Client Name
EQUION ENERGIA LIMITED
Organization Size
101- 501
Solution
Digital PTW System (ePTW)
Challenge
- Lack of Centralized PTW Information Across Plant Locations
- Limited Real-Time Visibility for Accurate Activity Coordination
- Contractor Competency Verification
Equion relied on manual communication and only essential paperwork for its permit-to-work procedures.
Equion dominated the operation and management of the Colombian government’s oil and gas assets under contract. Being a renowned name in the sector, Equion’s operational efficiency was unmatched. The Colombian government outsourced Equion to oversee all oil and gas plants across multiple locations, requiring Equion to manage both structured and unstructured operations and maintenance to ensure efficiency.
Equion initially relied on manual communication and minimal paperwork for permit-to-work procedures. However, recognizing the need for digitalization given the vast data volumes and business demands, Equion sought a suitable solution.
Despite approaching several companies, they found off-the-shelf digital systems too complex and difficult to implement, as they did not align with their exact day-to-day operations. Consequently, they sought a customized solution to reduce training and implementation time, simplify processes, integrate systems across all plants, and establish a seamless Permit-to-Work (PTW) system.
Additionally, adopting a generic, off-the-shelf PTW platform often requires organizations to modify their existing PTW procedures to align with the software. This introduces an additional operational risk—the hazard of procedural change. In safety-critical environments, any change in established procedures can create confusion, resistance, or unintended gaps in control during the transition phase.
In contrast, a customized PTW solution retains the client’s approved PTW process framework. It represents a transition from paper to digital — not a change in procedure — thereby minimizing risk, preserving workforce familiarity, reducing training effort, and delivering the added value of digitization without disrupting established safety controls.
Solution
- Fully digitized lifecycle from permit request to closure.
- Two-Level Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
- Multi-Device Accessibility
- Hot work & Cold work permit issuance & closure
- Isolation & Confined Space Certificate
- Routine Activity Permits
- Dashboard & Analytics
TECH EHS designed PTW software after a careful study of each job activity and its procedures, resulting in successful implementation across all plants.
After an in-depth study of EQUION’s job activities, risk categories, isolation workflows, and SIMOPS requirements, TECH EHS designed and deployed a comprehensive PTW software platform tailored to EQUION’s operations.
The digital permit issuance and closure process covered essential permits, including the Hot Work Permit, Cold Work Permit, High Frequency Permits, Isolation Certificate, and Confined Space Entry Certificate. This system ensured a fully digitized lifecycle, streamlining the process from initial request to final closure and improving efficiency and safety in managing work permits.
The Two-Level Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment platform integrated job-specific hazard identification with a structured risk evaluation process that occurred before permit activation. A Contractor Competency Verification Layer was established to ensure that only trained and authorized personnel were assigned to PTW activities.
TECH EHS infrastructure teams collaborated closely with EQUION’s IT team to deploy the solution on Microsoft Azure, ensuring scalability, data security, centralized governance, and multi-plant integration. Within four months, the system was implemented across all plants, with a structured rollout (pilot with sa mall department -> small plant -> all plants) that ensured smooth adoption and operational continuity.
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Outcome
The PTW software developed by TECH EHS brought a paradigm shift to Equion’s PTW procedures.
TECH EHS PTW software revolutionized Equion’s procedures, significantly enhancing decision-making quality for approvers, permit requestors, area authorities, and isolation officers.
Benefits
Optimum Compliance
Seamless Permit Creation Process
Multiple Devices Configuration
