Using digital twins to manage subcontractor machinery

With technology continuing to grow at an exponential rate, many aspects of our work and lives are being digitised. Machinery is not immune, and neither are the processes we use to ensure the safety and compliance of our fleets. One of the technologies on the rise is digital twins, and their use is growing rapidly. Here at Ideagen Plant Assessor, we utilise the benefits of digital twins to help thousands of machinery subcontractors and principal contractors across Australia and New Zealand keep on top of their compliance and safety in a way that is as simple and easy through our MySite functionality. Read on to find out more about digital twins and how they are used in MySite.

What is a digital twin?

A digital twin refers to a virtual replica or simulation of a physical object, process, or system. It is a digital representation that mirrors its real-world counterpart, capturing its physical and functional characteristics, behaviour, and performance. So, in Plant Assessor, your machine has a digital twin, where information about its risk assessments, corrective actions, servicing, and much more has been stored. If you’d like more information about digital twins, check out our article Using digital twins in machinery safety.

How does MySite use digital twins?

The beauty of Ideagen Plant Assessor’s MySite functionality is that it utilises digital twins to provide you with transparent information on the operational safety of your subcontractors’ machinery. MySite provides a virtual overview of your site, along with a digital twin of every machine owned and supplied. This gives you a holistic view of what’s happening with subcontractor machinery on your site in real time, and provides you with instant notification of operational issues and work orders, all while reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and the overall accountability of subcontractors.

Virtual sites

MySite creates a virtual, or digital twin, of your site to help you manage your subcontractor machinery compliance. You will be able to see all of the machines on your physical site on one digital dashboard just by logging into Plant Assessor and viewing the digital twins of the machines on your virtual site. Additionally, you will see the compliance and safety status of each machine, or whether there are any outstanding actions against a machine’s digital twin, keeping you informed at all times.

Pre-qualification

MySite allows you to see the digital twin of a subcontractor’s machine before it even arrives on your site. The pre-qualification process allows you to establish required documentation in advance, and see safety information, risk assessment results or any outstanding corrective actions related to the machine. You can then review and approve or reject the machine from your job, which will also be recorded against its digital twin.

Site reporting

In addition to seeing safety, operational and compliance statuses of each machine on your site via its digital twin, you can also elect to receive a comprehensive site report to your email each day. The site report compiles information from your virtual site and the machines’ digital twins to provide you with detailed information about the machines on your site, any machines in pre-qualification, their pre start status, outstanding assessments, as well as corrective actions and document compliance.

Want to know more about digital twins and MySite?

Our machinery compliance experts can provide you with information on the digital twins used in Ideagen Plant Assessor, and how they can improve your fleet’s safety and compliance. Find out more by calling 1300 728 852 or emailing info@assessor.com.au.