Full Steam Ahead for Pisys PTW at Hitachi Train Maintenance Centres

Hitachi’s well-established existing paper permit system served them well in the run-up to a job. But once the work was complete, hand-backs were regularly late or missed altogether. HSE Management spent valuable time chasing contractors for the paperwork. Then, more time was spent on archiving the paper permits.

Moving paper round the business had a significant impact in both time and money.

They also wanted to be able to identify jobs that were due to be happening close to each other so that they could adjust schedules earlier to avoid SIMOPs (simultaneous operations) safety issues.

We also use a large number of contractors so it’s important to make sure that we can track their certification to verify their competence to perform tasks, and also their insurance status so that we can be sure that everything is in place prior to them arriving on site.’

They use the cloud-based version of Pisys Permit To Work, which allows login to the system via the browser from mobile phones as well as laptops and tablets via a secure browser.

Now, on completion of a job, contractors phone the HSE Manager to inform them that the job is complete, and the worksite has been left safe. The manager then logs into Pisys PTW from their mobile phone and closes out the permit.

This way, no permits are left open. The process is easy to understand, and the HSE Manager is reachable by mobile phone at any time – saving even more time that would otherwise be spent looking for the manager.

With the new system, late hand-backs can often be avoided altogether, as the system can send out automatic reminder emails. It also generates statistics that allow management to compare KPIs, such as late hand-backs, easily and has allowed them to further streamline the hand-back process.

They found the electronic plot plans of the TMCs, a feature of the software which displays permits as coloured dots on a plan of the site particularly helpful. The system also identifies SIMOPS which may result in jobs impacting other jobs in close proximity – enabling proposed jobs to be rescheduled to avoid clashes.

A new display screen is about to be introduced in the TMC site offices which will show the plot plans constantly to allow all personnel to have a live real-time view of all permits – this is a great replacement for the traditional permit board.

Since the system is cloud-based, no local installation was required, allowing staff to have almost immediate access. Configuration and training was complete in a matter of days and system was well received by staff and contractors.

Pisys Permit To Work cloud-based software has helped Hitachi Rail introduce an order to the PTW process in their Train Maintenance Centres and has helped them ensure that all permits are closed-out. Hitachi Rail benefit from time savings and the team have a bird’s eye view of ongoing work.

Good customer care has been a vital part of the process, and the excellent working relationship continues, as Hitachi is planning to introduce iPads to their TMCs to provide additional ways to access the software.