Faced with the challenge of implementing a weld tracking program on short notice, UMC needed a solution that would allow for both shop and field weld inspections without reverting to cumbersome, outdated paper methods. Stratus, a software platform designed to streamline fabrication processes, was the answer.
Darren Young, construction technology director at UMC, described a familiar scenario in the industry: receiving last-minute inspection requests and having to scramble for documentation. The conventional approach required project documentation to be manually compiled, which is incompatible with the demanding nature of modern inspections, especially when the pace of work demands instant adaptability.
Using Stratus, UMC eliminated most of its paper-based procedures. Stratus facilitated a seamless transition to digital by accommodating all necessary fields and enabling UMC to track inspections efficiently. Young’s team collaborated with a third-party inspector who embraced the digital change. The shift required defining outline requirements, such as tracking fields and assigning task responsibilities, which Stratus allowed UMC to implement effectively.
A significant advantage was the ability to log data directly into Stratus, ensuring that reports and inspection records remained intact and unalterable. The solution involved numbering weld elements uniquely to avoid duplication, a common problem in traditional tracking. The inspector, through access to the Stratus system, could document detailed requirements and work in tandem with the shop personnel.
Additionally, UMC worked to configure the software to suit their project needs, setting up weld tracking reports and adjusting filtration settings. This customization was crucial, allowing UMC to filter and generate reports only for welds belonging to specific assemblies or packages.
UMC’s experience demonstrates how embracing digital strategies like Stratus can enhance efficiency and reduce dependency on paper-based workflows in construction. Young’s experience highlights how even unexpected challenges can be addressed with the right combination of technology and teamwork. The move toward a paperless system not only modernized UMC’s workflow but also increased the accuracy and reliability of their weld tracking processes.
For more information, visit www.stratus.build.
