How to Tell When Your Field Tools Are Outdated for Site Inspections

For those who are working in the field, having up-to-date technology is critical in the commercial construction industry so workflows can continue seamlessly and safely while on-the-go. Managers and stakeholders can also be confident that everyone has the most up-to-date information and can make real-time decisions. The most significant problem among many construction professionals is the inability to easily access, share, and store communications and documentation for projects as it's needed. We’re going to talk about how to tell when your field tools are outdated for site inspections.

Is Your Reporting Up-to-Date?

According to a ConTech survey, out of the 46.4% of construction companies surveyed, they spent less than 1% of their annual sales on IT. Data must be captured and reported in real-time, especially during a site inspection. If those in the field are using outdated technology, then it causes lag in communications and decision-making. By keeping reporting up-to-date, it’s possible for field workers to see the big picture of collected data by viewing everything in real-time.

There are also opportunities to gain specific insights by focusing on hand-picked elements from the data within their collection on their field tools. The collected data can be viewed by location, including texts and graphs. It’s also possible to access this data as high-quality photos, videos, and audio.

In doing so, commercial contractors can better manage their teams by:

· Receiving progress updates from teams in real-time.

· Determining their course of action without lag.

· Communicating changes in plans without disruptions occurring.

· Chat about issues or other data without having to go to an office or on location.

· Providing access and permissions to data to specific team members as needed.

Are You Using Outdated Mobile Access?

One of the best ways to determine if you’re using outdated mobile access is if your projects aren’t syncing, crew members aren’t receiving real-time data, and you can’t access forms when you don’t have a signal.

Using up-to-date mobile access means you can access forms no matter what type of field tools you’re using, be it Apple or Android, whether there’s a signal or not. Why is this access a critical field tool?

· All crew members can use mobile access to sign documents, take pictures, and collect data while they’re offline.

· Data collection can experience improvements with timestamps, photo annotations, geo-tags, and weather observations from the field.

· During site inspections, those who are working in the field can access data on-demand and in real-time.

According to Plangrid & FMI, approximately 52% of all rework is due to miscommunication and inadequate data. It’s possible to solve these issues by getting rid of paper plans and communication binders. Using mobile apps to communicate streamlines communications in real-time and helps prevent lack of data updates.

How Up-to-Date is Your Security?

Part of site inspections includes whether or not the field tools you’re using have out-of-date security. According to JB Knowledge, 32% of construction firms state that they haven't implemented new technology due to employee hesitation.

That’s problematic when a commercial construction company is working with sensitive data. Implementing software always involves a significant change in any business.

When you’re working with Array, your data is stored and transferred in some of the most advanced and secure methods available. The main reason is that their client’s data and reputation remain their top priority.

Security methods:

· 256-bit SSL: data and file encryption technique using a 256-bit key for encrypting and decrypting files or data.

· CAPTCHA: this stands for "completely automated public Turing test to tell computers and humans apart," and it helps tell the difference between a human and computer-based on the keyed-in response.

· Data encryption: this is when data is translated into code so that only those with the decryption key or password can read the information.

· Password protection: means security processes are put into place in computers and other devices using passwords when protection from other users is necessary.

· Permissions: this means that, if you need to grant individual permissions to a specific team member to view or use data, you can provide them access and keep that information safe.

· PGP email encryption software: stands for "Pretty Good Privacy" and it's an encryption program providing cryptographic authentication and privacy for data communication.

Conclusion

To have up-to-date reporting, use up-to-date mobile access and security systems when using field tools for inspections. Otherwise, field assets will have challenges in collecting, sharing, and communicating data effectively.

Array is a proactive approach to determining how to tell when your tools are outdated for inspections as a means of maximizing company scalability so your business can flourish with an increase in profit.

Array helps construction operation professionals effectively communicate and improve operational visibility. Array's customizable forms and reports enable better construction site workflows by increasing project visibility and improving field communications.

To see how your construction company can have a better workflow, schedule a 1-on-1 demo with one of our construction operations specialists now.