Mobile software development company Unfolding AR is in the process of launching its SheqScan mobile device software, which aims to increase the competence of users conducting inspections in the fields of safety, health, environment and quality (Sheq).

“After years of experience in the mining and construction industries, South Africa-based consultancy the Institute for High Performance Consulting SA partnered with Unfolding AR to address the ever-increasing regulatory environment surrounding health and safety and the enduring skills shortage problem facing the industry through our SheqScan mobile application,” explains Unfolding AR cofounder Jurgens Liebenberg.

SheqScan offers proactive and continuous risk identification to prevent incidents and accidents on site. It records the execution and duration of tasks, the person conducting those tasks and that person’s location. The application ensures quality enhancement through well-defined inspection and audit frameworks and provides in-time and on-time data capturing, which is synced and backed up to a secure cloud-based database, simplifying the tracking and closure of deviations.

“SheqScan uses an integrated system with a specifically formulated augmented reality (AR) engine application through reliable hardware devices,” says Liebenberg. In simple terms, AR uses the camera of a mobile device, such as a tablet, to recognise surroundings and overlays content, such as videos and checklists, on the screen that interacts with the surroundings.

“The modular approach to SheqScan can accommodate various aspects of inspections and audits. Owing to the modular approach, high-level customisation is available. Modules can be added using the AR technology and inter- ested users can contact us for a tailored solution that will meet their specific requirements.

“The SheqScan application is a move towards a paperless environment, where required, in the field of regulatory governance and compliance in the mining, engineering, manufacturing and construction industries,” he highlights.

Unfolding AR GM and cofounder Dr Tommie Liebenberg notes that the research and development phase of the application started in 2012 and is currently undergoing further developments to incorporate the AR component as well as client-specific requirements.

The next updated software development testing phase of SheqScan is expected to be finalised within the next three to four months.

Tommie Liebenberg notes that the product is currently being piloted at a blue-chip mining house and that two separate mining houses in the Northern Cape will proceed with SheqScan pilots, including at the engineering division of a company specialising in loading and hauling activities. “The focus of these projects is to specifically zoom in on the daily mining safe-work practices to improve inspection efficiency,” he says.

“Establishing content-specific solutions was particularly challenging,” says the CEO, who notes that these solutions are enhanced through the AR technology component of SheqScan to bridge skills-development gaps through visual and audio training.

“This aids in the competence of employees conducting the inspections,” he points out, adding that fast-tracking specific technologies required to make SheqScan a viable option for Unfolding AR’s clients is another challenge, particularly through the AR skills development capability. Sheqscan is able to assist trainers and assessors with their observations of competence declarations.

Meanwhile, Jurgens Liebenberg describes SheqScan as Software as a Service (SaaS). “In most instances, the only requirement is an active Internet connection and a mobile tablet device to access the software.”

He concludes that Sheq-Scan will soon be available for download for desktops or mobile devices as a standard version with limited functionality or a premium version with full functionality.