April 2023 Newsletter - HERE, HERE!

Bad Elf Implements Checklist Workflows

Bad Elves are pilots. Yes, it is true many of us at Bad Elf hold pilot licenses. At heart everyone at Bad Elf acknowledges the importance of utilizing and maintaining checklists. Checklists are crucial in aviation because they provide a standardized process for pilots to follow, which helps ensure safety and efficiency. Pilots are responsible for flying an aircraft and maintaining the safety of passengers and crew, which is a complex task that requires the ability to multitask and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. Checklists provide a systematic way to manage the various tasks and procedures required during a flight, reducing the likelihood of errors and oversights.

Checklists also help pilots to:

• Standardize procedures: Checklists provide a standardized way to manage procedures that need to be followed before, during, and after a flight, such as pre-flight checks, takeoff and landing procedures, and emergency procedures. This ensures that all pilots follow the same process, regardless of experience or knowledge.
• Reduce errors: Checklists help pilots to reduce the likelihood of errors and oversights by ensuring that critical tasks are not missed or skipped.
• Increase efficiency: Checklists help pilots to perform tasks more efficiently by reducing the time required to recall or remember procedures, which allows them to focus more on the actual flying of the aircraft.
• Improve communication: Checklists help pilots to communicate more effectively with each other, as well as with air traffic controllers and ground crew, by providing a clear and concise way to convey information.

Bad Elf decided to adopt airline checklists for safety and productivity in field data collection because they recognized the importance of standardization and consistency in their operations. By utilizing checklists, we ensure that all necessary tasks are completed in a consistent and accurate manner, reducing the risk of errors and improving efficiency. The use of checklists is particularly important in field data collection, where conditions can be unpredictable, and mistakes can be costly. Additionally, the adoption of checklists brings with it a culture of safety, as the aviation industry is known for its rigorous safety standards. By incorporating these same standards into our GNSS equipment, Bad Elf helps ensure the quality and efficiency of our customers' data collection needs.

Safety is No Elfing Accident

As a Bad Elf, LLC employee who conducts GPS field data collection, I cannot stress enough the importance of safety in our line of work. It's crucial to plan ahead and make sure we have all the necessary equipment before heading out into the field. Prior planning prevents poor performance. But planning alone is not enough! Proper safety PPE (personal protective equipment) is also essential to prevent injury and other job hazards. This includes wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, as well as helmets, gloves, and safety glasses.

I've seen firsthand the dangers of not taking safety seriously. Once, I witnessed a coworker trip and fall because they were not paying attention while we were out in the field collecting data. Looking where you're going when walking is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps you avoid obstacles, such as cracks in the pavement, potholes, and other hazards that could cause you to trip, stumble, or fall. By paying attention to your surroundings, you can take steps to avoid these obstacles and keep yourself safe.

Secondly, looking where you're going helps you stay aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers that might be present. For example, if you're walking in a busy city, you need to be aware of cars, bicycles, and other pedestrians that might be coming your way. If you're not paying attention, you could accidentally walk into the path of a moving vehicle or collide with another person.

Finally, looking where you're going helps you enjoy your surroundings and appreciate the world around you. Whether you're walking through a beautiful park or a bustling city, there's always something interesting to see and experience. By keeping your eyes up and taking in your surroundings, you can fully appreciate the sights and sounds of your environment.

On the other hand, looking at your phone when walking can be dangerous. It distracts you from your surroundings and can make you oblivious to hazards and obstacles that might be in your path. It can also be a distraction that takes your mind off your surroundings, making you more vulnerable to accidents or attacks. By staying aware of your surroundings, you can avoid hazards, stay safe, and fully appreciate the world around you. So, it's essential to put your phone down and pay attention to where you're walking to stay safe and fully enjoy your environment.

That experience taught me to never underestimate the importance of safety. Now, I always make sure to wear my PPE and check my equipment before heading out into the field. I encourage my coworkers to do the same and to prioritize safety above all else. As geospatial professionals we know that our work can be challenging, but we also know that we can minimize the risks by taking the proper safety precautions. It's not worth risking our health or wellbeing to cut corners or save time. Organizations must value their employees and their safety.

If you have the time, take a minute and watch this funny 3rd party video on the importance of safety. Remember, safety is no elf'ing accident!

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Bad Elf's Quote Corner

“Since launching Bad Elf 14 years ago, our focus has always been on using new technologies to solve business problems in more intuitive and cost-effective ways. We invest a lot of resources in R&D, but the best source of new ideas has always been our customers. Anytime we can eliminate pain points or simplify a workflow, I know we're delivering Engineering Magic! Do you have a workflow or product requirement you would like to discuss, write us at sales@bad-elf.com.” - Brett Hackleman, Bad Elf CTO