How to Manage a Shutdown with AMPS

Streamline Operations and Overcome Common Challenges

Managing a shutdown is a challenging task involving multiple teams, assets, and jobs at the same location. AMPS has identified and addressed several common shutdown problems, including:

• Asset Location
• Communication
• Past Asset Documentation
• Personnel and Equipment Documentation
• Organization
• Performance Metrics

Localization

Consider this scenario: you are managing a shutdown with five tanks to inspect (or boilers, or any other equipment).

First, create the assets in AMPS so everyone knows where each tank is located. Users can then utilize Google Maps or similar apps to navigate to the location using their cellphone GPS. For example, we chose Mount Eden to represent the Mount Eden Tank Farm.

Communication

Communication is key. If you are an NDT manager, let me ask: have you ever had to send the same document to multiple people repeatedly? Or update a document and resend it, such as a job work pack?

In AMPS, each job page contains the most up-to-date documents. When a document is updated, everyone is notified in real time. Reports can be uploaded directly to the job’s reports folder, so when the inspector finishes the job, the supervisor, client, and all stakeholders are instantly informed.

Past Assets Documentation

In AMPS, an asset can have multiple sub-assets. For example, the Mount Eden Tank Farm is an asset, and it has three sub-assets: Tank 1, Tank 2, and Tank 3.

Each asset in AMPS is equipped with a QR code. Scanning the QR code provides instant access to the asset’s history, displaying all jobs performed on that asset (provided the user has the necessary authorization).

Managers can easily find past reports and other documents, knowing who performed previous jobs, how long they took, and accessing any related documentation. QR codes can even be printed and displayed on an NDT wall or department. Our clients often surprise us with their ingenious uses of AMPS!

Personnel and Equipment Documentation

Shutdowns demand extensive documentation for employees and equipment—it’s the nature of the job.

AMPS includes a dedicated personnel and equipment page where all related documents, such as working-at-heights certificates, confined space certifications, and equipment calibration forms, are tracked. This feature ensures management always knows which documents are missing or which equipment requires calibration.

Additionally, AMPS’ flag system notifies users one month in advance when any certificate is about to expire.

Organization

Jobs in AMPS can be grouped into Job Groups. For example, create a job group called “Mount Eden Tank Farm 2024” and add all related jobs to this group. This way, assets retain their job history, and you can easily track which jobs are part of the shutdown.

AMPS displays job statuses in the assets job tab, indicating whether a job is in progress, not yet started, or finished. This makes it simple to report the overall status of the shutdown.

Performance Metrics

AMPS integrates with Power BI, allowing users to compare shutdown performances, analyze costs, and scrutinize time allocation. This ensures you have complete visibility and control over shutdown expenses and timelines.

What Else?

Explore more about how to improve asset management with AMPS.