Tees Business Tees Business Issue 20 | Page 33

The voice of business in the Tees region | 33 Intasite directors Danielle Bloom and Andy Murphy with PD Ports chief operating officer Jerry Hopkinson and North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham. THE FIRST PORT OF CALL How Intasite is shaping the future of site induction W hen Teesport operator PD Ports wanted to revolutionise their induction process as part of a new automated gate system, they naturally turned to Intasite. The in-house team at the Middlesbrough- based company had delivered PD Ports’ induction videos for several years and were keen to help solve this latest challenge. Working closely in partnership with PD Ports, Intasite was able to completely transform the way visitors including haulage drivers, ship's crew and contractors are inducted to ensure they can operate safely on site. “Intasite streamlines the health and safety induction process for secure sites,” says director Danielle Bloom. “Instead of arriving at the gatehouse and sitting through an induction of maybe 45 minutes, we've built a software platform that allows you to do it before you arrive.” An email invitation is sent in advance to the visitor, who clicks on a link and completes the induction at home or in the office via their own computer, tablet or even a mobile phone. The induction is just as thorough as if the visitor was on site and includes multichoice questions to ensure vital information has been understood. If the wrong answer is given, that part of the video is repeated. The really clever part of the platform Intasite devised for PD Ports is the way it adapts to the many different nationalities of visitors to a large container port. “The user is asked their language and we securely send their information to PD’s automated gate system. When a driver pulls up to the gate and scans his pass, not only does PD know they’ve been inducted, but the screen will display instructions in their own language.” That all helps ensure PD Ports will retain gate-to-gate times that are among the best in the industry, even as it continues to increase container volumes at a rapid rate. “It means they don't have multiple wagons queuing up at the gatehouse, with each driver having to get out, sit down and do the induction,” says Danielle. “It’s all done in advance and they can pass straight through. “Site managers can also send out a mass text message to update visitors about news such as a gate closure and automatic reminders are issued if a new induction needs to be renewed. Other companies provide similar off-the-shelf solutions but we’re flexible and will build in any bespoke features the client wants.” The idea was born when one of Intasite’s directors saw how inefficient the old way of doing inductions was, with everyone having to turn up an hour earlier before starting on site. It has now carried out around 50,000 inductions for PD alone. Intasite can also provide contractor management functions such as verifying certificates, valid insurance documents and risk assessment method statements, as well as producing high-quality induction videos, including scriptwriting, editing, voiceovers and music. “Some induction videos can be well over BY MICHAEL MCGEARY Danielle and Andy in front of the new automated gate with PD Ports staff. ten years old but when things change – a speed limit or PPE, for example – we'll update our clients’ films so they’re never out of date.” Major names on board include ConocoPhillips, Sirius Minerals, SABIC, EDF Renewable Energy and Intasite’s biggest customer, Telefonica O2, which uses the system to induct contractors at around 20 switch centres throughout the UK. “Providing a facility to be inducted from anywhere ahead of arrival improves your company profile, saves time and reduces costs,” says Danielle. “It can be used anywhere an induction is needed – heavy industry, construction, ports, oil and gas and factories as well. “When we first started, the concept was so new that people didn't know it was an option. Now it's becoming more well known and when people see it in action, they want it for themselves.” To find out more visit intasite.com