Knowledge & Insights

18.06.26

The Turnaround Nobody Remembers: Why the Next Planning Team Starts from Zero.

Every turnaround I've been involved in ends the same way. Someone produces a lessons-learned report. It goes into a folder. Two years later, the next planning team opens the work order templates, the SAP notifications, and their own judgment — and starts from scratch. There's a better way...

14.05.26

Permit to Work Is Not the Same as Control of Work. Here’s the Difference.

Most operations running a permit to work system believe they have control of work covered. They don't. Here's what genuine control of work software actually includes — and why the gap matters.

06.05.26

The 1973 Comparison Is Wrong. Here Is What the Data Actually Shows.

The global energy disruption of 2026: scale, consequences, and what it means for global society.

30.04.26

Paper Permits vs Electronic Permit to Work Software: What's the Real Cost?

Still running permits on paper? In high-hazard industries, what feels familiar can quietly introduce serious operational and safety risk...

23.04.26

Two Planners. Same Job. Two Different Answers.

Inconsistency is the silent cost of STO planning — here's what AI can do about it...

16.04.26

Before the Next Alarm Sounds: The Case for Pre-Planned Fire Response at Middle East Energy Facilities

In recent weeks, emergency responders across energy facilities in the Middle East have faced conditions no response plan was ever designed for — multiple fires igniting simultaneously across complex sites, often under ongoing uncertainty. The uncomfortable truth is this: when multiple fires occur at once, not everything can be protected. This article explores what that means in practice — and why the industry may need to rethink how it plans for what comes next.

25.03.26

Why STO Planning is Still Failing Industry — and What We Did About It

STO planning isn’t failing because of people. It’s failing because of the systems behind them. After 25+ years working with global operators, we still see the same patterns — inconsistent estimates, disconnected schedules, late scope changes, and shutdowns that overrun when they don’t have to. This article breaks down where planning is going wrong — and what can now be done about it.

25.03.26

The Middle East Energy Crisis: What the Numbers Mean for the Next Twelve Months.

The conflict unfolding across the Middle East is no longer simply a geopolitical event. It is a structural disruption to global energy supply — and the full consequences have yet to be felt.

10.03.26

Gulf Coast operators are front-loading maintenance. Most will leave value on the table.

The region is entering one of its largest Q1 maintenance cycles in years. The operators who execute consistently will pull ahead. The ones who don’t will wonder why.

18.02.26

Restart discipline: how to achieve a safe, predictable return to service

This article outlines a practical five-gate Restart Discipline model — and how leading operators use structured workflows, evidence-based readiness, and connected STO systems to bring assets back online safely and predictably.

17.12.25

Finished isn’t finished: why STO projects break down at Completions — and how technology can help.

The final 5–10% of STO events cause the most disruption. James Holt, IAMTech, examines why completions fail and how structured digital QA/QC helps restore control and confidence.

02.12.25

Turnaround Planning That Holds Up in the Real World

Turnaround planning often breaks down in the field. James Holt, IAMTech explores how to close scope, planning, safety, and execution gaps with modern turnaround management software.

31.10.25

PTW: Definitions and Contexts You Need

Discover the importance of PTW (Permit to Work) meaning, and its role in ensuring workplace safety. Learn how it integrates with safety systems to enhance health and safety compliance.

21.10.25

UK & Europe’s Chemical Industry: Out of Gas, and in need of re-ignition!

Once the pride of global industry, the UK and Europe’s chemical sector now stands at a crossroads — burdened by high energy costs, aging infrastructure, and fierce international competition. Drawing on nearly three decades in the sector — and a family legacy stretching back to the First World War — Ross Coulman, MD of IAMTech, explores how the crisis facing the UK and EU chemical industries could become their greatest catalyst for transformation.

15.10.25

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimising Turnaround Scheduling for Complex Projects

James Holt explores how to optimise turnaround scheduling for complex projects with a step-by-step guide. Learn how industrial AI and tools like iPlanAI reduce downtime, improve safety, and boost efficiency.

25.09.25

Revolutionising Industrial Operations with AI Solutions

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is no longer a futuristic promise — it’s a proven, practical tool transforming how the world’s most complex industries operate. From oil and gas refineries to power plants, chemical facilities, and mining operations, AI is streamlining planning, boosting efficiency, and making work safer.

