10 ways SteelTrace solution can enhance EPCs processes

1. Real-time MRB creation

A traditional Manufacturer Record Book (MRB) is a set of documents prepared by each of your suppliers, which collects all certificates, approved procedures and documents that have been used to manufacture the items of your specific Purchase Order. This implies that suppliers shall prepare an MRB index according to the project specification template, and submit it for approval. Once the MRB index is approved, the MRB shall be compiled with all documents according to that index. This process has a few disadvantages:

• Each project, even from the same company, has different MRB indexes.
• Supplier certificates are repeated in multiple sections. For instance, a manufacturer that issues one 3.1 certificate covering all PO items. This certificate will be repeated in every item section.
• MRBs need to be searchable. Since all certificates are paper based, they must be scanned in high quality mode, which makes the file handling (and the search function itself) very difficult. And even with high quality mode, not all words may be searchable.

A digital MRB like the one that SteelTrace may produce, aggregates data from different sources and automates that process, which has several advantages:

• No need to approve any index: all certificates are automatically divided based on the product and on the certificate type. Moreover, being all data digital, any custom grouping can be made (e.g. a section just for hardness test, a section just for heat treatment etc.)
• Transferring huge files is no longer needed: all data is available in real time

2. Automated approval of MRB

As explained above, a digital MRB aggregates data from different sources and automates the MRB creation process. In addition, all data of each single test is already automatically checked according to approved Inspection and Test Plans (ITP). Therefore there is no need of an additional check.

3. Easy data aggregation from different sources

Being part of the SteelTrace network means you can have in one single source all data from different parties, such as pipe supplier, forgings and fittings suppliers, NDT service providers, welding companies, coating service suppliers and more. In this way, data from all parties is available in a structured and standardized format in one ecosystem.

4. Receive clear, uniform certificates from suppliers

When working with different suppliers, for example with different forging manufacturers, you always spend at least 5 minutes on each certificate just to find a “no weld” declaration, or a specific test declaration. With SteelTrace all your suppliers will input their data in our platform allowing you to find everything always in the same place. In addition you will not have language barriers: all certificates may be translated into any language you prefer (e.g. French, Russian etc.).

5. Automatic control of incoming material certificates

On the platform you can easily input all specification requirement (chemical composition, mechanical test acceptance criteria etc.). Thus, when uploading a certificate, it is possible to instantly see whether a received product meets all acceptance criteria.

6. Automates statistics for qualifications

Many qualifications such as Norsok M-650 (now ISO 17782) require the manufacturer to provide, each year, statistical data about the tests made on the material belonging to each QTR (or MPCR). Instead of spending a lot of time searching for these data in your ERP system, you can have these information in SteelTrace with a single click.

7. Meet company data requirements

More and more companies, and latest standards, are asking for traceability and immutable information. SteelTrace offers a solution that has all of these features and much more. This is possible thanks to blockchain technology, which ensure traceability and trustworthiness of the data.

8. More efficient QA/QC workflow

Have you ever asked your suppliers to provide a better quality scan of any certificate? This happens at least twice a day. And have you ever counted how many times a single certificate gets printed and scanned? Well, we counted an average of three in case of TPI inspection, and average of two if there are no inspection requirements. Imagine each time the loss of quality, imagine the loss of time to print, sign, and stamp. With SteelTrace all is solved by opening your mobile app, scanning a QR code and inputting your signature credentials, creating a more time-efficient workflow and ensuring higher quality.

9. Up-to-date data from base materials

SteelTrace allows you to have real-time data from all your suppliers and subcontractors (steelmills, forging companies, welding companies) without the need to wait for the “official” paper certificate to be issued.  These insights allow you to improve your processes earlier (such as prepare Welding Procedures etc.) and be always updated.

10. Statistics on suppliers

SteelTrace allows you to gather statistics on supplies with just one single click. You can then compare your choices according to manufacturer capabilities and performance.

If you would like to know more about our solution, you can book a meeting or schedule a product demo here.