In the constantly changing landscape of workplace efficiency, organizations often find themselves with outdated processes that hinder progress. One such challenge was the conventional Permit to Work (PTW) system, which prompted the birth of a transformative initiative.
At AboitizPower, a key initiative was identified to align with the vision of AP Transformation—Transforming Energy for a Better World.
Recognizing the need for improvement, the maintenance team in one of the Thermal Sites reviewed the current Permit to Work System, as the current process was causing delays in their work. The existing method involved using printed paper with different roles assigned to individuals based on their positions. Each position has its own stage in the process, with specific instructions on who was responsible for completing the form which on estimate took four hours of their time. The issue was clear: the old way of doing things was causing problems and inefficiency.
THE BIG IDEA
When the idea of transitioning from a hard copy to an electronic process was suggested, there was initially no plan to enhance the current PTW process. However, an opportunity emerged with the announcement of the GT Hackathon, a collaboration effort with Aboitiz Culture Pillar Tribe, Google and Globe Partners which promotes innovation and improves ways of working. Team members seized this chance and utilized Google Appsheets, a low-to-no-code platform for creating applications upon hearing the announcement they traveled to the BGC Globe partners office and were impressed by how easily they could create an application using Google Appsheets.
Realizing the potential, they developed an ePTW (Electronic Permit to Work), automating the previously manual process. One of the team leaders, Jerome Luchavez, stressed that “Without being receptive to this opportunity, nothing would have changed. With the right support and mindset, we found that everything was achievable”.
By embracing Appsheets, the team became adept at leveraging resources such as YouTube, Chat-GPT, and Google. They are now empowered and confident in their ability to create and adapt new applications. This paved the way for an application of efficiency within AboitizPower. The transition to an electronic process not only streamlined the Permit to Work system but also opened doors to further innovation and digital transformation.
THE BREAKTHROUGH
Reducing the time to make Daily Work Permits yields a multitude of benefits for our organization and its workforce. The streamlined process significantly boosts productivity, allowing employees to focus their time and energy on core tasks rather than administrative paperwork. This increased efficiency not only saves valuable time but also translates into substantial cost savings over time. Moreover, the swift permit generation ensures that necessary safety measures are promptly in place before work commences, enhancing overall safety standards and reducing the risk of accidents.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The team is currently collaborating with stakeholders and fellow team members to facilitate the planned implementation across Thermal Sites. Their strategy involves utilizing Maximo, a system specializing in the effective management of preventive and corrective maintenance for assets, as the platform for Electronic Permit to Work (ePTW), with deployment scheduled for March 2024.
These efforts align to the organization’s Great Transformation journey, helping to propel the aspirations of becoming the country’s first techglomerate.
