Breman is an installation company, or rather an installation group, offering a wide range of services within installation technology. To keep these diverse activities clear, the company is divided into several divisions. One of these divisions is Woningbeheer (Housing Management).
Hilbért Steen Redeker and Stefan Krul, KAM employees, along with Antal Tiggelaar, make up the facilities department associated with the Woningbeheer division. Together, they are responsible for overseeing all inspections and calibrations for Breman Woningbeheer’s 300 or so mechanics. To ensure these processes run smoothly, they recently began using Centix software. Hilbért and Stefan shared with us the implementation process and their experiences so far.
Getting rid of the ‘old-fashioned’ way
Breman Woningbeheer Facilitair recently went live with Centix. Prior to that, inspections and calibrations were still recorded in the traditional way using Excel. Hilbért explains: “We used to work mostly in Excel, which was very time-consuming. We have about 8,000 items. Keeping this data in one Excel file, with constant changes to meters and calibration dates, among other things, made the system quite labour-intensive.”
For some time, the organisation had been searching for a tool that could make its inspection work more efficient. They eventually found the solution in Centix. Hilbért adds: “Another Breman division already uses Centix. The calibration centre we rely on also uses Centix. The choice was therefore quickly made, and we decided to go with Centix as well. Moreover, we can support and strengthen each other if needed.”
“It has become far more insightful!”
Implementation process: “Centix speaks our language”
During the implementation process, the KAM staff were supported by Tauck van den Haselkamp, one of the Centix consultants. Centix offers the option to import historical data into the system, which is even recommended to avoid losing important information. Hilbért explains: “It involved data from about 7,000 items, but he had it in the system in no time!”
The team had high praise for the consultant: “A very positive person who works with the customer to ensure everything is set up as effectively as possible. That approach really works well.” They added: “Here, we also say ‘Centix speaks the right language’. He knows exactly what I mean when I talk about inspections and understands that it must contain certain data from the Health and Safety Executive. He translates this directly into the Centix system.”
Benefits of Centix in the work process
Recently, the team started working with Centix, and the benefits were soon noticeable. One of the most significant improvements is the deeper insight into their work processes.
Hilbért explains: “It has become much more insightful. I can see exactly which tools each mechanic has and when the inspection date for their tools expires. The many clear functions allow me to effectively monitor what is going on.” This improved overview is achieved, in part, through the QR code stickers placed on the tools.
Hilbért continues: “We spoke to several mechanics about the idea of placing QR code stickers on their tools, and the reactions have been very positive. By scanning the QR code, they get instant insight into the inspection date and the name to which the tool is registered.” This insight is crucial, not only for the facilities department but also for the mechanics themselves. Hilbért adds: “When mechanics undergo a workplace inspection, they need to be able to show that their tools have been inspected. With Centix, this becomes easily visible to the inspector by scanning the QR code.”
“At Breman, our standard is: ‘We work safely, or we don’t work.’ Centix reinforces this standard.”
In addition, mechanics experience a significant increase in autonomy. Hilbért explains, “With just a few clicks, I can generate a list of all the tools a mechanic has in his van. This list contains all the necessary information, such as which items need to be inspected or calibrated.
The mechanics have a work van full of tools, and using this list, they can independently identify the tools that need inspection or calibration. This allows us to give the mechanics more responsibility, while we take on a more supervisory role. Previously, we had to fully guide the mechanics through this process.”
Finally, Stefan emphasises the efficiency improvements offered by Centix: “Previously, we had to print out the inspection certificates manually and pass them along. Now, we simply go through a checklist. If everything is in order, a certificate is automatically attached to the tool.”
Conclusion
Breman Woningbeheer Facilitair is gradually learning to use Centix more effectively in their processes. Despite having only been live with the software for a short time, their experiences have already been overwhelmingly positive. The transition to Centix has already resulted in improved insights and more efficient management of their tool records. Hilbért says: “At Breman, we apply the standard ‘we work safely, or we don’t work.’ Centix reinforces this standard.”
When asked if they would recommend Centix, the answer is a resounding yes: “Definitely do it, even if it’s just to gain insight into your tool records. Centix not only offers a clear overview of inspection processes but also has a wealth of experience in capturing important information, such as inspection reports, measurement data, and calibration reports. I’ve already experienced that firsthand.”
Discover what Centix can do for your organisation
Have you become excited after reading about Breman Woningbeheer Facilitair’s experiences and are you eager to learn more? I would be happy to guide you through the possibilities Centix has to offer in a product demonstration. Depending on your requirements, I will brief you in half an hour to an hour and a half to give you a clear picture of our complete equipment management solution!