03.09.25

Stop the Scope Creep: How Data Puts You Back in Control of Turnarounds

In our latest article, James Holt of IAMTech explores the root causes of turnaround scope creep—fragmented systems, lack of benchmarks, and late-stage changes—and shows how data-driven tools empower teams to regain control. By shifting from reactive decisions to predictive insights, organisations can reduce risk, improve schedule adherence, and drive long-term performance improvements across shutdown events.

18.08.25

We Followed the Rabbit Down the AI Hole. Here's What We Found

Recognised as a finalist for AI Solution of the Year at the 2025 Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards, IAMTech Managing Director Ross Coulman reflects on the company’s three-year exploration of artificial intelligence. What began as small experiments in software engineering has grown into a company-wide culture of innovation.

23.07.25

A Business Case for Electronic Permit to Work Software.

If you're still unsure whether your organisation would benefit from electronic permit to work software, this short business case will help clarify why ePTW is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing solutions in industrial safety and operations.

21.07.25

Implementing Bespoke Software Solutions in Heavy Industry: A Senior Developer's Guide.

With over 20 years of experience developing software for some of the world’s most complex, high-risk industries, IAMTech Senior Developer Daniel Meggs shares his six-step guide to implementing bespoke software solutions. A straight-talking guide for industrial leaders on how to go from concept to fully deployed, business-ready software.

16.07.25

How Permit to Work Software Improves Safety Compliance

As businesses face increasing pressure to improve safety oversight and reduce administrative burden, electronic permit to work software has become a powerful tool. This article explores how digital permit systems are helping U.S. organizations streamline processes, enhance risk control, and achieve stronger compliance outcomes.

09.07.25

Made to Measure: When Is It Time to Go Bespoke with Your Software?

In this article, IAMTech’s James Holt explores when to stick with off-the-shelf software, when to customise, and when to go fully bespoke. With growing complexity across turnarounds, compliance, and asset management, the right choice isn’t always the obvious one — it’s the one that fits your operation best.

24.06.25

“Hey Siri, Write My Permit”: Why the Next Generation of Workers Expect Smarter Systems.

As more digital natives enter our industrial sites, this mindset is meeting legacy systems designed for users from a past era, and permit-to-work processes are amongst those visibly out of step. In this article, IAMTech MD, Ross Coulman examines what today’s industrial workforce expects — and how permit management must evolve to meet their needs.

04.06.25

Mastering Six Phases of Shutdown and Turnaround Management with iPlanSTO

James Holt, IAMTech's Commercial Director, explores how mastering the six phases of Shutdown and Turnaround Management with iPlanSTO can turn complex TAR events into strategic wins through precision planning, execution, and continuous improvement.

29.05.25

Why your Software Project may be Failing - and how to Revive it

Whether you’re running a refinery, a process plant, or just figuring out how to modernise your processes, here are five secrets, from a seasoned software provider (and not-so-seasoned gardener), to help ensure your next software rollout bears fruit.

14.05.25

Still Using Spreadsheets for Shutdown and Turnaround Planning? It’s Costing You More Than You Think.

In this article, we’ll examine the limitations of spreadsheet-based planning, explore the operational risks it creates, and introduce purpose-built STO software that not only streamlines the process but delivers measurable returns. Let’s explore why now is the time to rethink your approach.

29.04.25

How to Launch an Electronic Permit to Work System in Just Weeks.

Making the switch from a traditional paper-based Permit to Work system to a new Electronic Permit to Work (ePTW) solution can sound difficult. Many companies worry that an ePTW will take months to implement and adopt, causing headaches and heartache along the way. At IAMTech, we make it simple.

23.04.25

Effective Turnaround Management in Industrial Operations.

Turnarounds are high-stakes, high-cost events vital for maintaining safety, performance, and compliance in heavy industry. With early preparation, tight scheduling, and digital oversight, companies can reduce downtime, control costs, and improve asset reliability.

16.04.25

Enhance Workplace Safety with Risk Control Software

Traditionally, Permit to Work (ePTW) systems and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) tools are managed on paper, leading to delays, errors, and poor visibility. Digital platforms now connect the two processes, creating a safer, more streamlined approach. Our latest article explores how.

