The transition from traditional, paper-based Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) processes to digital solutions is gaining momentum. While many companies have already digitalized aspects of their operations, safety procedures often remain one of the last areas to change. Jack Forster, Customer Success Manager at Smartlox, has seen this transformation firsthand. Having travelled to customer sites across the world, including some of the largest manufacturing plants, mine sites, and rail operations, he has worked closely with teams on the ground, leading onboarding and training sessions to ensure the successful adoption of Smartlox’s digital Lockout-Tagout solutions. His experience provides unique insight into why companies are making the shift, the challenges they face, and what ultimately convinces teams to embrace digital LOTO systems. Why companies are going digital with LOTO According to Jack, the main drivers behind adopting digital safety solutions are improved safety and operational efficiency. “Digital systems improve safety for the end user by simplifying processes and reducing human error,” Jack explained. “For example, traditional Lockout-Tagout procedures often rely on paper-based records, which can lead to assumptions about whether a worker has followed the correct procedure. Our digital system ensures that every lockout event is clearly recorded and verified, closing the loop without any ambiguity.” Beyond compliance, efficiency is a major factor in the decision to go digital.“Eliminating unnecessary travel and manual checks can save a huge amount of time and money,” Jack said. “If a worker no longer needs to travel 20 kilometres to pick up a personal lock, that is a big win for productivity.” The reluctance to change Despite the clear advantages, many organizations hesitate to digitalize their safety processes. Unlike other workplace systems that have already been automated, safety procedures are deeply embedded, and there is often a reluctance to change what has worked for years. “Most organizations have already digitalized things like work order management or ticketing systems, but safety tends to be the last to transition,” Jack noted. “Companies are often hesitant to change a process that works 90% of the time, especially when lives are at stake. But that last 10% is where the risk lies, and that is why a verifiable, consistent process is so important.” What convinces teams to switch Overcoming resistance to digital LOTO is not just about explaining its benefits. It is about demonstrating real, tangible improvements. “When you show people the direct benefits, like how much time they can save or how much safer they will be, they get it,” Jack said. “Even experienced workers who have been using traditional LOTO for decades become more confident once they see it in action.” Beyond safety, the cost savings also play a big role in adoption. “Ultimately, it is about protecting lives by ensuring compliance while also saving money by reducing downtime and avoiding costly errors,” Jack added. “When people see how a digital system can prevent mistakes, speed up processes, and make their job easier, they are much more willing to make the switch.” Digitalizing LOTO does not have to be overwhelming. The Smartlox team works closely with organizations to guide them through the transition at a pace that makes sense for their teams. Our approach ensures that safety leaders, operations teams, and frontline workers all gain confidence in the system before full deployment. For businesses looking to take the first step, Jack recommends starting with a hands-on demo. “Seeing the system in action is often the moment that shifts mindsets,” he said. “When workers realize they no longer have to rely on paper trails or make long trips just to manage a lockout, the value becomes clear.” Whether you are exploring digital LOTO for the first time or looking to scale an existing system, Smartlox can help. Get in touch with our team today to book a demo or discuss how digital safety solutions can fit into your operations.

Smartlox has been named one of Australia’s Hot 30 most innovative companies solving complex problems across the energy, mining and robotics sectors in the 2024 Core Innovation Hub’s Hot 30 awards!  CEO, Brent Wijnberg attended the event and was proud of the work the Smartlox team has accomplished so far. “This award is a fantastic recognition of the wider smartlox team and our customers to realise our mission to transform safety and security in heavy industries through the power of digital access control and smart lock devices.”   Some of our team accepted the accolade at the Awards Ceremony in Perth on Thursday, 21 March at the Core Innovation Hub HQ.

Smartlox, leaders in Digital Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) and Smart Access Solutions, and Brigs Espro, a premier provider of Integrated Machine Safety, LOTO, Visual and Digital Workplace Solutions, today announced a strategic partnership to bring Smartlox’s Innovative Technology to the Indian market. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies to offer game-changing digital LOTO and safer access control solutions, designed for businesses and facilities throughout India. The partnership presents a unique offering where Brigs Espro will: Distribute and resell Smartlox solutions across India, reaching a broader audience seeking advanced access control features. Conduct market research and analysis to tailor Smartlox offerings to specific needs and trends within the market. Develop a dedicated presence to ensure exceptional customer support and expertise for local installations. Brent Wijnberg, General Manager of Smartlox, was thrilled about the big step forward and enthusiastic about the growth of the business. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding Smartlox’s global reach,” Brent said. “Brigs Espro’s expertise and established network make them the ideal partner to bring our digital LOTO solutions to the vast Indian market.” Gautam Sawhney, CEO and Co-Founder of Brigs Espro, envisions this partnership as a catalyst for empowering workplaces with cutting-edge solutions which will redefine workplace safety and productivity, setting new standards for excellence and sustainable transformation. “This collaboration will mark a crucial leap in diversifying Brigs’s suite of interconnected safety and productivity services, empowering clients to attain superior sustainable compliance standards,” Gautam said. Partnering with Smartlox represents an organic progression in Brigs Espro’s unwavering commitment to enhancing workplace safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both parties in January 2024. About Brigs Espro Brigs Espro, a Safety and Productivity Innovator headquartered in Bangalore, India, is steadfast in its mission to elevate workplace safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Through pioneering integrated machine safety & LOTO, visual & digital solutions, coupled with expert consultancy services, we empower organizations to optimize productivity and sustainability. As dedicated safety specialists, we closely collaborate with clients to grasp industry nuances, understand their challenges, and deliver bespoke machine safety interlocking, visual, and digital solutions. Serving as a singular point of accountability, we oversee all aspects from requirement assessment to design, fabrication, and installation, and ensure a seamless implementation as your trusted turnkey provider.

