Abstract
EHS Protect was engaged by MedserveRegis Malta, a leading logistics provider in the energy industry, to modernise its sling management processes. The organisation had been reliant on paper-based load-out forms and manual Excel register updates — a workflow that became increasingly inefficient as sling volumes grew. Following a detailed process review, EHS Protect evaluated two solution pathways and recommended a custom Power App within MedserveRegis Malta's existing Microsoft 365 environment. The resulting application delivers real-time register visibility, eliminates manual transcription errors, and ensures that only certified slings are issued for use. Delivered through close collaboration, structured training, a parallel trial period, and iterative user refinements, the solution has materially improved safety, operational efficiency, and compliance.
1. The Challenge
MedserveRegis Malta's established sling management process followed a conventional workflow: chargehands completed paper load-out forms at point of use, which were subsequently transcribed into an Excel-based lifting register by administrative staff. While adequate at lower volumes, this process presented a number of escalating operational difficulties as the organisation's sling inventory grew.
The principal issues identified were as follows:
- Manual transcription errors. Data entry from paper to spreadsheet introduced typographical errors and inconsistencies, compromising the accuracy of the lifting register.
- Absence of real-time visibility. Offshore riggers had no means of verifying sling availability or certification status in real time, leading to incorrect sling selections and, consequently, repeated pipe rebundling operations.
- Post-dispatch verification difficulties. Once slings left the storage facility, verifying load-out details or resolving discrepancies was impractical.
- Inconsistent inspection tracking. Inspection records, certification dates, and compliance status were maintained manually, making it difficult to ensure that all slings in circulation held current certification.
Collectively, these issues increased administrative burden, introduced avoidable delays into the load-out process, and elevated safety risk. MedserveRegis Malta recognised these pressures proactively and partnered with EHS Protect to identify a more robust, digitally-enabled solution.
2. Solution Evaluation and Selection
EHS Protect conducted a detailed review of MedserveRegis Malta's existing workflows, data structures, and technology environment. Two solution pathways were evaluated:
- Option A: A custom application built on Microsoft Power Apps, integrated with MedserveRegis Malta's existing Microsoft 365 tenant and SharePoint infrastructure.
- Option B: A fully standalone software application with independent hosting and data storage.
Given the urgency of the operational requirement, Option A was selected. The Power Apps route offered several decisive advantages:
- Significantly faster development and deployment cycle.
- Seamless integration with SharePoint for data storage, user authentication, and permissions management.
- Immediate mobile deployment on Android and iOS via the Power Apps mobile application.
- No requirement for additional infrastructure procurement or third-party hosting.
3. The Solution
The resulting application — the MedserveRegis Sling App — is an intuitive mobile application built on the Microsoft Power Apps platform. It streamlines the complete sling lifecycle: load-out, return, inspection, and quarantine.
Key Capabilities
- Real-time register updates. Every load-out and return transaction immediately updates the central lifting register, eliminating the delay and error inherent in manual transcription.
- Controlled visibility. The application displays only certified, available slings for load-out. Slings with expired certifications or those currently in use are automatically excluded from selection.
- Simplified workflow. Users follow a straightforward process: select client, specify sling size and safe working load (SWL), choose load-out or return, select the sling ID, and submit.
- Photographic verification. Integrated camera functionality allows chargehands to photograph sling IDs at point of load-out, providing a visual record in case of identification discrepancies.
- Full audit trail. Every sling movement is recorded in a dedicated history list, providing complete traceability for compliance and audit purposes.
- Restricted inspection module. Authorised users can record return inspections and third-party inspections, including pass/fail outcomes, failure reasons, and certification verification.
- Quarantine protocols. Slings identified as problematic during inspection are automatically quarantined within the system, preventing further issue until the matter is resolved.
The application is accessed via the Power Apps mobile app on Android or iOS devices, making it quick to launch and practical for use in field and rigging-loft environments.
4. Implementation
The implementation programme was structured to minimise operational disruption and ensure user confidence in the new system. It comprised three phases:
- One-on-one training. Tailored training sessions were conducted with chargehands, line managers, and rigging-loft personnel. Each session was designed around the user's specific role and the workflows they would encounter in practice.
- Parallel trial period. A structured trial phase was implemented during which the legacy paper-based process ran concurrently with the new application. This allowed users to build familiarity and confidence while maintaining operational continuity.
- Iterative refinement. User feedback gathered during the trial was rapidly incorporated into the application. These refinements — typically minor workflow and interface adjustments — ensured the final product reflected the practical needs of the personnel using it daily.
Following successful completion of the trial, the application was adopted as the primary sling management system, with ongoing support provided by MedserveRegis Malta's internal teams.
5. Results and Benefits
The deployment of the MedserveRegis Sling App has delivered measurable improvements across operational efficiency, safety, and compliance:
- Elimination of manual transcription errors. Real-time digital capture has replaced paper-to-spreadsheet data entry, removing the principal source of register inaccuracy.
- Reduction in incorrect sling selections. Controlled visibility — showing only certified, available slings — has significantly reduced instances of incorrect sling issue and the associated rebundling operations.
- Faster load-out and return processes. The streamlined mobile workflow has reduced the time required for each transaction, with a corresponding reduction in administrative workload.
- Strengthened compliance posture. Controlled certification visibility, documented inspections with pass/fail records, and automatic quarantine protocols provide a robust, auditable compliance framework.
- Improved client reporting. Live, reliable register data enables MedserveRegis Malta to provide accurate sling status information to clients on request, strengthening the service offering.
- Enhanced safety culture. Increased team confidence in the accuracy of sling records and certification data has contributed to a more robust safety culture within the rigging operation.
These outcomes reflect MedserveRegis Malta's proactive leadership in recognising the limitations of legacy processes and their commitment to embracing digital innovation in the interest of operational excellence and lifting safety.
Conclusion
EHS Protect is proud to have partnered with MedserveRegis Malta on the design and delivery of this solution. By selecting a rapid Power Apps development approach within the existing Microsoft 365 environment — and combining it with structured training, a disciplined trial process, and close collaboration throughout — MedserveRegis Malta achieved substantial and sustained improvements in efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. This project demonstrates how targeted, proportionate digital transformation can deliver lasting operational value in the energy logistics sector.
Richard Levack
Managing Director, EHS Protect. IRCA EMS Lead Auditor · NEBOSH · COSHH Assessor