POWER July 2022 - 39

SAFETY
2. DCSM is achieved through wired components
in the field communicating wirelessly
to a remote control room. Courtesy: Mobile
Shutdown System B.V.
was recognized as VISICS and deployed
worldwide to the most forward-thinking
industrial organizations.
The primary goal for DCSM is to protect
confined space entry personnel from the
risks and hazards associated with confined
space work 24/7, but the subsequent results
of an installed system go much further.
Once installed, clients can enjoy:
■ Two-way communication inside and
outside of the confined space with the
push of a button.
■ Live visuals inside and outside of the
confined space, even in dark conditions.
■ Access control with event logs and
smart rules, such as the ability to limit
the number of personnel allowed in a
space.
■ Remote alarm and evacuation capabilities
for one or more confined spaces
at a time.
■ Remote supervision from any approved
device.
■ Reduced manpower on-site by using
two operators for every 12 confined
spaces (2-12 ratio vs. 1-1).
■ Optimized productivity and efficiency
management.
■ Reports on safety events.
■ Data analytics for future planning.
This technology has seen an uptick in
interest over the last year, specifically for
the value proposition of personnel reduction
on site. Companies that were once
behind the adoption curve of DCSM are
now slowly adopting the proven technology
as a " new way of doing business. "
In respect to technology adoption, the
COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated
the change in behavior toward technology
that can help industrial organizations
soften the financial impact of the external
events at play. According to McKinsey &
Company, COVID has actually accelerated
digital adoption by seven years.
Two of the primary reasons companies
in the U.S. and Western Europe are
adopting DCSM solutions is to account
for the growing labor shortage and to
drive costs down. With DCSM, organizations
reduce costs by reducing labor.
July 2022 | POWER
A 21-Day Turnaround Example
To better understand the benefits DCSM
can provide, imagine the following scenario
based on a 21-day, around-the-clock
turnaround. In this example, we'll assume
the facility has 12 confined spaces
that need to be entered during this short
time frame.
With the traditional approach, a minimum
of 24 safety attendants would be
needed when accounting for day and
night shift-12 confined spaces with two
safety attendants required per space.
With DCSM, the same project would
typically require four operators total, accounting
for day and night shift. This is
because with most DCSM systems 12
confined spaces can be monitored by
two operators: one roving field operator
and one operator monitoring video
feeds, answering intercom calls, and
managing other responsibilities.
Assuming one traditional safety attendant
costs approximately $35.00 all-in per
hour, a client is quickly looking at a daily
cost of $10,080 dollars or a total project
cost of $211,680. DCSM, depending on
the provider, can vary in pricing and features
available; however, operating on a
general assumption, a client could expect
to pay about $23 per hour, per confined
space, which adds up to a daily price of
$6,624 for 12 spaces, or a total project
cost of $139,104. The difference between
the two is a financial savings of 34%
when using DCSM to reduce headcount,
and increase safety and efficiency. The
cost savings may vary based on provider,
scope of project, and location.
DCSM Implementation
Oftentimes, new adopters of DCSM
technology are keen on the labor and
monetary savings, but question the
implementation of such a system. Two
of the most commonly asked questions
are: " Who implements the system? "
and " Who monitors the system? "
The answers could vary slightly depending
on the technology provider, but
typically suppliers have a team to advise,
implement, and operate DCSM projects.
That means clients do not have to worry
about sourcing labor and training them
on the system-that is taken care of.
In the case of VISICS, a global trusted
partner network has been built across more
than 15 countries to help implement DCSM
projects. Operators are trained in a blended
learning format through a global academy
program to ensure high quality standards
are met everywhere in the world.
It's important to recognize that like
www.powermag.com
many solutions on the market, not all
DCSM systems are equal. Solutions
available can include various components,
functionalities, integrations, reporting
capabilities, and infrastructure
designs. When considering DCSM solutions,
it is first and foremost important
to test your options. Participate in operational
demonstrations, and get the look
and feel of various solutions. Ask questions
that cover a range of domains-
operational questions, health and safety
questions, information technology and
reliability questions, and so forth.
Second, it's important to understand
why you are using the system. Are you
trying to reduce labor, limit contact, track
productivity, or something else? In markets
such as India, DCSM is primarily being
used today as a tool to increase safety
and sustainability efforts; whereas, in the
U.S., DCSM is more often used to reduce
labor and increase safety and efficiency.
Third, identify your goals and the
scope of the project. What do you hope
to see? What are your expectations from
the technology? How do you want your
contractors and stakeholders to interact
with the technology? Think about the
system's ease of use and various value
propositions, and ensure the desired objectives
are achieved.
Fourth, get a system expert to perform
a site needs assessment. This is a
critical step in developing the system design.
Every site is unique and thus calls
for a tailored approach.
Fifth, use the system. Doing an actual
implementation or a small-scale pilot will
give you more tangible insight into how the
system works, and how it can add value to
your team and organization as a whole.
And last, but not least, review the outcomes.
A thorough post-implementation
review will shed light on any grey areas of
the project, and serves as a moment to reflect
and refine the approach for the future.
In the planning season ahead, where
skilled labor seems to be growing in
scarcity and cost, these six steps can
be used as a guideline to evaluate and
implement technology successfully. After
all, digital openness and adoption is a
key factor in becoming a leader of operational
efficiency post pandemic. ■
-Bridget Shelton (bridget.shelton@
access-technology.nl) is the global marketing
manager for Netherlands-based
Access Technology Group, parent company
of Mobile Shutdown System B.V.,
maker of VISICS-a safety and efficiency
solution designed to improve maintenance
turnarounds and shutdowns.
39
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POWER July 2022

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