The Work Management platform made for a modern mining sector

This article was originally posted in MINE Australia's August 2024 edition.

Doing the work itself is just part of the job. Planning, reporting and follow-up tasks are just as important.

In last month’s HINDSITE Company Insight, we looked at how Guided Work Instructions in HINDSITE have quickly shaped the way that METS businesses across Australia complete and report on work. From GroundProbe radar assemblies to Hastings Deering rebuilds, HINDSITE is taking the industry to a new level of work consistency.

Ultimately however, work instructions are just a piece of the puzzle. HINDSITE on the whole is a Work Management platform that manages the full cycle of getting work done well.

What makes an effective Work Management platform for the METS sector, and why is it better than the alternatives? Let’s dig in.

Purpose-built

There are many general-purpose task management tools available on the market. The common refrain with these tools is that in order to be appealing to the mass market, their features need to be generalised and lack an application of industry knowledge.

HINDSITE on the other hand is purpose-built for mining equipment, technology, and services businesses. The platform's adaptability allows it to be configured to suit all stages of a mining product lifecycle and prioritises data accuracy, useability and records of work.

Whether it's handling large-scale installation projects or managing day-to-day maintenance operations, HINDSITE offers a customer-driven suite of tools that cater specifically to METS products and the complex nature of work involved in the sector.

Let us consider the four primary stages of Work Management for a METS business.

1. Planning the work

Effective work planning is the cornerstone of any successful mining technology operation. Work Sets in HINDSITE enable users to create structured plans of work that can be easily managed and adjusted as needed for every stage of a product’s lifecycle.

A Work Set allows for the grouping of Workflows (see below) into a comprehensive and clear roadmap for team members to follow over the course of a job.

Work Sets themselves can also be grouped into Projects for further clarity. This level of coordination is crucial in maintaining productivity and meeting project deadlines, especially in an industry where time is money.

The flexibility of Work Sets allows teams to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Whether dealing with unexpected equipment failures or shifting project priorities Work Sets ensure that all team members are on the same page, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.

2. Doing the work

Workflows in HINDSITE transform traditional frontline work processes into streamlined, digital work instructions. They replace manual methods such as paper-based checklists and static standard operating procedures, providing a modern solution that is easily accessible via mobile devices.

If you have a checklist, SOP, mud map or process diagram in mind, you can submit it to HINDSITE here and they will transform it into a Workflow free of charge.

Each Workflow is built by you to guide users through tasks step-by-step, ensuring that nothing is overlooked and that each step is completed correctly and by the right people. The inclusion of multimedia Content such as videos and images within Workflow steps enhances the user experience and ensures that even complex procedures are understood and executed accurately.

Additionally, the platform's ability to gather worker-submitted data inputs means that any issues can be identified and addressed promptly, preventing small problems from escalating into larger ones (see Actions below). Inputs also can change the path of a Workflow, depending on what the user selects.

In short, Workflows exist to ensure precision and consistency in task execution.

3. The record of work

A reliable system for reporting is crucial for maintaining transparency, accountability and reputation. Reports in HINDSITE offer an immediate and transparent record of all completed work.

Reports are available as soon as a task is completed, providing up-to-date information that can be shared with stakeholders and used by management to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.  

This transparency builds trust with clients and partners, as they can see firsthand the quality and efficiency of the work being performed. Moreover, the standardised format of these reports reduces the time spent on administrative tasks.

4. No more loose ends

The mining industry is dynamic, with constant changes and challenges that require swift and effective responses. HINDSITE's Actions feature allows for immediate follow-up on completed tasks, ensuring that any additional steps are addressed promptly.

The newly released Automated Actions feature further puts control in the hands of operational leaders, ensuring that when certain responses are recorded in a Workflow, someone is assigned to resolve the item immediately.

This is crucial for maintaining the momentum of ongoing projects and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to meet project goals. The ability to assign and track follow-up actions in real-time means that nothing falls through the cracks.

This not only improves overall efficiency but also helps in maintaining high standards of safety and compliance. By keeping all team members informed and accountable, HINDSITE ensures that projects are completed to the highest standards, every time.

Conclusion

HINDSITE’s purpose-built suite of features, from Work Sets to Workflows, Reports, and Actions, provides a holistic approach to managing work, ensuring that every aspect of a project is covered. For more information on how The Work Management Platform can meet your unique challenges, visit HINDSITE and request a demonstration today.