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The HINDSITE team frequently gets asked to help differentiate types of platforms and how we fit in, particularly for the METS and wider Advanced Manufacturing sectors.
Historically we have referred to ourselves as a KMS (Read: What is a KMS vs an LMS?), however as a deeper understanding of our customers and the way the product has evolved, so has the way we have described ourselves.
So, what is A Guided Work Instructions (GWI) platform and how does it differ from a KMS?
A Knowledge Management System (KMS) is primarily a repository for storing and sharing information. It's designed to accumulate, organise, and make knowledge accessible across a business.
In contrast, a Guided Work Instructions (GWI) platform does more than just store KMS content. It additionally provides interactive, step-by-step instructions that guide users through complex processes, adapting the instructions to real-time situations and user inputs for reporting. The goal of the GWI is consistent task execution.
(See table below for some comparison points with an LMS)
Enhanced efficiency and accuracy: GWIs ensure procedural adherence, reducing errors.
Real-time problem solving: Interactive guides provide solutions as situations evolve.
Improved training and skill development: GWIs offer practical, hands-on learning experiences that are statistically more likely to be retained.
Better compliance and safety standards: Guided instructions enforce adherence to safety protocols.
Customisation and flexibility: GWI can be tailored to specific roles and customer scenarios.
Detailed reporting and job accountability: The bi-directional data capabilities of a GWI platform not only determine the Workflow branches that users take through tasks but also capture critical data points throughout the process. This feature is invaluable for generating detailed, accurate reports on job completions, allowing for better tracking of performance, identification of areas for improvement, and ensuring accountability in operations.
GWI platforms are particularly effective in situations that demand:
To round things out, here’s how a typical LMS, KMS and GWIs in HINDSITE stack up against each other.
Guided Work Instructions represent a significant evolution in the way that mining and METS OEMs communicate know-how and ensure a high standard of work. GWIs are a more action-based, interactive, adaptable and practical approach, essential for industries where transparency, scalability, safety and adaptability are paramount. GWIs’ ability to capture and propagate bi-directional data further enhances its effectiveness, making it an indispensable tool for the future of mining.
The biggest cause of business risk to mining and METS OEMS is the inconsistency and lack of transparency in the way work is done (or whether it's been done at all).
HINDSITE ensures that every job is done correctly with Guided Work Instructions, standardising task execution throughout a product’s lifecycle, from assembly through to scheduled maintenance.
Set up each task with a Workflow, and arrange Workflows into Work Sets for each job. Historical best-practice is captured in video, image or PDF format and is delivered to the worker as they complete any given Workflow step. As they work, the worker provides data inputs, allowing a Workflow to adapt to their situation and populate the final report with evidence.
HINDSITE reduces the dependance on intrinsic knowledge and ensures that every worker has the know how they need to get the job done safely and correctly for the customer’s peace of mind.
HINDSITE gives your frontline Guided Work Instructions to standardise a high level of service. This allows OEMs to scale operations and compete based on service delivery without additional resources.
Let us know how we can reach you and we'll give you a ring to explore whether HINDSITE is the right fit for your team.
