Process Safety Events (PSE) are critical events that, although not always resulting in serious consequences, could have done so. Their collection and analysis are essential to prevent major incidents. Yet many industrial companies still rely on manual processes and Excel spreadsheets to manage these events. The digitalization of PSE collection offers a major transformation opportunity.
Limitations of Traditional Approaches
Manual PSE management has many drawbacks. Collection on paper or via Word/Excel forms is slow, error-prone, and makes data consolidation difficult. Information reporting delays are significant, delaying analysis and corrective actions. Traceability is limited, and it is difficult to track action progress. Trend analysis requires tedious manual work, and regulatory reports are time-consuming. Finally, capitalization of lessons learned often remains theoretical, with information scattered and difficult to access.
Benefits of Digitalization
Digitalization of PSE collection brings tangible and measurable benefits. Collection via mobile applications enables immediate field reporting, with photos, geolocation, and automatic time stamping. Digital workflows structure the analysis, investigation, and validation process, reducing processing times by 60-70%. Complete traceability of actions and decisions strengthens regulatory compliance. Real-time dashboards provide instant visibility on key indicators (number of PSE, closure rate, average delays). Automatic trend analysis identifies recurring patterns and weak signals.
Key Features of a Digital Solution
An effective digital solution for PSE must offer several essential features. An intuitive reporting form adapted to the industrial context, accessible from mobile and desktop. Automatic event classification according to API RP 754 or internal criteria. A configurable workflow for investigation, root cause analysis (5 Whys, fault tree), and multi-level validation. A corrective action management module with assignment, deadlines, and automatic reminders. Pre-configured dashboards and reports for management and authorities. Integration with existing systems (ERP, CMMS, DMS).
Adoption and Change Management
The success of a PSE digitalization project depends as much on technology as on user adoption. It is crucial to involve operators and HSE teams from the design phase to ensure the solution meets their real needs. Training must be adapted to different profiles (field operators, HSE analysts, managers). Communication on concrete benefits—time savings, better traceability, risk reduction—is essential. A progressive deployment, starting with a pilot site, allows adjusting the solution before general deployment.
Feedback and Results
Companies that have digitalized their PSE collection report impressive results. 60-70% reduction in event processing time. 40-50% increase in reported PSE, sign of better reporting culture. 100% improvement in traceability and regulatory compliance. 30-40% decrease in corrective action closure times. Real-time visibility for management, facilitating decision-making. These results translate into measurable improvement in safety performance and reduction in incident-related costs.
Conclusion
Digitalization of PSE collection is no longer an option but a necessity for high-risk industries. It not only improves operational efficiency but above all enhances safety by facilitating proactive risk identification. Securas Technologies supports industrial companies in this transformation, from audit of existing processes to implementation of custom digital solutions.