31.03.25

From Model Makers to Market Leaders: How a Teesside Model Maker Built a Global Software Powerhouse

In an era where many software companies start in a bedroom or boardroom, IAMTech’s origins are a little different — they began with superglue, plastic, and scale models of industrial plants.

20.03.25

Three Key Benefits of an ePTW Solution

The integration of an electronic Permit to Work (ePTW) can transform operations, enhance safety protocols, improve compliance, and streamline workflows, saving lives, time, money, and reputation. Companies who have already made the switch to ePTW have observed that integrating a digital solution has produced many benefits to their organisations, providing real-time visibility into work permits, reducing safety risks, and enhancing coordination among teams.

29.01.25

STO 4.0: A New Year & A New Era for Turnaround Management

Here’s why 2025 is the year to fully embrace STO 4.0—and how digital tools are transforming the way turnarounds are planned and executed.

14.01.25

Countdown to Compliance: Why ePTW Systems Should Be Your 2025 Resolution

If compliance is on your organisation’s 2025 resolution list, here’s why adopting or upgrading an ePTW system should be your top priority.

27.11.24

BS 202001: A New Era for Industry-Wide Project Controls

BS 202001 seeks to standardise project controls by providing clear guidelines and specifications applicable to projects of all types and sizes.

02.11.24

Enhancing Industrial Safety and Efficiency through Permit-to-Work Software Solutions

This article delves into the specific benefits, challenges, and real-world applications of PTW software within industrial settings, featuring case studies from oil refineries and petrochemical industries. It’s essential reading for businesses still navigating the transition from paper-based systems.

16.10.24

The Top 5 Reasons Turnarounds Go Off Track—And How to Keep Control

Effective management plays a key role in preventing failures in industrial turnarounds. Careful planning is crucial, as studies show that 80% of turnarounds tend to exceed their budgets without proper oversight. STO (Shutdown, Turnaround, and Outage) software can significantly enable efficient cost control and decision-making during these complex operations.

01.10.24

Top Benefits of Permit to Work Software for Businesses in 2024

Digital transformation in H&S leverages permit to work software to streamline compliance and safety. Focus shifts from paperwork to core tasks.

17.09.24

Enhance Safety with Permit to Work Software

The move from paper-based safety systems to digital permit to work software significantly enhances worker safety, compliance, and procedural efficiency.

02.09.24

Fuelling Innovation: IAMTech's Strategy for Staying Ahead in Industrial Tech.

Staying ahead of the competition isn’t just about having the latest gadgets or cutting-edge equipment. It’s about having the vision to see beyond the horizon, the insight to anticipate what’s coming, and the drive to turn innovation into action.

16.08.24

AI Investments Fuel Transformation in the Oil and Gas Industry: Driving Innovation and Sustainability.

As the world grapples with the complexities of energy production, environmental concerns, and economic pressures, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in this industry is becoming increasingly prevalent.

05.08.24

Stormy Seas: UK Tax Hike and Labour’s Green Agenda Shake Up North Sea Oil and Gas

The UK’s decision to raise taxes on North Sea oil and gas production has provoked strong reactions from industry players and set the stage for a complex interplay of economic, political, and environmental factors. As the country navigates this challenging landscape, the outcomes will have significant implications for its energy future and economic stability, particularly under the new Labour government’s more stringent environmental policies.

19.07.24

Turnarounds Demand Control: Are you Ready?

How Digitalisation Can Revolutionise Your Turnaround Performance, Ensuring Timely and Budget-Friendly Execution.

11.07.24

Act Now to Weather the Storm – Invest in Reliability

As the wider industry continues to struggle with unplanned outages, savvy organisations are seeing this as an opportunity to invest in improving plant reliability to capture market value - Read on to help your organisation Weather the Storm!

24.06.24

Trade Secrets for Mastering Maintenance Planning and Scheduling

Our latest article explores maintenance planning and scheduling, exploring its complexities and offering insights into turning operational frustrations into gateways for continuous improvement.

13.06.24

Software Selection Simplified: Configuration vs Customisation.

In the journey towards software selection, the terms "configuration" and "customisation" often appear interchangeable. However, these words hold distinct meanings and implications that can significantly impact your software investment. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your organisations needs and budget.