WOC at Work: Hydro improves with RamBase QMS

At Hydro, continuous improvement is more than a philosophy—it's a global necessity.

At Norsk Hydro, continuous improvement is critical for global operations. With factories across continents, Hydro required a solution to improve work processes in real-time. RamBase QMS’s Walk, Observe, Communicate (WOC) functionality provided the answer.

WOC, inspired by the Japanese Gemba walk, enables leaders to observe and understand work processes directly. Integrated into RamBase QMS, it links structured observations of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to real-time feedback, ensuring continuous improvements.

Customer-Driven Innovation
Hydro has played a key role in shaping the WOC functionality. Managing over 200,000 SOPs worldwide, Hydro sought a better way to validate and refine these procedures. WOC enables real-time observation and enhancement of SOPs on the shop floor.

“We enhance our SOPs with images and videos for better understanding,” says Kjellbjørn Fossheim, Hydro’s Business System Manager. These visuals make complex processes more accessible for employees.

How WOC Works
WOC operates directly on-site. Observers scan QR codes on the shop floor, accessing the relevant SOP on a tablet. They then walk through the procedure with the employee to ensure it is followed correctly.

“The observer checks off a WOC checklist while the employee performs the task. Actions are discussed before submitting, speeding up improvements,” Fossheim explains.

Benefits: Time-Savings and Better Collaboration
WOC has resulted in a significant reduction in time spent on reporting, with estimates suggesting a 40–50% time savings. It eliminates misunderstandings caused by indirect reporting and allows issues to be identified and addressed faster. Moreover, WOC encourages a culture of continuous improvement.

“If an operator on the night shift has an idea, they can immediately submit it into the system. This fosters ownership and drives quality improvements,” Fossheim adds.