Paper is still the go-to for shift handovers. It’s familiar, simple to use, and perfect for free-form recording. But while paper seems convenient, it comes with some risks:

• Double or triple recording, leading to inefficiencies
• Error-prone manual entry
• Single copy issues, causing loss of crucial information
• Legibility problems, making it hard for others to read
• Poor visibility, limiting access and retrieval

These issues can really slow down operations and compromise safety.

But the biggest risk? Poor integration with critical EHSQ and PSM processes.

No other process sits closer to the heart of your operations than shift management. Your work orders, SOPs, task assignments, safety data sheets, permits, and isolations all flow into shift management. From shifts, you get valuable outputs like observations, measurements, incidents, and corrective and preventive actions.

Through this constant flow of input and output, shift management integrates with incident management, permit to work, corrective and preventive actions, management of change, chemical management, and more.…the list goes on.

That’s where paper falls short – it can’t connect all these processes. But with an integrated software platform, everyone from shift operators to senior managers has all the information they need right at their fingertips.

A typical day on the factory floor

So, what does a typical day look like when you integrate shift management with other critical EHSQ processes? With TenForce, the shift supervisor can manage everything from start to finish within the Shift Management module. There’s no need to jump between different systems or applications. Here’s how it works:

#1. Start of the shift

The supervisor logs in and accesses the handover information from the previous shift. Any pending tasks, incidents, permits, and isolations are right there, ready to review. Updates to instructions or SOPs are automatically shared with the team, ensuring everyone is informed.

#2. During the shift

All routine inspections, maintenance tasks, and data collection are handled within the same interface. When a contractor arrives, their competencies and permits are verified directly through the module. If an incident occurs, it’s logged in real-time, and corrective actions are initiated without switching screens or systems.

#3. End of the shift

As the shift wraps up, the supervisor compiles a comprehensive handover report, including observations, completed tasks, and any incidents. This report is accessible to the incoming shift team and management, maintaining continuity without any extra steps.

#4. From the office

Senior managers can monitor all activities from their dashboard, viewing real-time data on tasks, incidents, and compliance with safety protocols. They have a holistic view of all shifts within their site, all from within the same platform.

By keeping everything within one application, TenForce removes the hassle of juggling multiple systems, boosting usability, reducing the risk of missed information, and streamlining your workflow.

Taking the leap towards digital

What should you keep in mind as you digitize your shift management process? Here are some key points to consider:

A successful shift handover involves:

• Making sure everything is properly documented.
• Handling data quickly and efficiently.
• Ensuring information is clear and easy to understand.
• Keeping a clear record of all actions and decisions.
• Reducing the time it takes to share and respond to information.
• Keeping track of projects and from start to finish

The successful management of shifts involves:

• Making sure management can quickly find the right information.
• Ensuring that important information is passed along accurately during handovers.
• Keeping miscommunications to a minimum.
• Ensuring tasks are completed on time and followed up on.

Expert tips for better shift management

In our on-demand webinar, we demonstrate how TenForce allows you to:

• Track tasks and activities during and across shifts
• Complete comprehensive shift logs detailing all activities and observations
• Generate customizable reports and track downtime events
• Create personalized system views based on access rights

Watch our on-demand webinar for an expert-led demo that shows you how to integrate shift management in your manufacturing operations.

Watch The Lean Approach to Digital Shift Management – US Edition webinar for free