WOC at Work: Hydro improves with RamBase QMS

At Hydro, continuous improvement is more than a philosophy—it's a global necessity. With factories across continents, the ability to learn from each other and improve processes in real-time is critical. But how do you bridge those distances and turn everyday work into structured learning? That’s where the SOP-WOC tool comes in—a powerful functionality within RamBase Quality Management System that’s helping Hydro do just that.

From the factory floor to real-time improvement

WOC (Walk, Observe, Communicate) is inspired by the Japanese Gemba walk concept—where leaders go to the "real place" to see and understand work processes first-hand. RamBase has taken this principle and built it into a digital functionality that fits seamlessly into the QMS platform.

As part of this process, WOC focuses on structured observations of SOPs—Standard Operating Procedures, which are documented instructions that define the best, safest, and most efficient way to perform a task. By linking observations directly to these procedures, organizations can continuously validate and improve how work is carried out on the shop floor.

In short, SOP-WOC enables supervisors and workers to collaborate on structured observations of work performance and document use—right where the work is happening. The result? A feedback loop that keeps SOPs updated and work performance aligned with actual practices.

“The observer logs in, accesses the relevant SOP, activates WOC, and selects the observed employee. Everything is done at a safe, but clear distance,” explains Kjellbjørn Fossheim, Business System Manager at Hydro.

Kjellbjørn Fossheim presenting at RamBase Summit 2025

Customer-driven innovation in action

Hydro didn’t just adopt SOP-WOC—they helped shape it.

As one of the key customers behind the module’s development, Hydro uses RamBase QMS to manage over 200,000 SOPs across its global operations. They needed a smarter way to validate and improve these procedures—and that’s where WOC came in.

“To make our SOPs more user-friendly, we include a lot of images and videos—not for aesthetics, but to improve understanding,” says Fossheim. “We deal with highly technical documents, and breaking them up visually helps the message land better.”

Samara Daher at Norsk Hydro trains an operator apprentice in RamBase QMS. Photo: Norsk Hydro

Seamless, on-site checks

The SOP-WOC functionality is designed for use in the field—literally. Observers can scan QR codes placed at control points on the shop floor to pull up the correct SOP on a tablet. Then, side-by-side with the operator, they go through the procedure together.

“The observer checks off the WOC checklist while the employee performs the task. Actions are discussed and agreed on before submitting. This allows improvements to be implemented faster,” Fossheim says.

Significant time-savings and a stronger feedback culture

Performing a SOP-WOC doesn’t just improve compliance and communication—it saves time and strengthens collaboration.

“Preliminary estimates suggest the WOC module has cut time consumption by 40–50%,” Fossheim notes. “Plus, it reduces rework and avoids misunderstandings that come from delayed or indirect reporting.”

Just as importantly, it encourages a bottom-up approach to quality.

“The fact that the observer provides feedback directly linked to the operating procedure is invaluable. If an operator on the night shift gets an idea, comments and ongoing improvement suggestions can be entered on the spot. This fosters a sense of ownership in continuous improvement among the employees,” concludes Fossheim.

See WOC in action

Want to see how the Walk-Observe-Communicate functionality can transform your quality processes?

Whether you're looking to improve compliance, reduce time spent on reporting, or create a stronger link between procedures and practice—WOC offers a practical, field-tested solution.

 

Reach out to us today for a demo of the WOC functionality in RamBase QMS.

Let us show you how it works in real-world settings and how it can support your journey toward continuous improvement.