Introduction
Effective work permit management is essential for maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Traditional paper-based Permit to Work (PTW) systems can be slow, inefficient, easily mislaid, and prone to error, contributing to serious safety risks.
A 2017 study published in the Chemical Engineering Transactions Journal found that permit system failures were a contributing factor in approximately 7% of over 600 process safety incidents recorded between 1990 and 2015. (Yan, C. K., Siong, P. H., Kidam, K., Ali, M. W., Hassim, M. H., Kamaruddin, M. J., & Kamarden, H. (2017). Contribution of Permit to Work to Process Safety Accident in the Chemical Process Industry. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 56, 883–888.)
To overcome these challenges, a growing number of organisations are turning to electronic Permit to Work (ePTW) systems to enhance visibility, streamline coordination, and strengthen safety practices. This article outlines three major benefits of adopting an ePTW system, with IAMTech’s iPermit serving as a case study.
1. Centralised Dashboards for Better Oversight
A core benefit of ePTW systems is centralised control. User Home Screens can provide a real-time overview of all active permits on-site through intuitive dashboards.
With iPermit, users benefit from an interactive ribbon tool that simplifies navigation. It allows them to organise and locate permits with ease, helping teams monitor progress from issue to completion without relying on outdated physical documents.
This centralisation enhances collaboration, reduces administrative effort, and speeds up response times, allowing personnel to focus on safety and execution.
2. Safer Management of Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS)
Overlapping permitted work in the same area, or simultaneous operations, often introduces serious risks. A number of ePTW systems now contain SIMOPS technology that helps to alert users to overlapping activities.
When overlapping job requests arise, iPermit proactively flags these conflicts, giving users the ability to review all relevant permits side-by-side. This visibility helps teams assess potential risks before authorising work.
The system empowers decision-makers by providing timely alerts without rigidly restricting approvals, ensuring that human expertise remains central to safety assessments.
This proactive, flexible approach helps reduce delays, avoid hazards and undue pressure and stress on permit teams. With real-time conflict visibility, teams can adjust plans, add safeguards, and keep work progressing safely and efficiently.
3. Enhanced Location Awareness with Maps and Plot Plans
Understanding where work is happening is critical, especially on large or high-risk sites. Some ePTW software solutions, like iPermit include map-based tools, such as Google Maps and tailored Plot Plan layouts, enabling users to pinpoint and visualise where work is occurring across a facility.
Figure 1: iPermit Plot Plan Feature. Licenced: IAMTech Ltd. www.iamtech.com
Visual overlays of work areas help personnel immediately spot active zones, reducing the risk of interference and improving coordination between simultaneous tasks. This is particularly valuable in complex environments like oil rigs or chemical plants, with often multiple workfaces and activity taking place at differing levels.
Keeping location data up to date helps maintain accuracy and improves situational awareness for everyone involved.
Conclusion
An electronic Permit to Work system can improve coordination, SIMOPS management, and provide greater visibility into on-site activities, delivering significant benefits by reducing downtime and enhancing safety and compliance.
As organisations move away from outdated paper-based systems, digital solutions offer a smarter, safer way to manage work permits.
Note: Not all ePTW systems offer the same capabilities. Conducting a thorough review is essential to finding the best fit. To learn more about iPermit, visit IAMTech.com.
Author:
James Holt, Commercial Director - IAMTech.
Author Bio:
James Holt is the Commercial Director at IAMTech, having joined the company in May 2024 after over two decades in operational leadership roles within the global contracting sector. He spent 22 years managing operations with the last two years responsible for overseeing the operational HSE Managers across the UK, Ireland, and Nordics. Prior to joining IAMTech, James served as Head of Performance at Altrad UK, Ireland & Nordics, where he was instrumental in enhancing efficiency and driving performance initiatives. His early leadership roles included global organisations such as Aker Kvaerner and Cape plc. James brings deep real-world insight into how industrial software products are adopted and used in the field.
