Since 2010, the coal distribution company has been an integral part of Australia’s coal supply chain. With facilities including rail, coal storage, ship loading and associated infrastructure, the organisation ensures a reliable coal supply from Australia to the world export market.
The Challenge
When conducting risk assessments of operating equipment, the company relied on manual processes, including spreadsheets, shared folders, and emails. These processes were time-consuming, lacked reporting, proper auditing and security measures, and were susceptible to human error. The company needed a robust operational risk assessment system that harnessed modern technology to improve efficiency and prevent injuries, property damage, reputational harm, financial losses, fines, and security breaches.
The company discovered that an off-the-shelf solution couldn’t offer the required flexibility, agility, or control. They needed a system that could evolve with their needs rather than trying to fit their processes into an existing, rigid package. Using OutSystems’ AI-powered low-code platform, they initially developed the Sustain Management System, which covered Incident and Accident Management. Next, they created a new Risk Assessment System to complement and integrate with the Sustain solution.
The Solution
Working with PhoenixDX, the mining export company developed a state-of-the-art Risk Assessment System using the OutSystems platform in just 4.5 months. The custom core solution manages an operational risk assessment and mitigation workflow tailored to the company’s unique needs. The workflow spans from initiation to reporting, ensuring all details are documented. Approved users can accurately and securely track, sort, manage and archive all aspects of the operational risk assessment process.
Facilitators, administrators, approvers, and reviewers are prompted through the workflow to ensure they complete the tasks they are responsible for within the designated time frame. The system can generate reports with all the information related to the operational risk assessment process. This provides transparency and easy access to complete data needed for biannual mandatory audits, which helps keep employees and the business safer and reduces insurance costs.
Results
- Provides senior management with the big picture of operational risks across the site
- Allows fully documented risk assessments to be conducted quickly and accurately, saving money and resources and allowing existing staff to focus on other tasks
- Versioning and clone functions fast-track follow-up and repeat reviews
- A single source of truth improves transparency, clarifying assigned responsibilities
- Speedy implementation of mitigation actions improves safety
- Prompts follow-up reviews to determine the efficacy of controls
- Instant access to information through automated reports
- Delivers traceable archive that enhances accountability and governance
- Reduces insurance premiums, paying for the system itself
- Fully integrates with the company’s accident and incident management system
