Organizing Inspectors

[jar546]

This is a small sampling, partial view before all inspections are added, which shows how we can have this board up on the screen in the office and know the inspection status. Some of the helpful things are as follows:

• The inspectors put their inspections in order, so we know where they are going next when people call. (fewer calls lately)
• We can see in real time as inspections pass or fail, or we can set this page so that once the inspection is complete, it disappears from the screen.
• We can batch move or one at a time click and drag inspections between inspectors to reassign, and it updates everyone's iPad in the field.
• The inspectors hit a 'Notify" button when they complete an inspection, and it notifies the next inspection by auto phone call that the inspector is on the way and what type of inspection they are on the way for.
• The customers can click on a link on our website and see where they are on the schedule, and the schedule changes in real time if the inspector changes the order. This is helpful because if you see they are last on the list, they don't have to rush to a jobsite, and if they are first or in the first few, they can plan the rest of their day.
• The inspector's cell phone number is on the schedule and online portal, so the customer can always call if necessary. This really cuts down on the phone calls coming into the office, which frees up the permit techs to process more permits.
• Although it can be done on a phone, we found it better to have all inspectors use an iPad so they can take photos and result on the jobsite or immediately after the inspection so we have real time updates and if there was a failed inspection, the customer could pay the reinspection fee and reschedule immediately.

 

[jar546]

This is an example of what the inspectors see. They can put them in order, and it updates in the office on our screen. You can customize the columns, what order they are in, what you want to see, filter by inspector, and much more.

 

[jar546]

When inside the inspector's work order, they can see everything they need to know about the inspection they are doing and the permit, including inspection history and all files that were stamped by the jurisdiction. This way, there is no doubt as to what has been approved.

 

[jar546]

When they go to the results, they have options to choose from, must make a comment, and photos are mandatory, pass or fail.

 

[jar546]

The system worked well today. We modeled our procedure after another jurisdiction that is significantly larger than us but uses the same software. Today was an example of how this system works well. Here it goes:

The plumbing inspector called in because he had a family emergency. We were able to see what inspections he had left, and were able to reassign immediately, including giving one to me. I was there for a plumbing fire penetration inspection at a high-rise condo, but when I arrived, I asked if they were ready for any other inspections. There were three more inspections, as a matter of fact. I just called my office staff, had them schedule the inspections for today, and assigned them to me. Within 2 minutes, they showed up on my iPad, I was able to pass all four, have pictures uploaded with the results in real time, and before I walked out the door, the contractor was getting email notifications that the inspection was complete. I got back to the office and started working again, not having to stop to write out inspection results. This is the beauty of an organized system that works.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Cool, when I ask the office to add any inspections that were scheduled it takes hours for it to show up on my iPhone with our software. Our software sucks. I also have to write down everything besides entering it in the phone because the software doesn't always work. Also, half of our area doesn't get a ATT cell service which we use. My personal cell phone is Verizon and has more coverage so i can use the GPS on it when needed.

 

[jar546]

Cool, when I ask the office to add any inspections that were scheduled it takes hours for it to show up on my iPhone with our software. Our software sucks. I also have to write down everything besides entering it in the phone because the software doesn't always work. Also, half of our area doesn't get a ATT cell service which we use. My personal cell phone is Verizon and has more coverage so i can use the GPS on it when needed.

That sounds more like software from 1997, unfortunately.