Survitec Group’s new RFID system
has been introduced to speed up
tracking and inspection of
all types of industrial plant
and equipment. The
company says the system
will help reduce the risks
involved in lifting
operations such as loading
and unloading, onboard
maintenance, engineering
or equipment installation.

Called ‘FirstCert’, the technology is
designed to improve reporting
accuracy and provide quick access to
inspection and maintenance history
through a secure database. Based on
the ‘CoreRFID CheckedOK’ system,
FirstCert works by fitting electronic
tags to items that need regular
inspection, such as chain blocks and
slings. Tags trigger the list
of tasks in the engineer’s
handheld computer. The
software knows if an
engineer is qualified to
inspect that item of
equipment.

Using drop down menus
and check boxes, the
engineer records the
condition of equipment and whether
it has passed or failed the
examination. Data is synchronised
with Survitec’s online database to
build up an inspection history.