Transforming Contractor Management at British Steel’s Billet Caster Project with Paperless
Transforming Contractor Management at British Steel’s Billet Caster Project with Paperless
Client Overview: British Steel
British Steel, a name synonymous with innovation and industrial prowess, embarked on a landmark project to enhance its production capabilities with the introduction of a new Billet Caster. This £330 million investment forms a crucial part of their broader strategy to remain competitive in a challenging global market. With such a significant project underway, effective contractor management became essential to ensure timely completion, safety compliance, and seamless operations on-site. This is where Paperless played a pivotal role.
Project Overview
The Billet Caster project at British Steel was a highly anticipated development, designed to boost the company's production efficiency and capacity. As part of this extensive initiative, managing the influx of contractors—both local and international—became a complex task.
British Steel required a robust system that could streamline user enrolment, enforce stringent access control, maintain accurate timekeeping, and ensure the safety of all personnel through an effective SOS feature.
Paperless was selected to address these needs with its cutting-edge digital construction management platform for:
- Contractor Access Management: Ensuring that all contractors had appropriate access to different areas of the billet caster site, based on their specific roles and responsibilities.
- Timekeeping and Area Access: Efficiently managing the timekeeping of contractors and staff, while also controlling access to various parts of the site.
- Traceability and Roll Call: Maintaining an accurate log of personnel locations at any given time, essential for both operational efficiency and emergency preparedness.
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Challenges and Objectives
The scale and complexity of British Steel’s operations presented several key challenges:
- User Enrolment: The project involved a diverse group of contractors, each requiring swift and secure onboarding. The traditional paper-based system was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors and delays, which could potentially jeopardise the project timeline.
- Access Control: Ensuring that only authorised personnel could access specific areas of the site was critical, both for safety and for safeguarding sensitive areas of the project.
- Timekeeping: With a large workforce on-site, tracking attendance and working hours accurately was essential to manage productivity and ensure compliance.
- Safety and Roll-Call: The high-risk environment of the Billet Caster project demanded an immediate and reliable means of knowing who is on site and any point in time and in case of an emergency, conduction a Roll-Call and ensuring everyone is safe and accounted for.
The Solution
Paperless deployed a comprehensive digital solution tailored to meet British Steel's specific needs. Our solution included several integrated features that addressed each of the challenges faced by British Steel:
User Enrolment
Paperless introduced a streamlined digital enrolment process that significantly reduced the time required to onboard new contractors. Through our platform, British Steel was able to enrol hundreds of workers swiftly and securely, ensuring that all necessary documentation and approvals were in place before work commenced. This not only expedited the onboarding process but also minimised the risk of errors that are common in manual systems.
Access Control
To enhance security and compliance, Paperless’ Kiosk app was used to record check-ins and outs. This feature ensured that only authorised personnel could access specific areas of the construction site. The ability to monitor and control access in real-time reduced the risk of unauthorised access and potential safety incidents.
Timekeeping
Accurate timekeeping was crucial for managing the workforce efficiently. Paperless allowed British Steel to track access and the attendance of all contractors seamlessly. The system recorded check-ins and check-outs per work location, allowing visibility of worker locations and eliminating the need for manual sign-in records that significantly reducing administrative burden.
Roll-Call Feature
Paperless’ SOS feature provided a reliable means of knowing who is on site in case of an emergency, conduction a Roll-Call and ensuring everyone is safe and accounted for. This feature was particularly valuable in the high-risk environment of the project, where quick response times were critical to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all personnel.
Results and Benefits
The implementation of Paperless at British Steel’s Billet Caster project led to significant improvements in contractor management and overall site operations. The digital platform streamlined enrolment, enhanced security through effective access control, ensured accurate timekeeping, and provided a reliable safety net with the SOS feature. These improvements translated into tangible benefits for British Steel, including:
- Enhanced Safety and Compliance: With real-time access control and monitoring, British Steel ensured that safety protocols were strictly adhered to, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and potential accidents.
- Operational Efficiency: The streamlined contractor management process saved time and resources, allowing British Steel to focus on core manufacturing activities while ensuring that all contractors were appropriately managed.
- Improved Emergency Response: The ability to conduct instant roll calls and track personnel in real-time greatly enhanced British Steel’s emergency preparedness, ensuring that all employees and contractors could be accounted for in minutes.
Conclusion
British Steel’s partnership with Paperless exemplifies the power of digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. By adopting Paperless’ solutions, British Steel not only improved its operational efficiency but also reinforced its commitment to safety and compliance.
This case study highlights how tailored digital solutions can address specific industry challenges, paving the way for more streamlined, safe, and efficient operations.
With the successful implementation of Paperless, British Steel is well-positioned to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence in the steel industry, supported by a robust, modern digital infrastructure.
