How to Simplify Construction Data Collection from the Field

It’s a special thing when you can see just how your construction organization is driving success — especially when you have a deep understanding into the activities that happen out in the field. However, pulling that data together in ways that are meaningful and timely has been a consistent challenge in the construction industry. Reliance on manual processes and/or different disconnected software programs has meant that oftentimes data from the field is incomplete, inaccurate or just too outdated to properly assess and take action from by the time it actually gets reviewed.

Getting timely data from the field doesn’t have to be that tricky. Modern, integrated construction technologies are helping contractors realize real-time, automated data collection — and pairing that data with powerful tools to easily analyze the underlying stories the information tells. We demonstrated a few ways data collection is being simplified during one of our recent Take 15 webinar on gathering data from the field. Here’s a look at four key features of our Viewpoint Field View solution that exemplify how technology is driving change in data collection.

1. Digitized Data.

Manual processes, such as pen and paper, have been used to track everything from labor time and expense to materials to work progress to defects and punch lists. But this data can easily get lost or entered erroneously with manual methods — not the mention the hours of time and headaches back-office teams have to spend to reconcile it all. There are plenty of other things that can be done with paper — but pulling data from the field shouldn’t be one of them. With an intuitive digital solution, however, data can easily be captured and entered from the jobsite, pictures can be taken of project progress, automated workflows can assign new tasks and keep crews working and much more — all directly from the jobsite with a mobile-enabled device. No more paper. No more heartburn.

2. Real-Time Collaboration.

With Field View, data like construction labor time and expense, safety incidents, closeout data and much more can also be tracked in real-time. This creates a true sense of collaboration across the entire project team, as data collected by a supervisor in the field can instantly update reports and workflows in the back office, the jobsite trailer or the project manager’s dashboard while he is in another offsite meeting with project owners. By leveraging the power of the cloud, modern field technologies like Field View give the entire team an instant-access window into the health of projects, making it easier to spot problems before they arise, gain control of project costs and fix defects and mistakes properly the first time, saving countless labor hours and helping keep costs down.

3. No Internet. No Problem.

When adopting a digital construction management solution, the software should be accessible on and off the internet. Construction often takes project teams to remote locations, where internet isn’t always available. This is not the time — or reason — to revert back to manual processes. Viewpoint Field View allows team members to continue capturing data even when working in these remote areas. That data is stored and then synced to the larger construction ERP like Viewpoint Vista, as soon as internet is reestablished. This means users don’t have to reenter information a second time.

4. Tying Data to Real-World Locations – And Actions

Viewpoint Field View gives users the ability to connect data to physical items or locations in the real world. Through intuitive mapping technologies and the ability to digitally work from plans and specifications, data can be collected, entered, transferred and manipulated in the field. If, for instance, a worker notices an issue with an electrical outlet being placed in the wrong location, they can note that as a task item, triggering a workflow that results in the mistake being corrected. The task can also be easily tracked to ensure it is effectively addressed. This allows processes to be more visual and easier to understand for all parties involved.

Rework accounts for a minimum of 5 percent of total construction costs. Having a real-time, intuitive digital solution to improve data collection from the field can make work significantly easier throughout the entire construction organization.

To learn more about how you can avoid rework, duplication and confusion, contact us. We’ll show you how Viewpoint Field View can help your construction organization with its unique field needs.