Electrical testing is one of the most important parts of our trade. At Protech, high voltage apparatus is our specialty.

Our ability to carry out accurate and efficient high-level testing requires us to use advanced testing equipment and tools.

With technology advancing in electrical industries, it can very much be keep up or get left behind. But while our testing methods improve over time so must our recording and support systems.

Recently, Protech PAS has transitioned to implementing tablets and modernising our process. The use of the newer technology in our process has proven to have many benefits. These include:

• The need for handwritten test sheets diminished

This eliminates double handling of writing and processing. This means shorter timeframes from the time of testing to the final handover reports to our customers. Typed test sheets also means less room for error as people no longer need to rely on neat handwriting and the chance of paper sheets becoming dirty or contaminated. This all means our customers are receiving the highest quality service in such a valuable process.

• The transition to a digital workflow management program

Record keeping of hours means they can be entered and monitored in real time, providing management with accurate ways of tracking jobs. Hours and weekly timesheets can be uploaded immediately making the whole process much simpler.

• Data and information on the job such as photos/manuals/work scope are instantly available, which allow the details of a job to be readily accessible by all staff.

Having such a large amount of information available allows Protech PAS to operate more closely as a team. This is especially important where limited timeframes mean it’s imperative everybody is informed and has an understanding of the task at hand.

For all its advantages, there has been a learning curve which means the benefits aren’t instantly recognisable.

It has taken hard work and persistence across the board to work through teething issues and problems arising. Issues such as no service, compatibility with programs/applications, and unfamiliarity with software means that some ingenuity, patience and initiative must be utilised.

Luckily our staff from bottom to top have worked hard to implement the newer system and ensure everyone is up to speed. Examples include employees providing advice on IT issues or upskilling to make themselves more familiar with the tablet software and applications.

At Protech, we believe the long-term benefits of modernising our system and procedures has positives outcomes that can be passed directly onto our clients. The time and resources once used up by outdated processes can now be allocated to more valuable endeavours, such as training, research/development, job preparation, analysis.

This is vital in maintaining Protech PAS as a leader in the electrical industry.