunity to change the way asset maintenance is managed.
Ready to find out more?