Why should I change from a paper-based Permit to Work system to an electronic one?
Electronic Permit to Work (PTW) systems address many of the risks associated with paper-based systems, including the reliance on operator knowledge of your processes. Implementing an electronic system is an ideal opportunity to review, and if necessary, modify your Permit to Work and associated practices in a single change process. As well helping to improve safety, electronic PTW systems also help you to improve efficiency.
To learn more about this important topic, request the White Paper, "When Paper PTW Protection Wears Thin."
Why shouldn't we just update our processes with our manual system instead of moving to a new computer-based Integrated Safe System of Work?
Computer-based Integrated Safe Systems of Work (iSSoW) such as SageSURPASS offer significant risk reduction features compared to manual processes, including integration of hazard identification, risk assessment, isolation management and permit to work in a single system, plus cross-checking of complex plant isolations to prevent permit breaches, ensuring that each step of the permit process is completed before allowing the next stage to commence, auditable records and much, much more. The ability to integrate with ERP and other systems also reduces data handling and reduces the risk of human error.
Isn't SageSURPASS just a Permit to Work system?
No, SageSURPASS is much more than just a Permit to Work system. As a fully integrated safe system of work, SageSURPASS incorporates hazard identification and risk assessment tools and processes, isolation management and electronic PTW into a single software solution. Integrating these key safe work practices helps to keep your people and plant safer.
How long does it take to implement SageSURPASS?
The implementation of SageSURPASS is affected by many factors and can range from a few weeks to several months. Factors include the availability of existing plant data, access to personnel for training, and Information Technology infrastructure. Sage Technology works closely with all clients to assist at all stages of the implementation project.
My company already rates safety as its number one priority. How can SageSURPASS make a difference?
SageSURPASS makes a difference by providing a system to help you deliver your number one priority! It has been developed in conjunction with industry to ensure that it is relevant, easy to use and supports your focus on safety while also delivering significant efficiency gains. SageSURPASS also supports your incident and safety review processes with its automatic audit history.
Why is an electronic Permit to Work system safer than a manual one?
Permit planning, preparation time and the risk of human error are significantly less when using SageSURPASS compared to a manual permit to work system, especially during plant shutdowns. SageSURPASS identifies potentially dangerous isolation conflicts and alerts your personnel, somthing that a manual process cannot be relied upon to do. In fact, SageSURPASS will not allow personnel to create an isolation tag that would result in an isolation conflict. Manual processes can allow personnel to skip key requirements whereas SageSURPASS enforces the completion of key safety actions before allowing personnel to move to the next step. SageSURPASS applies workflows and reduces the need for personnel to learn and remember many complex business rules.
Do you guarantee SageSURPASS will deliver zero permit breaches and zero related injuries?
There are no guarantees with the running of any plant or industrial operation but our experience in some of the most complex and demanding industrial environments has shown that SageSURPASS greatly reduces the potential for permit breaches and related injuries. SageSURPASS is a valuable tool in improving safety in your work place.
Can we use SageSURPASS at a lockout site?
Yes, SageSURPASS can be used at lockout tagout, or tag out only sites.
How flexible is SageSURPASS?
There are many features and options that can be configured during implementation that allow SageSURPASS to meet your site-specific requirements. SageSURPASS is a modular solution which means that you only purchase the modules that deliver the functionality your site needs. Additonal modules can be implemented later, if required. SageSURPASS uses workflow engines to apply your business rules for different permit and certificate types.
How much does it cost to implement SageSURPASS?
This depends on a number of factors including the number of sites, number of licensed users, your configuration requirements and how much assistance you require from Sage Technology during the implementation phase. Please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances so we can provide you with indicative costings.
How quickly will SageSURPASS start saving my company money?
Experience shows that implementing SageSURPASS results in immediate savings through reduced plant downtime, reduced injuries and improved plant efficiency. The average ROI (Return on Investment) is about 12 months. Contact Sage Technology to discuss ROI at your site.
Does SageSURPASS integrate with ERP systems such as Maximo and SAP?
Yes, the SageSURPASS Integration Engine supports integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other systems.
What sort of tags are used with SageSURPASS?
SageSURPASS uses Valeron material for tags. This pre-printed, low cost, highly durable material has proven itself in many sites with hostile physical environments. The tags are printed using thermal printers for long last printing on the tags. The tag printing media and technology provide reliability, low unit cost and extremely high levels of durability.
Can we use existing plant information from other systems to create the SageSURPASS plant index?
Yes, many businesses will have plant items and isoaltion points in other databases or spreadsheets and these can be processed and imported into SageSURPASS. This can significantly speed up the implementation of SageSURPASS.
What computer skills do I need to use SageSURPASS?
Basic computer skills combined with system training specific to your role will enable end users to work easily with SageSURPASS. The system includes a wizard for creating work requests and alerts for users when required information and steps haven't been met.
Is SageSURPASS only used at operational sites?
SageSURPASS can be used for the entire lifecycle of a plant, from construction to production and even de-commissioning.
I work in a niche industry sector. Can your solutions help us?
Yes. The common goal of safe work systems is to improve safety and deliver efficiency gains. Sage Technology's solutions address Permit to Work, risk assessment and isolation management. They are highly adaptable and can be typically configured to apply and enforce your business rules.
Contact our Busienss Development team today to discuss your specific requirements.
Which Sage safe working solution should I choose?
We realise that selecting the right solution for your needs is critical. We strongly recommend that you contact our Business Development team to discuss your requirements in depth so that they can guide you in your choice. Meanwhile, the following brief points may assist.
SageSURPASS is best suited to sites that require:
SageISOLATE is best suited to sites that require:
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