This spring, Rottneros pulp mill Vallvik is testing a digital solution that replaces the manual handling of work permits for high-risk tasks. The innovation comes from the startup Permitify.
Every time a contractor is set to perform hazardous work at an industrial site, a risk assessment and a work permit are required.
The permit must be signed by both the industry representative who commissioned the work and the person who will perform the task, for example an electrician.
Sundsvall-based Permitify offers a digital solution that replaces the traditional, time-consuming paper-based process.
“The potential for efficiency gains is considerable. Costly production shutdowns can be shortened thanks to improved visibility into ongoing tasks and better coordination,” says CEO Johan Nylander.
After extensive development and a series of smaller tests, the company is now ready to scale up.
Starting in March and for a period of ten weeks, the forest-industry company Rottneros will use Permitify’s digital solution at its Vallvik pulp mill in Söderhamn.
Once maintenance work has been risk assessed, an SMS is sent to the person who will carry out the task. They confirm with a simple screen signature on their phone, and then the work can begin.
Safety Manager Arvid Sjöström sees several advantages to digitizing work permits.
“We gain greater transparency; employees from different departments can contribute to risk assessments and follow up on the work. The system also collects data that helps us evaluate how the permit process functions and identify areas for improvement,” he says.
The digital solution will be evaluated continuously during the test period. After adjustments, a finalized product is planned for release after the summer, according to Johan Nylander.
“At the same time, we are working to raise external capital. The tests at Vallvik open new doors for us.”
Nylander also sees potential beyond the industrial sector.
“Since the turn of the year a new set of regulations has put stricter demands on risk assessments in sectors such as construction. Our solution can play an important role there,” says Johan Nylander.