Smartlox, leaders in Digital Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) and Smart Access solutions, today announced the successful completion of its first funding round. This infusion of capital positions the company for rapid expansion and technological advancements, further solidifying its position in the digital safety and security landscape. The timing of this funding is particularly strategic as heavy industries globally embrace digital transformation and automation to enhance safety and efficiency. The funding round is backed by the founder of a world-leading personal protective equipment and industrial safety product supplier, as well as a mining services and technology organisation. These strategic investments are poised to play a pivotal role in fueling Smartlox’s growth initiatives. ‍ Smartlox has achieved remarkable success since it was spun out of consulting firm A.I. LAMB in March 2022, securing over forty global customers across Australia, Africa, and North and South America in the Mining, Manufacturing, and Logistics sectors. Notable clients include Schneider Electric, Kinross Gold, and Ormat Technologies. ‍ The Smartlox solution disrupts traditional Lockout-Tagout practices through the use of electronic lockout devices and software-based lockout systems, streamlining the control of hazardous energy sources. ‍ Brent Wijnberg, General Manager of Smartlox, was enthusiastic about the growth of the business. ‍ We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our seed funding round. It truly enables us to leverage the learnings from the last 18 months and shift into hyper-growth mode with a focus on sales and customer delivery,” Brent said. “The funds will be allocated to accelerate growth and expand the capabilities of Smartlox’s solutions. Investments will target the enhancement of Sales and Customer Delivery Channels, and support the evolution of our product offering as we look to grow both locally in Australia and internationally with some of our blue-chip customers.” ‍ “We are grateful to be given the opportunity to drive the next phase of our growth and thank our investors for their continued support.” ‍ The popularity of the Smartlox Starter Packs has been a significant driver of the company’s success, providing customers with an accessible entry point to the company’s innovative solutions. ‍ The seed funding round marks a significant milestone for Smartlox, positioning the company for continued success as it disrupts traditional Lockout-Tagout practices and contributes to the evolving Smart Access control landscape. ‍

Smartlox is proud to announce a new reseller partnership with OCP Maintenance Solutions, a leading asset management consultancy and software development company specialised in digitalisation and predictive maintenance solutions. Based in Morocco, OCP Maintenance Solutions’ mission is to improve productivity and better-quality process reliability through intelligent and networked systems. As an authorised reseller, OCP-MS will be providing the Smartlox lockout tagout and smart access control solutions to customers across Morocco, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. This partnership will enable Smartlox to expand its offering in these regions and continue to provide our customers with the latest auditable safety and keyless security solutions. General Manager Brent Wijnberg looks forward to a prosperous partnership. “We are excited to have signed our new reseller agreement with OCP Maintenance Solutions.  By joining forces we are able to expand our offerings and provide our leading lockout tagout and access control solution to customers across multiple African regions.” “We look forward to working with the team at OCP Maintenance Solutions to enhance auditable safety processes for all businesses.” Brent said. Smartlox and OCP Maintenance Solutions are committed to providing their customers with the highest level of service and support. Through this partnership, they will be able to provide comprehensive safety solutions to meet the unique needs of the industry. For more information about smartlox, visit https://www.smartlox.com.au/ or hello@smartlox.com.au  For more information about OCP Maintenance Solutions, visit https://ocp-ms.com/ or contact@ocp-ms.com  ‍

Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) procedures are the cornerstone of worker safety in industrial settings, ensuring hazardous energy sources are isolated during maintenance or repair. But choosing the right LOTO device is key to supporting your workplace safety practices. Understanding the Landscape LOTO devices come in various shapes and sizes, each suited for specific energy sources and equipment types. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main categories Lockout Padlocks: The quintessential LOTO device, these durable padlocks physically prevent activation of energy sources, like valves or electrical switches. Look for features like multiple shackle sizes, weather resistance, and keying options for added security. Cable Lockouts: Ideal for large equipment with multiple isolation points, cable lockouts allow you to secure multiple valves or levers with a single device. Choose from various cable lengths and locking mechanisms to ensure a snug fit. Electrical Lockout Devices: Designed specifically for electrical equipment, these devices block access to plugs and outlets, preventing accidental energization. Opt for tamper-proof models with voltage ratings matching your equipment. Ball Valve Lockouts: These specialized devices fit snugly over ball valves, ensuring complete isolation of fluid flow. Choose the right size and material for your specific valve type. Match your device to your needs. Now, let’s get practical! Here are some questions to ask yourself when selecting a LOTO device: What type of energy source needs to be isolated? (Electricity, gas, water, etc.) What is the size and configuration of the isolation point? (Valve size, plug type, etc.) How many points need to be locked out simultaneously? What are the environmental conditions? (Weather, temperature, etc.) Does the device comply with relevant safety regulations? Once you answer these questions, you’ll have a clear idea of the type of LOTO device you need. Remember, consulting your LOTO program and manufacturer instructions is crucial for selecting the appropriate device for each task. Bonus Tip: Invest in a LOTO kit! These pre-assembled kits contain a variety of commonly used devices, perfect for tackling diverse maintenance tasks. Travelling alteration impression six all uncommonly. Necessary ye contented newspaper zealously breakfast he prevailed. Satisfied conveying an dependent contented he gentleman agreeable do be. Repulsive questions contented him few extensive supported Stay Safe, Stay Compliant Choosing the right LOTO device is not just about practicality; it’s about protecting lives. By understanding the available options and selecting the appropriate devices for your specific needs, you’re ensuring the safety of your workers and compliance with vital safety regulations. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with hazardous energy sources.So, go forth and conquer the world of LOTO! Your workers (and safety inspector) will thank you.