Newsletter November 2011
Innovation: Utilising Technology to Improve the Process
Our regular readers will know that we like to keep abreast of new technologies to see how they can aid our customers to be more efficient and more productive.
We are continuing our development into 2012 with exactly this in mind. Last month we told you about our new innovative 'Mobile Application' that allows you to view your CDM and Asbestos data while on site. This mobile application can work on any mobile device as long as supports internet browsing.
In particular the CDM application allows you to update your projects while on site making you more flexible in your approach to your work and planning.
We are now looking to see what we can provide for Asbestos Surveyors so that we can improve their data input so please watch this space! If you have any innovative ideas that you would like us to consider then email us on info@aisolutions.co.uk.
Collaborative Working
When the CDM2007 regulations were brought into force, the main messages that were being pushed by the HSE were communication, co-operation and collaboration. We have always worked toward 'shared ownership' of projects and information and we have activily encouraged and supported our customers to work towards collaborative working.
ToolKit CS™ is an excellent communication tool and supports co-operation between all parties. In addition to this it allows you as a 'Client' to link to your other systems (asset management, fault logging, vendor assessment etc) so that information is shared collaboratively.
In addition to all this we have been setting up new relationships to support collaborative working. We all know it's about being effective, managing time, directing effort as well as saving money. With this in mind we have set up partnering arrangements with Altius VA (Vendor Assessment) and Waste Plan Solutions (SWMP).
We also have working relationships with Callsafe Services (CDM-C provision health and safety training), Flint (Asbestos Surveyors), CHAS (contractor's assessment scheme) and Watson and Sole (Health and Safety files/information storage) to mention but a few.
Our aim is to provide easy access to the various systems that we know our customers need and our ToolKit CS™ users will see more of this type of collaborative working happening in the future.
We know that as Clients the task of managing things is difficult, particularly now that budgets are being slashed. Along with this most of you have other systems in place that do a good job at what they are designed to do. Our outlook is to set up 'linking' between the various systems so that you have a better way of managing your information and activity and to also improve the flow of information, along with saving time and effort.
Vendor Assesment: Altius
One of our new partners, Altius, has recently won the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) award for Innovation and Technology for their system Altius Vendor Assessment. They have been running for a number of years now and have a new and innovative approach to vendor assessment. At no cost to the Client the Altius Vendor Assessment system can provide all the vendor assessment needs along with direct requirements of the Client.
As for the vendors (Contractors, CDM-C's etc.) it gives them peace of mind knowing that they are assessed by competent professionals. Being part of the Altius Vendor Assessment system means the vendors are in the best place to get on the approved lists of as many clients as possible. Furthermore the Altius team of approved professionals provide feedback to help put vendors in the best possible light with potential clients.
For more on this story see BIFM website and Altius' Blog.
Bletchley Park: Codebreaking Conference
Many of our customers will recognise Bletchley Park as a venue we have used for our annual conferences in previous years. For those of you that are interested on Saturday 12 November 2011 there is a code-breaking, cryptography and programming Conference being held at Bletchley Park with all proceeds to the Bletchley Park Trust and The National Museum of Computing.
For more information, see Bletchley Park: Codebreaking Conference.
More Information
We regularly receive updates from our customers and contacts about changes to legislation, the latest rumours and so on. We try to be selective with what we pass on and acknowledge our sources as appropriate. If you have information of general interest in the Health & Safety, and particularly, CDM and Asbestos Management arena, then please let us know by e-mail if possible.