OCTIEF launches their Custom Developed Asbestos and HAZMAT Management Software.
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The OCTFOLIOTM Database Management System is a revolutionary web-based information cloud that has been custom developed internally over the last 4 years by the OCTIEF Group. OCTFOLIOTM was originally commercialised as an Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Software Program. The Asbestos and HAZMAT Software (then known commercially as ‘VRisk’) specifically addressed the significant industry demand for better overall data collection efficiency. At the time if it’s debut in the public and private sectors across Australia and New Zealand, the VRisk software package was the only one of it’s kind. After a great deal of research, it was determined that at a global level, there was literally no commercially available Asbestos / HAZMAT database management system.
Being the innovative bunch that we are here at OCTIEF Headquarters, we very quickly identified this gap as a potential blue ocean strategy, and as such, with the help of some very capable commercial partners, we set about developing the worlds most advanced, most innovative, and by far the most efficient online database management system. As technology was moving faster than we could brainstorm, the obvious solution was to combine years of business knowledge with the rapidly advancing information technology (IT) which, if done correctly would very quickly enable OCTIEF and our client base to clearly identify, accurately define, and then develop the optimal strategy for the delivery of large scale inspection and management programs.
The 1st stage of the project involved the development and integration of our custom built multi-dimensional risk management software. However, as much as we would like to this day, to claim that we were focussed on the development of the risk management software, this was not actually our focus at all. At this point, our single primary focus was to quickly develop a software platform that would support the introduction of the light-weight ‘brainchild’ from Mr Steve Jobs himself – the Apple iPad. There was no doubt, not even for a second that the revolutionary touchscreen capabilities of the iPad and other Microsoft based tablet PCs would allow for tremendous increases in efficiency, both in the field and also in the office.
However, as we all know, if it sounds to good to be true… It usually is! Over the next 12 months, our dedicated but very patient team of designers, software architects, programmers, engineers, and scientists hit wall after wall complications that resulted from a range of software and hardware related issues, that as far as we could tell, to date had never been tried nor tested. It appeared that not only were we about 6 months ahead of the computing technology we needed, man kind had not pre-empted the importance of internet connectivity for our field surveyors… Or lack thereof.
Anyhow, with 3 weeks to go before our pre-determined deadline, we managed to not only find solutions to our technical set-backs, but also to further develop the functionality of the system beyond our initial expectations. As we say at OCTIEF: “When you realise that you are actually failing… only then are you trying hard enough”.
Today, OCTFOLIOTM is the complete package. The system has grown over the last 4 years to now encompass the following features:
- A diverse range of fully automated, online, and real time, site data collection modules including asbestos and hazardous materials, tenant Inspections, life cycle analysis, fire safety inspections, defect management surveys, quality audits, safety inspections, environmental compliance audits and much more;
- A fully integrated, robust, and systematic data collection/transfer and storage platform; and
- An online, enterprise-grade information management system.
The OCTFOLIOTM system is . constructed on solid foundations, operating on a Microsoft data platform, that is backed up in real time onto Telstra’s mirrored data servers. Further, the data is also simultaneously duplicated, and transferred in real-time onto the OCTFOLIOTM Cloud. In terms of providing our clients with a superior level of confidence in our products, and more importantly our services, there is nothing that is more important to the future success of our company. As we too are in the business of risk assessment, occupational health consulting, and corporate risk management, we believe we understand our clients requirements on all levels. This being said, as an organisation we are acutely aware of how important, valuable, and extremely confidential any and all data is to both our direct and in-direct clientele along with all associated project stakeholders.
Consequently, to further offset any corporate or associated types of risk arising as a result of the management and security of the data, we have gone one step further. Whilst in the field, OCTFOLIOTM data is also backed up onto each and every handheld computer’s USB activation keys which for the purpose of security, privacy, and also quality control, are required to be inserted into the hand-held PC devices upon commencement of a site inspection, and must be removed and stored separately to the hand-held PC, prior to being able to leave the site.
Once all site data has been collected, OCTFOLIOTM then presents users with automated management technology that combines the use of Active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and line-of-sight infrared (IR) technology to provide all stakeholders, management personnel, administration staff, field staff, and the general public with a range of truly innovative management tools, complete with ‘SMART’ alert notifications. Our field devices are fitted with Alert Emergency Call Portable Transmitters are dual-tech radio frequency (RF) and infra-red (IR) duress alert transmitters that detail the location, time and nature of each and every alert. These transmitters are designed to enhance personal safety by enabling the protected individual to call for assistance should they be placed at-risk of injury, become incapacitated due to attack or injury or suffer loss of consciousness due to sudden changes in the environment.
Having now successfully rolled the OCTFOLIOTM system out into a number of our large scale clients including as an example: UGL Limited, Ergon Energy Limited, the Commonwealth Department of Finance and Deregulation, and Redland City Council, we can confidently guarantee that our system works. Having now implemented the system Nationally on a number of occasions, we can also guarantee you that OCTFOLIOTM works just as well in the centre of Sydney’s CBD, as it does 240km north-west of Alice Springs in the remote, yet somewhat typical Australian landscape.
In summary, OCTFOLIOTM increases overall efficiancy by up to 75%, Improves business insight, increases accountability, improves the overall safety of any project and aids in the overall financial management of any type of project by providing very detailed reporting functionality, data analysis processes, and visual/graphical reports.
For more information, or a face to face demonstration please do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 138 366 or visit www.octief.com.au
