Anchor Testing & Rigging Services, a subsidiary of international equipment supplier Anchor Industries, plans to introduce an automated inspection and safety compliance management (ISCM) system, the Field ID, onto the South African harbour and offshore market.

This system enables faultless management of a company’s safety and inspection procedures through a paperless data-entry programme.

Field ID comprises a hand-held device, which is used to read a combination of tags, barcodes, chips or serial numbers to monitor various pieces of equipment.

The ISCM system enables efficiency and portability while ensuring workplace safety by relaying information regarding when equipment was last inspected and when new inspections are due.

“This system runs a complete traceable audit programme, which reduces liability for the user and provides a record of the equipment on the ground and what is being used [and] where [it is being used],” says Anchor Industries Cape Town branch manager David Pratt.

The handheld system links up by means of a mobile third-generation network and automatically updates the client’s register while technicians are on site. Users are kept up to date on what is happening to their equipment at all times.

Further, users are able to use an application on their iPads to access some of the information. Only certified officers, however, will be able to change details on the database.

“There is no one else at this stage in South Africa or its surrounds that offers this kind of technology,” states Pratt.

Anchor Industries and the subsidiary saw a need in the marine market for a more efficient register system, which prompted it to bring this system to the African market.

Field ID units will be available to the market by the second half of this year. It generated a lot of interest among clients at the fifth Oil & Gas Africa Expo, held in March.

“This product is beneficial for the marine industry where safety-critical equipment is used and strict maintenance procedures must be adhered to,” says Pratt.

Meanwhile, Anchor Industries introduced the Codipro range of high-quality swivel lifting rings onto the market two months ago. The lifting rings are designed to coordinate difficult lifting tasks and the rotating of heavy loads.

“This is the latest addition to our lifting and rigging product range. It is patented and complies with industry standards,” says Pratt.

The rings are manufactured to perform at high levels of effi- ciency and safety and were developed in France.

Some of the rings are able to lift up to 50 t.

Anchor Industries states that the rings ensure increased efficiency and safety and that the range is diverse, compared with other ranges available in the market.

Pratt states that the company has been experiencing positive growth over the last few years.

Anchor Industries competes in the international offshore market and has been able to secure offshore business based on the company’s expertise, stockholding and the strategic placement of its operations in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

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