During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are likely to see the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) being recommended – in hospitals, malls, offices and other places where people congregate. The level of PPE usage might differ for various user groups – for instance, healthcare workers (doctors or nurses) who work in hospital OPDs require N95 masks, goggles, water-resistant gowns and hand gloves. In contrast, those who work in administrative departments of hospitals are less at risk and a simple mask and gloves may offer sufficient protection. Nevertheless, as countries and economies prepare to slowly emerge out of their COVID-19 induced lockdowns, the usage of basic PPE will continue to be a critical factor in ensuring citizens’ as well as employees’ safety and containment of spread of infection. Shopping malls, offices, multiplexes, hospitals and other public places will need to have mechanisms in place to rapidly detect and monitor non-compliance of PPE and take immediate mitigation steps. Does this mean companies should deploy more vigilance/support staff to monitor their employees? How would they manage the additional cost burden, given that they are already under severe pressure due to COVID-19 induced losses to business?
Designed to ensure automatic vigilance of PPE usage, Wipro’s PPE Surveillance & Compliance solution, powered by SAP leverages Machine Learning (ML) models to identify non-compliance cases, SAP HANA modelling to comprehensive alert management and mitigation policies. Its tight integration with SAP S/4HANA/ ECC leverages existing alert response process implementation like work order to implement follow-up actions per existing standard operating procedures.
How does it work?
Imagine a shopping mall where Wipro PPE Surveillance & Compliance is deployed at the entrance checking and integrated with existing surveillance systems. Trained ML models scan video/image feeds to detect any non-conforming cases i.e. people not wearing masks or other recommended PPE. On detection, an automatic alert notification is generated that provides the location and other details. The alerts are automatically routed to the concerned staff (security guard, supervisor, etc.) based on business rules for each persona. Interactive dashboard and cockpit on SAP UI5, helps the staff manage and mitigate alerts with preconfigured Next Best Actions (NBA).
Track, trace, mitigate – the way to safety from COVID-19
Enabling real-time identification of non-compliant cases, quick tracing, and faster risk mitigation through well-defined steps, and most importantly - Wipro’s PPE Surveillance & Compliance solution does all this without putting a significant cost burden on organizations as the solution complements and integrates with existing CCTV/Image providing systems. It empowers frontline staff (security guards) as well as the management (facility managers, operations supervisors, etc.) to get a consolidated view of all CCTVs with escalated alerts. They can analyze alerts, issue and monitor work orders where required, maintain appropriate documentation, and streamline the overall process flow.
Wipro’s PPE Surveillance & Compliance solution provides these key benefits –
a) Controls the spread of infection
b) Reduces disruption of operations due to rapid detection and mitigation
c) Provides a user-friendly surveillance device at fingertips
d) Fool-proof auditability due to system-based automation of end-to-end alert management process
e) Lowers reliance on PPE for health staff; especially important given the current shortage of supply.
As the human race continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, effective vigilance will play a key role in securing our win. Savvy organizations are turning to solutions like Wipro’s PPE Surveillance & Compliance to emphasize on safety while keeping costs under control.
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Shivanand Hiremath
Consulting Partner and Senior Digital Solutions Architect Wipro
Shivanand 22 years of global experience. He leads the Digital Innovation Solution group within Wipro's SAP Practice, with special focus on Energy, Natural Resources, Utilities, Real Estate and Healthcare. One of his key activities includes "Incubation to GTM" for Smart business applications to address Business Challenges, working with SAP, Customers and Technology Partners, integrating with best-of-breed technologies. He is also the product owner for Preconfigured Solutions and Model Company Solution Development for Real Estate and Utilities respectively, working closely with SAP. Shivanand can be reached at shivanand.hiremath1@wipro.com.