Highway Bridge Maintenance
For governments and contractors who require specialized Highway and Bridge Maintenance software, Explorer Software Inc. has created four new Quality Management System (QMS) modules.
Quality Management Highway and Bridge Maintenance
These new modules compliment the existing Highway and Bridge Maintenance Module integrating fully with the Explorer Enterprise Solution accounting package for heavy construction.
Explorer QMS is designed around 5 main elements necessary for meeting key International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001-2000 conformance requirements:
1) Work Identification
Work Identification with Stakeholder Input and Feedback. Identified work has a single database that eliminates the manual process of creating tasks and tracking work.
Read More
QMS - Work Identification
Work ID is the foundation of every good Work Plan. Using a systematic approach, Explorer focuses resources to performance driven tasks. Explorer makes Work ID and the development of the Work Plan an easy process.
Work ID
Identifying and quantifying infrastructure deficiencies are the first steps in creating a Work Plan that balances the needs of the infrastructure with all available resources. Explorer’s Work ID module captures and sorts data through either a web-based portal or electronic spreadsheet..
Creating Tasks
Typically, there is far more work identified in the Work ID database than either resources or funding can support. Based on set objectives, Road Class and Inventory, the next step in developing a Work Plan is to create tasks. Explorer Work ID simplifies this process by incorporating easy to use edit and selection screens to sort and prioritize activities in the Work ID database.
Work Plans
Based on Production and Performance Values, and Crew and Equipment requirements, tasks can now be assigned to a resource and scheduled to create a Work Plan. Using a unique identifier, tasks can be tracked through the Quality Management process, Reported as accomplished work, costed by job, and submitted for payment.
Explorer’s Works ID module balances the needs of the infrastructure and available resources in helping decide how to make the best use of your maintenance budget.
2) Quality Management
Control and Assurance - Ensures a formal quality management inspection and Reporting system for analysis of completed work and continuous improvement through the Internal Audit process
Read More
QMS - Quality Management
Quality Inspections strive to ensure that work is done right, the first time, and is a key driver to improve performance and reduce costs. Quality Management is a continuous improvement process and a requirement for compliance with the International Standards Organization (ISO).
Explorer Software has the features, functionality and technology to offer a cost effective quality management process. We have built-in flexibility to meet individual requirements. Inspection forms can be customized to capture specific quality criteria by activity, and allow for Work Variances and Procedure Amendments as required.
Quality Control
In-process Inspections rate the quality of the work against Performance and Production standards stored in Explorer’s Document Manager module, and competency training recorded in Explorer’s Human Resources module. Based on the above criteria, field crews can simply confirm the compliance of their work on crew time cards or fill out an In-process inspection form to further identify compliance issues.
Quality Assurance
End Product Inspections verify that completed work meets the objectives of the maintenance standard and that approved work procedures have been followed. End Product inspections are normally conducted on an unbiased and random basis. However, if the Quality Manager receives an In-process inspection from a foreman that indicates non-conformance, an End Product inspection can then be initiated. Work deemed “Not to Standard” (NTS) is flagged as incomplete and will continue to be tracked as outstanding work.
Internal Performance Audits
Internal Audits begin the continuous improvement process and are a fundamental requirement for ISO compliance. The Quality Management and Accounting modules allows you to generate reports, assess performance, analyze results and modify procedures and processes to increase efficiencies, reduce operating costs, and achieve higher performance ratings.
3) Documented Procedures
We make documents readily accessible - easily updated and ISO 9001-2000 compliant.
Read More
QMS - Documented Procedures
The Highway and Bridge Quality Management system uses the Document Manager module to organize all of your documented policies, procedures, and processes.
The main function of the Document Manager is to store and retrieve the vast number of documents your organization will generate using a comprehensive QMS. The module will store over 250 electronic file formats including photographs and CAD files in a single secure database, and gives employees access to search, view, and to easily print the documents they require.
Your procedures become living documents, making it easy to update work procedures and process improvements. Record infrastructure improvements by attaching photographs to In-Process and End Product inspections and protect public safety by video taping and monitoring the life of structural components. Meeting minutes, the results of a safety committee review, a Quality Management Audit or a community survey, can all be easily recorded.
Document Manger gives you the power to store, access and retrieve all your valuable corporate documents in a secure environment.
