Why you should ditch the paper pre start

Pre start processes for machinery are crucial in ensuring operational readiness and machine safety.

Traditional pre start methods such as pre start booklets are time consuming, prone to human error, and pose difficulties sharing critical information. But now in the digital age, there are plenty of innovative solutions that can eliminate these problems and enhance overall productivity. This article explores the inherent issues with conventional paper machinery pre starts and sheds light on the benefits of embracing digital alternatives.

What are the problems with paper machinery pre starts?

Completing machinery pre starts on paper once was an adequate solution for checking in on the condition of your machine. However, new and improved digital solutions have now shone light on their shortfalls.

Time delays

Paper pre starts often result in time delays in communicating identified faults for rectification to applicable stakeholders.

Requires filing

Sticking to the paper machinery pre starts can create a reliance on physical documentation and filing systems. This can pose challenges in terms of accessing and retrieving relevant information related to your machine.

Difficult to share

Sharing the results of a pre start check with key stakeholders across your business is a vital part of educating your workers about machines that may not be right for operation, or may require attention. The results of paper-based pre starts are much more difficult to share with those who need to know, which can result in delays, miscommunications and, in some cases, compromise the safety of workers.

Generic

One of the downsides of a paper machinery pre start is that they are almost always generic. A good digital pre start may be specific to the make and model of machine that you are inspecting. These types of pre starts will be more accurate and will provide better information to both the machine’s operator and their supervisors.

What are the benefits of going digital?

Good news; there’s an easy way to solve these issues, and the answer is going digital! There are many benefits to conducting digital pre starts on your machinery.

Less labour intensive

Platforms that allow you to complete a machinery pre start digitally can make the entire process more streamlined through automation, which ultimately frees up your time and your workers’ time for more critical tasks.

No need to file away

With digital machinery pre starts, the need for physical filing of paper documents becomes obsolete. Pre start results are stored securely in a digital format, reducing the risk of damage or loss of these documents, and allows them to be easily accessed when required for review or audit preparation.

Easier to share

Using a digital platform for your machinery pre starts can facilitate seamless communication of results to the relevant stakeholders. Instant access to the pre start results and issue report can help to ensure everyone is on the same page, and rectification orders can be facilitated.

Reduced downtime

A digital pre start can identify issues on a machine much more efficiently than its manual, paper-based counterparts. Consequently, machines can be prioritised for maintenance and servicing promptly, and ensure there is minimal downtime and interruptions on your project.

More cost effective

The cost effectiveness of completing a machinery pre start on a digital platform as opposed to a paper booklet can be three-fold. Not only does it reduce the labour expenses related to manual processes, but it can also reduce the costs involved in purchasing pre start books as well as streamline operations, resulting in cost savings through increased efficiency.

Pre Start Plus is the platform for you!

Want to make the switch to digital machinery pre starts? Try Pre Start Plus! It’s an innovative platform that eliminates the challenges mentioned above, and goes a step further with:

• Machine-specific pre starts. Know you’re accurately checking for the issues unique to your machine make and model.

• Real-time operational status. You’ll know whether your machine is right to operate or has critical or non-critical issues that require attention. It’s free. No need to spend your hard earned money on a digital pre start solution. Pre Start Plus allows you to check the safety status of your entire machinery fleet with unlimited free pre starts.

Want to know more?

Our expert team is on standby to help you make the switch to digital pre starts today. Contact us by phone on 1300 728 852 or by email at info@assessor.com.au.

Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.