Synfaring halves inspection time

Overview

• Synfaring is a Bergen based certification body that works globally to help clients meet quality, safety and sustainability standards.
• The expert equipment inspectors previously used time-consuming manual processes for inspections. Early digitalization added an extra database that complicated document access for customers.
• The founders of Synfaring have worked together across different companies and have used Onix since 2012. They adopted the solution to make inspections digital.
• Inspectors carry tablets to customer sites, complete simple checklists and automatically generate documents.
• With Onix, the team has halved inspection time by removing repetitive admin work. They also enable better equipment control for customers with all essential compliance documentation accessible in one open system.
  
• Synfaring is now an Onix partner and supports customers with their digital equipment management needs.
  

About Synfaring   

Synfaring is a Norwegian inspection and certification company and part of Apave Group, an international provider of inspection, certification, testing, training and risk management services. With more than 18,000 employees operating in nearly 60 countries, the Group provides Synfaring with access to an extensive international network of expertise. 

Synfaring provides independent inspection, certification, engineering and consultancy services to customers in Norway and internationally. Its customers operate across key industries, including oil and gas, power and industry, aquaculture and maritime. 

Synfaring has extensive expertise in the inspection and certification of lifting equipment, cranes, offshore equipment and maritime structures, as well as NDT and engineering services.  

Within aquaculture, they provide services for both floating and land-based aquaculture facilities, supported by specialist expertise in engineering and oceanography. The oceanography and marine engineering team provides current measurements, wave modelling, current and dispersion modelling and assessment of environmental conditions. These services support the planning, design and safe operation of aquaculture facilities and other marine and industrial projects.  

Through a broad range of services and specialist expertise, Synfaring helps customers meet regulatory and industry requirements while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality and efficient operations. 

Synfaring was established in 2018 when the founders saw an opportunity to continue and further develop inspection and certification services in the Bergen area. Most of the employees had already worked together across different companies for several years and had used Onix since 2012, bringing this experience with them when establishing Synfaring. 

The Synfaring headquarters located outside of Bergen in Norway.

Problem 

The Synfaring inspection team travels to customer sites across the globe to check and certify equipment. Inspections must be completed according to set steps and documented to demonstrate that equipment is safe and certified for use.  

Previously, this documentation process was heavily manual. Inspectors carried pen and paper around customer sites. They had to physically search for equipment and write notes by hand. This information then had to be rewritten back in the office to generate certification that could be sent to customers. 

When Synfaring looked to digitalize processes, it began with its own database. While this centralized information and supported basic digital processes, it made things complicated for customers. They had multiple suppliers and inspectors and had to log into many systems to access essential documentation.  

In 2012, before Synfaring was established, the team was working together at another company when a customer requested that they consider using Onix. This offshore operator wanted all inspections to be completed in the software. 

Synfaring inspectors conducting a crane inspection. 

Solution

With Onix, inspections are now fully digital. Inspectors simply carry tablets on-site and follow easy and repeatable checklist processes. This is how it works:

• Inspectors access customer equipment information or set up new equipment in Onix.
• They scan a QR, RFID or NFC tag that can be added to each equipment, or they search for equipment in Onix Inspect. 
• They then complete set checklists on their tablets.
• All checks and any issues are recorded in Onix.
• Inspectors can take photographs and leave comments for customers.
• When the inspection is completed, certification is automatically created and is accessible in the customer’s Onix account or can be sent using Onix Express.

Synfaring also provides continued Onix support to customers to help them unlock digital equipment management. The team offers its services to set up equipment in Onix, tag equipment, connect customers with equipment suppliers that deliver in Onix and to help them keep track of inspection schedules using simple planning tools.

Synfaring completes inspections and NDT testing at customer sites using digital tools. 

Result

The team estimates that with Onix, they halve the time it takes to inspect equipment. This is because they cut out the extra work of writing up inspections back in the office. With digital tools, certification generation is automatic.

This means:

• Less admin work.
• More efficient use of time.
• More focus on the important inspection task.
• Faster inspection turnarounds for customers.

Keeping documentation digitally also means that Synfaring and its customers have better control and visibility.

This means:

• Synfaring can easily deliver essential documentation to customers.
• Customers have instant access to required compliance documents.
• Both can check equipment statuses and easily plan annual inspections.

The Synfaring team has seen that Onix has had significant benefits for customers. Tor Henning Vågenes, Head of Expert Services Division, said:

“Onix provides real value for our customers. They gain better control over their own data and compliance documentation, while still having the flexibility to work with the suppliers and service providers that are right for them. All the documentation remains accessible in one system. 

When reflecting on the impact Onix has had for his team, he said:

“When equipment is inspected in Onix, the process is fast and easy. It only takes a few clicks. We save a significant amount of time, which allows us to focus more on the inspection itself and on supporting our customers.”

Today, Synfaring is an Onix partner and works to support customers across industries with digital equipment compliance. To find out more about Synfaring, click the link to the webpage here.

To find out more about Onix and how it can support you as an equipment owner or inspector, get in touch with one of our experts today.