Inspections with sam® - mobile and AI-supported

Plan inspections online and carry them out and record them on site using a smartphone or tablet: This is now very easy with the latest sam® function module. secova has now presented two further innovations for its EHS solution system at A+A 2025 – the world’s leading trade fair for safe working. As with the inspections, both the Last Minute Risk Assessment (LMRA) and the digital safety data sheets already use the latest AI technologies. Artificial intelligence automates various processes in all three AI@sam® solutions, creates summaries or generates additional questions.

For secova, “artificial intelligence (AI)” is not a gimmick – with its holistic approach, AI@sam® achieves real impact. The focus is on (specialist) specific functions. Targeted use increases efficiency and safety in day-to-day work without leaving the professional context. Integration into the existing system is seamless without increasing complexity. AI@sam® is therefore less visible, but more noticeable. It assists and relieves users with hints, support and suggestions, but leaves the final decision to the human expert.

Sergej Pede (Head of Sales) is convinced: “The sam® inspections are an intelligent tool. It helps you to record observations in a structured way, reflect on risks and also act preventively. The module can be accessed and performed anywhere – in direct interaction with the sam® risk assessment. In short, this is how it works: users select the location and all participants in advance and decide who will record the minutes. They then start the inspection itself via the app (press “Play”) on a mobile device and record all observations by voice input. In addition, they can take photos on site and add them directly. AI transcribes all verbal recordings in the background and immediately creates a summary. What’s more: it already suggests suitable measures (GBU) and improvements (idea management) based on the observations.

Adjust, carry out and log directly on site using the app

In addition to a purely location-based inspection, an activity-based inspection is also possible, for example “metalworking on machines”. Users can select the appropriate topic sections on the screen from activity profiles, hazard factors, chemicals and work equipment / devices / systems. By clicking “Save”, you add these to your inspection accordingly. This is now activated and can be easily controlled via the app. After starting and selecting the actual location, the app displays all participants. This list of participants can now be adjusted dynamically (= e.g. delete sick persons, add additional Ts). Once you have entered the date and the person taking the minutes, the selected topic sections will appear. These can be opened for detailed information (e.g. “moving machine parts” -> which checks are necessary here?). Now the inspection can begin. Anyone who notices something can add a photo directly and add suitable comments. This then appears in the minutes at the appropriate point during the inspection.

Once completed, the inspection can be completed directly and is sent automatically. For later viewing, users can now find an AI-generated summary of the voice recording under “Documented inspections”. There is also a number at the bottom (e.g. “10”) that represents the number of AI-based suggestions for measures and ideas. Here, those responsible have the option of assigning a date directly to them and assigning them to the relevant person(s). In the “Inspections” section of the risk assessment, the system always shows how many have been carried out at which location. This display also includes the number of measures and ideas derived there. At the bottom are all the recorded inspections. With one click, the summary, the participants, the derived measures and ideas as well as their processing status now appear.

LMRA – more safety through awareness

With the Last Minute Risk Assessment (LMRA), secova offers a short “risk awareness training” shortly before starting work. What are the potential hazards of the job in question and how can I deal with them safely and preventively? The short training course not only provides all the important information, but also sensitizes the mindset. The aim: if you can reflect on possible risks just before you start, you will also act in a safety-conscious manner afterwards. The LMRA therefore supplements the risk assessment with an efficient “awareness booster”, which also further strengthens the safety culture in the company. The implementation itself is simple, quick and intuitive via the (sam® EHS Manager) app, mobile and directly on site. Dynamic security questions and AI-supported additional questions direct attention to where it is needed.

There is also an innovation for sam® hazardous substance management, which can access AI support, among other things. This is because it is now possible to read digital safety data sheets directly into sam® – in SDSCom format. sam® currently supports version 4.x of this digital exchange format, which is sponsored by the Federation of German Industries (BDI). This is a great relief for all those who regularly have to draw up operating instructions. The XML-based data format makes it possible to transmit safety data on hazardous substances easily, quickly and uniformly by digital means. This means that all safety-relevant information can be transmitted seamlessly and precisely. The advantages of the import option in a nutshell: Automated, time-saving, accurate, flexible and future-proof!