Trade Assist, a specialist labour hire and recruitment company, sought an automated system that could be tailored to six different industries – each with their own set of risk and operational requirements. The technology also had to be easily accessed by hundreds of workers in the field.

The solution was found in Assura’s mobile app, which Trade Assist configured so that key functions aligned with the company’s unique business objectives.

trade assist

Solving the challenge

Trade Assist matches qualified workers with more than 250 clients operating in the construction, civil, transport and logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and trades industries.

The company has played a key role in the rebuilding and regeneration of Christchurch, with candidates hired on various anchor projects throughout the city – including the Christchurch Town Hall and the new Justice and Emergency Services Precinct.

Trade Assist sought an automated, mobile platform that could be configured to meet the divergent needs of various industries within which its clients operate. The configuration process was led by Trade Assist, with the team challenging Assura to create different modules and functionalities that were unavailable with commercial off-the-shelf products.

“Meeting the needs of six divisions with different risk levels and operational requirements was the most important challenge to overcome,” says Facundo Vega, Trade Assist’s Health and Safety Compliance Manager.

Trade Assist matches qualified workers with more than 250 clients operating in the construction, civil, transport and logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and trades industries.

The company has played a key role in the rebuilding and regeneration of Christchurch, with candidates hired on various anchor projects throughout the city – including the Christchurch Town Hall and the new Justice and Emergency Services Precinct.

Trade Assist sought an automated, mobile platform that could be configured to meet the divergent needs of various industries within which its clients operate. The configuration process was led by Trade Assist, with the team challenging Assura to create different modules and functionalities that were unavailable with commercial off-the-shelf products.

“Meeting the needs of six divisions with different risk levels and operational requirements was the most important challenge to overcome,” says Facundo Vega, Trade Assist’s Health and Safety Compliance Manager.

Results

The result was a simple interface enabling workers to input real-time information from a mobile device, while providing a centralised overview and workflow function for clients.

By working together with Assura, Trade Assist is now one of the only labour hire companies in New Zealand to implement such a system to the benefit of all stakeholders.

“Previously, a Trade Assist employee was tasked with driving to each site to collect paper documents – a full Monday morning task,” says Facundo.

“Now there is no need to do this, as we have access to all of the information online via the app. It has saved the company a considerable amount of time, allowing staff to focus on more important tasks.”

“It also saves us time when a worker needs a tool. The app can be used to determine which particular site has the tool they need, and then request that it is delivered to them.”

“Business requirements change, and therefore we are regularly creating new features within the app to ensure it is applicable.”

“No two projects are the same, and therefore the system needed to be applicable to each client and their industry.”

Every recruit is given a personal profile within the app, allowing them to update information at any time. They can use the app to apply for leave and upload relevant documents, such as passports and licences, so they don’t have to carry hardcopies to every job.

Health and safety reporting is significantly improved, as the system enables them to report safety concerns while in the field – without having to put down tools and lose valuable production time.

Clients are impressed by the app’s ability to meet health and safety regulations and improve productivity, says Facundo.

“Clients are saving time and money as a result of the new system. Relevant documents and records are held in one centralised place, and they can also complete an onsite inspection within 10 minutes – without any paperwork.”

The real value lies in the platform’s ability to be continually updated and modified, adds Facundo.

“Business requirements change, and therefore we are regularly creating new features within the app to ensure it is applicable.”