Simplifying surveying and saving time

Switching from cumbersome laptops and separate cameras to a PDA system has enabled Faithful+Gould Building Surveying to create greatly enhanced efficiencies through instant report generation.

The surveying firm has a FTSE 100 client with over 1800 retail properties and undertakes high volumes of Health & Safety audits and Fire Risk Assessment with a combined risk assessment containing 300 questions. Prior to switching systems, surveyors had to base themselves on the property and continually return to that base to complete assessment forms.

All captured data was transferred from Excel spreadsheets into an MS database and considerable management time was expended verifying the data prior to issuing final reports to the client.

The move to Mobile Safety Solutions' bespoke PDA system has changed all that. The web-based solution features a built-in camera and signature capture and enables managers to see in real time when risk assessments are completed. It also reduces the time to audit reports prior to issue.

Simon Speight, Faithfull+Gould Building Surveying Project Manager, says: "Our surveyors need to record data on site and we have benefited from the advantages provided by real time capture and information processing. MSS have provided a comprehensive solution allowing us to harness mobile
technology to create greater efficiencies through instant report generation."

The MSS solution has many advantages:

- No duplication of data input, for faster turnaround and savings through reduced operator time and automated generation of reports
- Instant management reporting, enhancing service levels to clients 
- Aiding business retention and new business development via a leading edge technological solution
- Improved audit trails with date and time capture, photographic evidence and signature capture
- Fully centralised access for all registered users with password security
- Reduced management time investment verifying reports prior to issue
- Every survey securely stored on a personalised website, available for reporting and analysis
- Reports automatically transmitted as PDF attachments.