4) Human Resources
Easily track training and update employee records - schedule courses and certification programs.
Read More
QMS - Human Resources
An organization’s human resources are recognized as their greatest asset. With today’s high training and educational standards, numerous technical and professional certifications, job descriptions and classifications, benefits coverage, changing work environments, health and safety issues, diverse working conditions and pay scales, it only made sense for Explorer to develop a comprehensive Human Resources module to address these issues on a secure database, with access to the Document Manager and Payroll modules.
The Human Resources module will enable organizations to set measurable benchmarks to acquire, train and retain the best employees. Co-ordinate employee job descriptions with areas of responsibility, schedule training for re-certification, safety, and revised work procedures, provide incentives to motivate and improve employee performance, track accident statistics and implement corporate strategies to improve overall health and safety.
While the database will have secured access and track an employee’s entire work history, every employee will now be able to view only their personal information over a secured connection.
Explorer's Human Resources module will enable your organization to manage a diverse work force efficiently and effectively.
5) Accounting Modules
Powerful, flexible and informative to management, yet still easy to use and operate in multi-department or large multi-company environments.
Read More
QMS - Accounting Modules
Powerful, flexible, and informative to management, yet still be easy to use and operate in multi-department or in large multi-company environments.
Unit Price Job Costing: Daily costing of equipment, materials and employees available for each activity. Managers can balance infrastructure requirements with demands on cash flow. Track crew productivity and production rates to ensure operational and scheduling efficiencies.
Payroll: using a web-based Crew Timecard you can track expenditures from internal equipment, material and employees to hired equipment and contractors, all in real time. Explorer Accounting Suite is the powerhouse of construction and maintenance companies, providing Reports and analysis to ensure corporate integrity.
Payables: manage cash flow with a complete solution for the payment of outstanding invoices through flexible cash disbursements, track invoices, print checks or pay electronically.
Receivables: concise Reports of outstanding accounts with information and Reporting features to maximize your business cash flow.
For more detailed information about Explorer's Accounting Modules click here
For Principals and Managers
Improve profitability over the long term through the continuous improvement process. Financial performance research reveals that organizations using quality management systems can expect to achieve a higher return on investment than those that leave quality to chance.
Explorer integrates all the essential business components to give your employees the tools required to increase productivity and profits. Through the Internal Process Explorer Software provides the Reports and graphics for analysis and decision making to eliminate inefficiencies hiding in your organization.
Explorer software features one time data entry that eliminates loss of information between applications. This translates into higher production rates, reduced unit costs per entry and lower overall operating costs. Information is shared using “Thin-client” technology and stored on secured servers or mainframes.
Explorer technology and functionality is second to none but has a lower purchase price and operating cost than competing systems. One time data input results in lower unit costs per entry. More users allow a more efficient implementation process and greater cost savings. Explorer updates occur simultaneously across your organization so there is no disruption between users or costly down-time.
Explorer provides training, support, maintenance, and offers solutions that bring together computer automation, wireless data, and the Internet to communicate in real-time. The net result is a dramatically more efficient and cost effective means of managing your Highway and Bridge maintenance program.
Using a web-based Crew Timecard,you can track equipment, materials and employees in real time to reflect daily costs for each task. Managers can balance infrastructure requirements with demands on cash flow and can track productivity and production rates to ensure operational and scheduling efficiencies.
The integration of Work ID, Quality Management, Accounting, Document Manager and Human Resources modules gives you the power to proactively manage your organization like never before.
Highway Bridge Maintenance
Explorer's Highway and Bridge Maintenance Module is Specifically Designed for Jurisdictions where Highway Maintenance is Decentralized
This module correlates highways and highway features inventory, signs, culverts, etc., with maintenance activities and available resources. You identify the tasks to be done and schedule the work to best fit your staff loads, then post completed tasks through the payroll entry screen. The module Reports specialized maintenance information including highway and bridge numbers, landmarks, work accomplished, materials used, and comments.
- Schedules tasks by foreman area, by highway, and by activity.
- Maintenance Planning performs resource scheduling, and budgeting by month.
- Establishes budgets for maintenance by maintenance activity.
- Develops a seasonal plan for accomplishments, dollars, and resources.
- Integrates highways and highway features with maintenance activities.
- Reports budget verses actual costs and variances.
