Automation of offshore activities is critical; therefore, selecting which asset management software to invest in should be considered thoroughly. At Axess Group, we constantly foster a collaborative culture with our customers, which allows us to fine-tune our lifting equipment compliance software continuously. For this reason, we have listed the core features and benefits to look out for when choosing the best solution that will help you improve your offshore data management.

1. Easy identification speeds up troubleshooting

Offshore companies in the drilling sector usually have an individual database for each of their offshore platforms, having too much data stored across multiple systems. As a result, operators find it difficult to access real-time data needed to actively control and monitor critical operational risks.

Whenever an issue arose, engineers sometimes need to travel to the installation via helicopter to retrieve data, analyse it, and troubleshoot, which could take up to several weeks, and on worst scenarios, may trigger platform shutdowns. This process is not only time-consuming, it also incurs millions of dollars in operating losses.

A centralised software with easy identification feature will speed up the problem-solving process, allowing equipment owners and suppliers to access historical and real-time data in just a few clicks.

Key functionalities to look out for:

• Unique ID – Software solution that supports the following identifiers reduces the time needed for inspection.
  • Picture Recognition – Photo reference of areas allows easy tracking of equipment within the inspector’s proximity.
  • Drawings – General arrangement drawings clearly highlights the locations of lifting components.
  • Tag systems – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and bar code systems enhances traceability and promotes better productivity.
• Tag Hierarchy – Having a simplified overview of both static and dynamic data according to level of importance provides high visibility of impending deadlines and compliance requirements.
• Centralised System – Seamless integration with most maintenance management systems enables equipment owners and suppliers to monitor and optimise the overall reliability and productivity of their offshore assets.

2. Consolidated inspection status reports

Traditional infield inspection processes involve laborious paperwork which usually takes up more time than the actual work itself. A reliable web or app-based equipment compliance tool must be able to shrink inspection time to 40-50%, making the report available to clients at the soonest possible time.

The ability for asset owners and staff on-board to have a standardised overview of the historical data and real-time findings allow both parties to investigate causes of issues and recommend corrective action immediately.

Key functionalities to look out for:

• Description – A database with a complete description, photo, and technical specifications of individual lifting equipment streamlines cooperation across all user profiles.
• Findings – By knowing what triggered incidents in the past, platform operators and engineers can achieve the following:
  • Detect early signs of equipment failure
  • Quickly rectify problems
  • Improving operational safety and reliability
•  Trends – Tracking the inspection history of the entire equipment inventory not only helps suppliers to set performance standards internally, it also empowers staff to meet those targets, and to ultimately save time and money.

3. Automatic generation of documentation

A compliance software, when integrated into the asset owner’s maintenance management philosophy, must be able to address the mandated inspection plans. Moreover, the system should be able to produce findings, a clear description on the cause of equipment failure, and recommendations on how to fix the problems.

Compliance with the formal documentation requirements for lifting equipment and offshore machinery is pursuant to the European Economic Area (EEA) trade law. It is an international mandate that lifting appliances on offshore vessels must comply with the technical conformity assessment of regulatory bodies, e.g, Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA), Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (NLIA), Brazilian Minister of Labour (MTE) and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

It is therefore vital for equipment owners and suppliers to have a reliable system that can automatically generate all their lifting equipment certificates (LEC) for easy compliance audits. The availability of all statutory documents and user manuals in one database completes the full functionality that asset owners need to achieve overall operational excellence.

In a nutshell

Investing in a lifting equipment compliance tool requires a comprehensive review of the features and real benefits to ensure efficiency and safety across the entire offshore operations. Having a standardised software solution for all your assets significantly saves time and costs associated with data retrieval, analysis, and documentation.

Axess Group’s own software division has developed Bridgeᵀᴹ, a web application that streamlines the entire inspection and asset integrity management processes. It offers equipment owners, suppliers and inspectors complete control of their lifting equipment compliance with EQUIPᵀᴹ module.

EQUIPᵀᴹ has been utilised on more than 100 assets and facilities worldwide, with over 250,000 number of lifting equipment in our portfolio. With our continuous releases and configurations, we guarantee a reliable investment and added value for our customers in the oil and gas industry.

Email us at [email protected] for more information.