Tally books have been used across offshore, energy and industrial environments for decades, giving teams a compact way to keep important safety and operational information close at hand.
But a good tally book needs to do more than fit in a coverall pocket. Materials, content, layout, binding and durability all affect how useful it will be in the field.
At XIC in Aberdeen, we design and produce bespoke tally books for businesses operating in demanding environments. Here are the main things to consider when creating yours.
What should you include in a tally book?
A tally book should contain the information your team needs to access quickly while carrying out their role.
Depending on your business, this could include:
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Emergency and muster information
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Safety procedures
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Risk assessment information
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Observation or reporting forms
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Conversion tables
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Technical reference information
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Company or site-specific procedures
Rather than filling pages with generic information, think about how your teams actually work.
Different roles may also benefit from different versions. A mechanical technician, for example, may need different reference information from a QHSE team member.
What materials are best for tally books?
The right material depends on where and how the tally book will be used.
Offshore platforms, workshops, construction sites and other industrial environments can expose printed materials to moisture, oil, dirt and regular handling.
Durable encapsulated pvc covers, laminated card and durable tear and water resistant materials, can help protect the contents and extend the life of the book.
Which binding is best for a tally book?
The best binding depends on the number of pages and how the book will be used.
Spiral binding allows pages to lie flat, which can be useful when making notes. Saddle-stitched books offer a slimmer format, while other binding methods can accommodate larger amounts of reference information.
Pocket size is important too. A tally book needs to contain enough information to be useful without becoming too bulky to carry comfortably and fit into a boiler suit pocket.
How should tally book information be designed?
Information should be clear, easy to scan and quick to find.
In a busy working environment, nobody wants to search through pages of small text looking for an important procedure or piece of technical information.
Clear typography, logical sections and colour coding can all make a difference.
At XIC, our design team can help organise complex content into a practical layout, making important information easier to find while keeping the finished book compact.
Should tally books be branded?
Yes. Bespoke tally books can be designed around your company’s branding while still prioritising their practical purpose.
Logos, corporate colours and contact information make books easy to identify, particularly when several teams or contractors are working in the same environment.
Branding can also be incorporated into section dividers, page layouts and covers to create a consistent look throughout the book.
Can you produce different tally books for different teams?
Yes. Creating role-specific versions can make tally books considerably more useful.
Instead of giving every employee the same information, content can be tailored to different departments, sites or roles.
This keeps each book focused on the information the person carrying it is most likely to need.
How often should tally books be updated?
Tally book content should be reviewed whenever relevant company procedures, safety information or working practices change.
This is where shorter print runs can be useful.
Rather than holding large quantities of books that could become outdated, digital printing allows businesses to order more appropriate quantities and update future editions when information changes.
What should you look for in a tally book printer?
Look for a print partner that understands both the physical product and the environment in which it will be used.
They should be able to advise on materials, binding, finishing, print quantities and how best to organise your content.
Industry experience can be particularly valuable when producing books for offshore, energy, renewables and maritime environments, where durability and usability are key considerations.
Bespoke tally book printing in Aberdeen
XIC has produced bespoke tally books for clients across the energy, offshore, renewables and maritime sectors.
From an existing tally book that needs updating to a completely new design, we can help with content layout, design, materials, printing and finishing to create a practical product suited to your teams and working environment.
If you’re considering new or updated tally books, get in touch with XIC to discuss what you need.
