Using a mobile device for your on-site inspections improves productivity both during the inspection and, in fact especially, producing the client report. But using the device brings its own set of hazards and challenges - weather, fat fingers, cracked screens! Here's how to manage your devices in the field.

Fat Fingers

We all know what it is like picking out small letters on a smart device when its cold or we're in a hurry. With the Clarinspect app we work closely with our clients to understand the information they are collecting in the field and, if it is standardised, we create drop down menus where the engineer or inspector can choose the best observation. Even if its up to 20 different choices of observation it is still quicker than typing!

Even better, the rapid development of voice transcription means your field representative can speak their observations directly into their device and see the results laid out perfectly in a report back at the office. Even better, add a thousand words with every picture you take - and annotate - on site and it will be there in the report along with your text.

Rain and Snow

Have you ever tried taking notes with a pen and clipboard wrapped in a plastic bag? Plenty have! You can get excellent waterproofing equipment for your mobile device that enables you to continue working without getting the gear wet.

And while we are discussing protection of your trusty form filling, report writing mobile assistant - scratch proof surfaces on the screen are really worthwhile.

Cracked Screens

While the use of the scratch proof surface will help, it doesn't take much to get that spider web effect that gradually makes your device unusable - even before you take it out to the field. We've been doing some testing and a device that will not only help you avoid the dropsies but will make it easier to complete multiple assessments is a very hand holder. 

And while we are at it you'll find even more examples of how to improve your productivity in the field on the blog home page.