MAC Surfacing is embracing innovative location sharing system for a safer and more reliable future
MAC Surfacing is embracing innovative location sharing system for a safer and more reliable future
We may as well start with a very clear statement; We want to keep you all safe in your place of work and equally, we want to provide a reliable service to all of our customers.
Whether that's our own workforce operating our plant, or fellow contractors we share a site with. Safety is of paramount importance.
As a company, we're always looking for, and listening out for solutions that can build on and add value to our existing safety policy and systems, and that's why we're going to be implementing 'what3words?' across the MAC Surfacing business.
'Never heard of it, what on Earth is what3words?'
What3words? is a tool that has digitally divided the entire globe into 3m2 segments.
Each 3m2 area is given a unique 3-word code, so that an individual area can be identified quickly and without confusion. It is simpler than, but equally as accurate as coordinates. For example, what3words? London HQ location can be found at 'filled.count.soap' as opposed to '51.520847, -0.19552100'.
What3words therefore, is an innovative location reporting tool that can place anybody to a 3m square anywhere in the world.
Why are we going to utilise it?
We're committed to remaining at the forefront of safety and quality standards by being open minded enough and proactive when it comes to implementing where possible, any sort of solution for an increase in quality and staff safety.
What3words? we see as a tool that has the potential to be a real gamechanger and we're going to make sure that we're leading the way. The system will take a number of months to fully implement, but we will start to roll out awareness to both our team and our customers so that we can start collaborating on the practical applications together.
How does it help all types of MAC stakeholders?
By working for MAC Surfacing with what3words? in place, our staff have the added peace of mind that wherever they are working, they're looked after and can provide a more reliable service. In the event of an emergency surfacing scheme or accident, the location can now be traced to a specific 9 square metre area with ease.
On sites where roads/postcodes no longer exist due to works, or never existed due to building new roads, this could be a crucial breakthrough in getting help for those most in need when location reporting is particularly difficult.
On the other side of the coin, if we are instructed with a 3 word phrase, we can ensure our transport department and team go to the exact spot you instruct. Complicated co ordinates and loose descriptions will no longer be necessary.
A word from MAC Surfacing MD, Marc Copson:
"We will make "MP 15/1" "entry slip road to J10" and all the other loose analogies, very much a thing of the past and go to a more accurate method of communication, location and navigation.
"The industry will take time to adapt and some will likely be resistant to change. But, for those that do, MAC will be ready to understand the system with confidence and record these 3 words on job bookings which will roll down to our surfacing teams through our electronic app and planning systems.
"This is our pledge. This is MAC keeping up with the times and ahead of the game. We encourage all businesses within the highways surfacing industry to consider this as it really is a game changer."
