In 1999 I worked for Mobil Oil and sailed as a Third Assistant Engineer on board the American Progress.
"American Progress" was built in 1997, by Newport News SB. The 46,000-ton deadweight vessel transports gasoline and distillates. "American Progress" is the third double-hull to enter Mobil service, but the first built in an American shipyard. In 2001 she was renamed as "S/R American Progress", for Seariver Maritime Inc.
I was one of the “Boots in the Engine Room.” I took pride in every task that was assigned to me and would work until the job got done. When I walk into buildings that use LogCheck and meet with the operators who do their daily logs, it reminds me of my photos from 15 years ago. Building operators tell us with a sigh of relief, “you all understand us and know what it takes to run a building.”
At a senior level position in recent years, I’ve vetted many different software companies, so I know what’s out there. When I met the team at LogCheck, I saw they had a solid product, and that’s why I joined them. The product continues to grow from field feedback and improves daily.
Maybe it's because the founders of the company were the ones working in the field. They too would be asked time and time again when returning to the office: "Where were you all day?" "What were you doing?" And let's not forget the sarcasm of "Nice of you to show up."
When it comes to additional compensation, the boots on the ground usually get looked over. When things are going well in a building, no one cares. But when things fail, someone always asks, "What the heck are the operators in the field doing?"
Let's face it, maintenance is a cost, but it can be a higher financial burden if daily findings aren't properly recorded and communicated with upper management.
Historical data on equipment justifies the cost of repetitive repairs and replacements. Savvy property managers know that if the operators are not using the provided software to track this information, then their implemented plan has failed. The first thing that gets cut are operators.
We at LogCheck encourage each and every operator to "log what you do."
Why? Because it's the one thing that may save your job!
Maybe operator's love us because the CTO of LogCheck used to build apps for the military and thought extensively about the user-friendly aspect. Maybe it's because LogCheck recruited a team of people with a common goal of satisfying the "boots on the ground" first, and then built a company around that.
I will emphasize what I tell every building owner and operator: a BMS is not going to tell you if a pump is making an irregular sound. Unless you have an enclosed drain pan that can predict where a potential leak will occur, it's not going to tell you that you have a small leak. Sensors also fail and personally, I would want to know if my installed sensors are functioning properly. I can’t wait for a contractor to tell me his equipment is reading inaccurately.
People are the checks and balances, and will always be needed to run a building, plant, engine room, and anywhere mechanicals are involved. LogCheck understands that. We truly care about the “boot in the mechanical rooms” and you should too!
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