Taking mobile data capture to another level

Mipac is a global leader in operational technology, control systems and engineering services, specialising in metal and mineral process control, automation and performance data solutions around the world.

Earlier this year, Mipac started using Mipela’s X-Info Suite configured to provide a Field Asset Auditing System (FAAS) for field electrical, instrumentation and control system audits at various mine sites around the world. This solution saves costs and time by automating workflows and reporting and provides Mipac users with easy access to a single-source-of-truth for core Field Asset Audited business information. It also allows personnel to seamlessly perform these complex asset site audit processes through an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.

The FAAS also provides automated exception and compliance reporting, as components of the project are completed. The data can also be used to automate the preparation of progressive status reports and progress management in preparation and delivery of the project.

Product Update – X-Info Aware

Mipela is excited to announce the introduction of facial recognition authentication for the X-Info Aware iOS app, offering a seamless login experience and heightened security for users.

• Streamlined login process: Our development team are in the final stages of implementing Face ID. With this innovation users will no longer need to login with usernames and passwords.
• Enhanced security: Facial recognition authenticates users based on unique facial features. Multi-factor authentication is also supported providing additional protection.
• User friendly options: Users will have the flexibility to enable or disable facial recognition. Whether you choose to apply this feature or keep with the traditional login method, X-Info Aware allows the user to decide.
• Easy management: Navigate to the X-Info Aware application settings to manage your facial recognition preferences.

Stay tuned! Face ID authentication will soon be available for Aware iOS users.

Real time data capture and reporting in remote field environment made possible with X-Info Aware

The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline (TGP) is the only pipeline supplying natural gas to Tasmania. It transports natural gas from Longford in Victoria, under Bass Strait, to Bell Bay in Tasmania.

The TGP asset is owned by Palisade, and Zinfra has operated, maintained and undertaken minor construction activities on the gas pipe for 14 years, since it was commissioned in 2002, under a field services agreement (FSA). Zinfra delivers a comprehensive range of engineering, operations, maintenance and construction services to the utility infrastructure sector nationally.

Zinfra has used Mipela software solutions for their operations and maintenance work since 2012, using X-Info Suite, consisting of X-Info Connect, X-Info Maps and the integration with Maintenance Connection for automated Dial Before You Dig responses, works management for third party crossings, and to manage communications with landholders along the pipelines.

By implementing the new X-Info Aware application, field workers can now collect data on site at third party crossing locations. Other field data collection tasks have been streamlined into X-Info Suite, allowing the decommission of their old data collection systems entirely. Zinfra can now also assign tasks to their crews in the field and undertake regular checks of the pipeline, based on work orders generated in Maintenance Connection, from both the air and ground to keep informed of issues affecting the pipeline’s operation in real time.

“Implementing X-Info Aware for Zinfra’s data capture – which includes cathodic protection, aerial patrols and pipeline faults – has improved not only our workflow and record keeping, but keeps us up to date with current technologies available. We also have other connections that are linked together, including DBYD and Landholder Database, as well as a live system which is very important for our employees to ensure they have the most up to date data when in the field.”

Graeme Bystersky
Works Coordinator
Zinfra/Tasmanian Gas Pipeline

“With Mipela’s suite of products we were able to tailor what we needed to deliver for our client. Over the past four years we have found a solution that not only meets our client’s needs but keeps our field employees up to date with live updates and work flows that save time, keep data current and easier to manage. When working with Mipela our team has found they have a “can do, nothing is a problem” attitude with continual improvement always at the front of their mind. It’s always a pleasure dealing with Mipela and I look forward to working on the next project with them.”

Matthew Stewart
Operator of the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline – Zinfra

Remote field task management and data capture providing results for real time consumption for Veolia

Veolia is a global leader in environmental solutions, working closely with some of Australia’s largest companies to help them reach their sustainability goals. Veolia is governed by an adherence to the highest levels of safety, no compromises and work in partnership with its clients to minimise hazards, reduce risk and build a respected and lively safety culture.

In late 2015, Veolia successfully won the vegetation management services contract with QGC. This body of work includes the management of remote maintenance teams to undertake assigned tasks and report back in a comprehensive and timely manner.

Having worked with Mipela since 2009, the team at Veolia partnered with Mipela to configure a hosted solution that not only managed the tasks for the remote workers via a tablet device but also provided automated reporting to both Veolia and their client QGC, offering transparency of activities and real time results. The solution had to be fluid enough to handle changes from Veolia’s client, QGC. Mipela were agile in their approach to the deployment and could quickly scope and configure variations collaboratively as they were required.

Mipela implemented X-Info Connect to manage, manipulate and report on the data; X-Info Aware to capture the data in the field on users mobile tablets; and X-Info WebConnect to provide a browser based interface into select data for QGC and the maintenance companies.

In early 2016 Veolia’s first work crew undertook their assigned maintenance task near Miles in the Surat Basin. Before and after photos were captured as part of the task process. Information on herbicides used were also collected as part of the maintenance process and reported accordingly. This information was then available for consumption by the Veolia team in real time for review, analysis and subsequent reporting to their client, QGC.

In summary, real time reporting of remote field activities is available using mobile devices. Tasks, scheduled or adhoc can trigger additional actions, such as emails or SMS, to notify others of issues or risks.

TGP optimises their field workforce with mobile data capture app

Tasmanian Gas Pipeline (TGP) were one of our first clients to test the X-Info Aware mobile data capture app over the last 12 months and have made the decision to fully adopt the product into their business.

X-Info Aware has been implemented to allow for end to end process automation. Using step procedures generated when Dial Before You Dig enquiries are submitted, the office staff are able to assign data collection forms to the field staff. This enables field crews to access and complete their daily task lists on their devices and send their data back to the office in real time.

TGP are now looking to further streamline their field data collection tasks by adding new data capture forms to their system to enable both adhoc and assigned tasks to be completed in the field and integrated back into the central database, streamlining data capture processes, improving audit and reporting functionality and eliminating manual processing from their day to day activities.