Using Mobile Software Applications & Handheld PDAs for Inspections

I often get asked what markets we focus on with our mobile software applications for handheld PDAs. My first reaction is to say only the markets that have money, but that is not true...we are particular...we prefer certain currencies such as the Euros now days! The real answer is that inspection services is a very big market for us.

In the inspections services market nearly every customer has unique data collection requirements. They can not simply go to Office Depot and find a handheld PDA software application that meets their unique inspection service needs. What is required is the ability to cost effectively customize a mobile inspection solution in a relatively short period of time. We developed the PointSync Mobility Platform for that purpose.

Most inspections follow a common process. From a high level software technology perspective an inspection looks like this:

1. Create and upload an electronic inspection form to a handheld computer
2. Capture data
3. Synchronize data and integrate data with the office database application

When you drill down a bit deeper it looks like:

1. Development tools for creating electronic inspection forms quickly


2. Add pick lists and drop down menus of items to inspect (to speed up inspections)


3. Add the measuring scale for inspections (i.e. excellent/good/fair/poor)


4. Add data validation to ensure quality data is capture


5. Add business rules to the handheld inspection form (i.e. the answer is invalid if it says the VW can carry 76 passengers)


6. Configure connectivity preferences (i.e. wireless, wifi, cable, satellite, etc.)


7. Configure the synchronization process


8. Configure the security settings


9. Configure integration of data with the designated database


10. Manage application updates and versions


11. Manage mobile users


12. Manage a large variety of unique mobile applications


13. Manage mobile handheld PDAs

Two of the key words above are "Configure" and "Manage". You don't want to be required to program or code these items. It takes far too long and is far too expensive. You need a rapid application development tool for mobile inspections. You want to be able to design, develop and deploy new custom inspections quickly and cost effectively.

Some of our biggest mobile inspection customers are electrical utilities, food processing companies, electrical contractors, government agencies, construction engineering firms, etc. The common theme is a huge amount of data needs to flow easily and cost effectively between the field and the office over handheld computers, laptops or Tablet PCs.

If you would like to brainstorm about how to mobilize your inspection processes please contact us.