certeXo: More safety and efficiency through digital work approvals

Tablet Instead of Clipboard

The intralogistics and automation specialist cts GmbH is digitizing the work approval process with its new software, certeXo. This process serves as an important organizational safety measure for dangerous tasks. The new solution not only creates more safety, transparency, and efficiency, but also saves a lot of paper.

In industries with a high potential for danger, work approval is a crucial safety process. This applies, for example, to repairs or maintenance in the oil, gas, chemical, petrochemical, and pulp and paper industries. The protective measures required for each task are clearly defined, and usually, a supervisor on site (AvO) is responsible for ensuring these measures are followed.

In this environment, tasks must first be checked and assessed by the shift supervisor for potential risks.

Only then can the required protective measures (technical, personal, and plant-related) be established. The work approval process serves as a safeguarding documentation: The client confirms with their signature that the correct protective measures have been implemented. The contractor affirms compliance with these measures by signing as well.

Typically, this approval process is often carried out on paper, with carbon copy forms and multiple copies — a time-consuming and costly procedure that also carries risks: If the process changes, expensive forms must be re-purchased, and in case of accidents, the risk description is not always readily available.

Clear Safety Advantage - No Carbon Copy Forms

The new cts software, certeXo, digitizes the entire work approval process, including execution reports—flexible, secure, and traceable. The solution allows for an assessment of the hazard situation before activities begin. This process is standardized and based on proven tools, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and damage to both people and machines. certeXo highlights specific accident hazards and clearly defines the scope and work area. Additionally, the solution ensures a secure closure and feedback regarding granted approvals, such as for a modification.

certeXo features an easy user and role management system and displays all tasks paperless and status-based, ensuring complete documentation for authorities and audits. Management and supervisors receive a quick and comprehensive overview of planned and completed tasks. Furthermore, external documents like photos or damage reports can be integrated into the respective tasks. Deadline tracking and email reminders ensure that all tasks are completed on schedule. The fully digitalized workflow saves time and supports the continuous improvement process, for example, through trend detection for quick action.

Usable on Various Devices

Thanks to the browser-based graphical user interface, certeXo can be used on various terminals and devices throughout the operation. This ensures that even the site manager always has a clear overview of the situation. In the event of an accident, despite all safety measures, emergency personnel can quickly access information about the hazard situation on-site. Important for cost recovery: The enhanced safety level achieved with the new system can be cited as a cost-reducing measure for insurance premiums.

Intuitive and Flexible

certeXo is individually configurable and can be adapted to specific approval processes and changes. The many included templates make the setup easier and, of course, it is also LOTO-compatible. With its open architecture, the system integrates seamlessly into the cts software solutions. Thanks to the Click & Work Web-HMI, no software rollout is required. cts offers various licensing models, ranging from a one-time payment to a SaaS concept.

"certeXo is an important contribution to digitalization. During development, we consistently considered our experiences with customers," says Harald Niedermayr, Team Lead Advanced Solutions at cts. "We focused particularly on creating a functional, intuitive user interface with a consistent look and feel. The modular design makes the software quick to adjust and flexible in scaling."