Mobility tool streamlines data collection for technicians

Growing in the ever-evolving world of technology, businesses small and large must emerge as innovation experts to be leaders in their industry. Konecranes is no exception. Just over ten years ago, we began streamlining our ways of working – including how to sell, manufacture and deliver services and products. This came to be a key strategic initiative called oneKONECRANES.

As part of this initiative we have added a mobile app called SLIM to our toolbox. SLIM, which stands for Siebel Light In Mobile, is a mobility tool developed for our field operatives. It's an application that works online, or offline with synchronization, and allows inspectors and technicians to review service requests and then record their work on their smartphone and review it with the customer.

In the past, field operatives would use hybrid/tablet devices in the field that would take hours to synchronize. The need to increase productivity in this area was vital. With SLIM, field operatives are now recording information on a smartphone where synchronization takes mere seconds.

In addition to fixing the synchronization issues, the shift to electronic, real-time reporting was imperative. The app is designed to document all necessary data related to service visits—from working hours and expenses to faults and measurements of the customer asset—making it the most efficient way for field operatives to record their findings in the field.

 

Benefits to customers

Though the SLIM app is an internal tool, customers reap the benefits as well. At the completion of each service request, our field operatives perform a Visit Review on site with the customer to share insights of their inspection or maintenance findings, review the identified risks and improvement opportunities, and obtain decisions on recommended actions.

“In the U.S. during a Visit Review, field operatives are trained to use their iPhones equipped with SLIM to review their work and findings with the customer,” according to Jason Mirich, Product Manager – Digital Services at Konecranes. “This allows the customer to see vital information, such as deficiencies in their assets or other risks, on the operative’s device right away and permits a more open discussion. Customers can also request a PDF document of a service report or safety notification be sent to their email so that they can pull it up on their own device and experience the real-time visibility that SLIM enables.”

Aside from providing improved responsiveness and accuracy, the SLIM app facilitates easy access to asset data and maintenance history. What’s more, the data the field operatives enter into SLIM becomes available on the Konecranes Portal where customers have quick and easy access to their crane maintenance information.

 

Transparent information for safer operations

Because field operatives are the main source for gathering information on a customer’s assets, we want to equip them with the right tools to collect quality data. The information recorded in SLIM is utilized by a reporting function called Service Analytics. From productivity, delivery punctuality, and recording actions on the field to scheduling, planning, and invoicing – service data analysis is used to make improvements in service operations. The knowledge gleaned from this data is used to help make our customers’ operations safer and more productive.

When it comes to quickly and accurately recording data in the field, SLIM has proven to be a valuable tool. Its interconnectedness with other oneKONECRANES systems and tools will undoubtedly continue to make a difference in providing transparent and shared information.

 

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