29 June 2012
Real Time Field Reporting using Smart Devices and Software
Real-Time Field Reporting using Smart Devices (iPad, Android Tablets, Smart Phones, tablet pc, Golden-I) This study would be implemented on diverse project types. Industrial, Horizontal, and Vertical projects utilizing smart devices and software available today and emerging technologies.
The project is a collaborative effort between FIATECH members and COMIT PROJECT Ltd members. The purpose of the preliminary study titled Real Time Field Reporting using Smart Devices (RTFR) was to determine the feasibility and the potential benefits of using mobile devices for communicating information in real time on a construction job site. This was achieved by studying and testing the usefulness of new hand-held/mobile devices such as iPad, Android tablets, smart phones, Golden i, etc. in real world construction environment. The project was launched in January 2011 with field trials concluding in August 2011. A draft report has been developed on the outcome of the trails conducted and was presented at the FIATECH members meeting in October 2011. The preliminary project specifically tested only hardware capabilities. The collaborative partners of this project felt that the project needed to be extended to test more smart devices as well as software that are compatible with these devices to capture real time data on site. The project will also look at testing these devices in more construction sites in the USA and UK. This study would be implemented on diverse project types. It will consider industrial, horizontal, and vertical projects utilizing smart devices and software available today and emerging technologies.
The project will use the current findings to further expand and study the business processes and compare with the new business process developed via the implementation of this field reporting method.