Industrial enterprises are experiencing a crisis. They’re faced with the need to acquire new technologies just to remain compliant while at the same time budget shortfalls, increased regulatory requirements, and supply chain disruptions are affecting revenues.
What if I told you that investing in Advanced Process Control (APC) systems will save more money in a day than you’ll actually spend to acquire them?
What is Advanced Process Control?
While the actual architecture of an APC is complex, its use and value can be boiled down in layman’s terms to mean a combination of technologies that are designed to improve control over processes and productivity. In an industrial environment, such controls are linked to a distributed control system to automate critical workflows, predictively optimize production, and reduce production costs.
Although it’s normally viewed from an engineering standpoint as a way of impacting operational efficiency, it can apply to other processes that affect efficiency and cash flow, such as invoicing and field ticketing systems.
In all cases, the gains are financial as well as operational.
Benefits of Implementing APC at Your Industrial Facility
Whether your industrial facility is government-run, you’re a B2G contractor or a private B2B enterprise, you have a vested interest in reducing costs, saving time, and eliminating touchpoints. Automated process controls allow you to meet your targets faster and with a higher degree of efficiency.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Remote tracking in real-time. In energy and renewable sectors, not all processes happen at your production facility. GPS tracking and geo-fencing technologies keep tabs on what’s happening at well sites, warehouses, and other remote locations. Virtual geofencing with timestamps lets you know when assets – human or otherwise – arrive or leave a site, send alerts pertaining to compliance and safety issues, and monitor other remote job site operations.
- Offline capabilities. Dead zones are no longer a problem with offline capabilities that cache essential data and make it available via mobile app from any location. Once the device is reconnected, all data is automatically updated.
- Advanced data reporting and analytics. All of this data is meaningless unless it is relevant and understandable. Through advanced modeling tools, real-time analytics, and concise reporting, you’ll have access to granular information at your fingertips to make data-driven decisions as well as information on trends for long-term planning.
- Compliance and auditing protection. OSHA and other industrial regulations are complicated in the best of times. They’re also frequently evolving. Automation takes the guesswork out of compliance issues because the information is always up to date. Any issues or irregularities will trigger an alert. Signatures and documents requiring validation are handled in real-time.
- Automated ordering and inventory control. Automated inventory management tools initiate the reordering process, provide accurate information about inventory levels and production targets, and scale up or down as needed.
How to Maintain Advanced Process Control Through Electronic Invoicing
Electronic invoicing allows you to future-proof your enterprise through digitization. The fact is, many governments are mandating electronic invoicing for all government contracts, a requirement that will soon carry over into the private sector.
In fact, Italy already amended the EU mandate to include B2B transactions in 2019, and France plans to extend the current requirement to businesses by 2025. Countries that haven’t already begun the process will soon follow suit.
But, implementing effective APC requires a comprehensive approach that involves all stakeholders and integrates every process.
This is especially true in production environments, where the simple act of automating field tickets and invoicing systems can realize savings on up to 80 percent of the cost of processing alone.
Before you begin your digital transformation, here are some things to consider.
Manage Your Expectations
Before you implement any process, you should have a realistic view of its capabilities and measure that against your expectations. Even the most advanced technology isn’t magic. Consider not only what is possible, but the willingness of your team, vendors, and other stakeholders to buy into the process.
Build Flexibility Into the Process
Your operation isn’t always static, so your tech solution shouldn’t be, either. Even workflows and processes within an industrial complex can vary from the facility to the field or warehouse to the head office. Solutions should be flexible and practical enough to adhere to the requirements of diverse operational environments.
Consider Your Options
Technology is evolving faster than many developers can keep up with. Explore your options and choose a tech partner that offers current, scalable solutions and continual process improvement.
There is no one-size solution when it comes to technology, not anymore. Take the above considerations under advisement and choose the vendor that best fits your current and future goals and requirements. Engage Mobilize specializes in cutting-edge solutions in energy, oil & gas, renewables, and related industries.
Rely on Relevant, Timely Information
In order to make data-driven decisions, you need access to reliable, real-time information. A centralized, automated procure-to-pay (P2P) system allows you to capture meaningful data from multiple ERPs and widen your field of vision.
Without such capabilities, you’ll lack meaningful data related to:
- Past and future expenditures
- Business forecasting activities
- Your ability to control costs and streamline operations
Final Thoughts
In an industrial environment where the cost of production is increasing, anything you can do to control processes will result in cost savings. Advances in technology allow you to consolidate processes while providing a high ROI on your investment.
The result is a more streamlined, efficient enterprise that’s competitive and compliant.
Let an expert at Engage Mobilize show you how it’s done. Contact us to book a consultation today.
