At our manufacturing facility, we have control systems— a mix of software and hardware— that play a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing our processes. Within these systems, certain instruments are classified as safety critical. These are devices designed to:
• Prevent major accidents in our operations.
• Minimize the impact in case of a loss of containment.

In the past, when a safety critical system needed to be bypassed for some reason, it was documented on paper. Unfortunately, this manual process lacked a comprehensive record, making it challenging to track how often a device was bypassed and why.
To enhance and modernize our approach, we've embraced the Microsoft Power Platform. We've employed Microsoft SharePoint Lists to create a robust database, Power Apps to develop a user-friendly application, Power Automate to automate our workflow, and Power BI to craft insightful dashboards.

Now, rather than relying on paper records, we've digitized our processes, making them more efficient and transparent. This not only ensures a more accurate tracking of safety critical system bypasses but also allows us to understand the reasons behind each instance.

By shifting from traditional paper-based methods to this digital transformation, we've introduced a level of sophistication that extends beyond the manufacturing floor. This approach is not just about replacing paper with screens; it's about embracing a dynamic system that not only records incidents but also provides valuable insights. Advantages of this digitization include:

• Efficiency: Streamlining the process has made it quicker and more reliable.
• Transparency: Now, anyone can easily comprehend the status and history of safety critical systems.
• Insights: The Power BI dashboard offers a visual representation, allowing us to analyze trends and make informed decisions.
• Accountability: With a clear record, we can pinpoint the reasons for bypasses, enabling better problem-solving.
• Proactive Measures: Armed with data, we can proactively address issues, preventing potential accidents.

In essence, we've moved from static paper records to a dynamic digital environment, bringing clarity, efficiency, and proactive safety measures to our manufacturing processes.