All the solutions SCS implemented culminated in a more robust application that utilizes modern web and GIS mapping technologies. These solutions allow the workflow to transition from primarily paper to digital, through the application. With the ability for field inspectors to access the application on tablets, all the data is gathered and entered in real-time. Through the mapping interface, the inspector can easily visualize the tree, the properties and neighborhoods surrounding it. With a simple click on the map where the tree is located, a new tree record is automatically created. This tree record already contains the property information, neighborhood information, the inspector’s information and other private information that must be tracked. All that is left is for the inspector to fill in the tree-specific information, take some pictures and click Save. There is no longer the need for an office worker to collect further information. It is all retrieved in real-time through the APIs.
This mapping interface carries over to the reinspection process as well. As previously mentioned, an inspector would be notified by an office worker and given the necessary forms to fill out whenever the reinspection of a tree was required. These papers were then turned back into the office workers to record the information in their software. SCS automated this process in the application with the introduction of a tasks page for the field inspectors. Various data events now trigger a tree to show up on this field inspector tasks page automatically, stating the reason it is on the list and highlighting it on the map. The inspector can then travel to that tree, perform the necessary tasks and enter the new information in real-time.
The end result of these improvements means a more robust application that better suits the client’s needs. We removed paper data collection, eliminating mundane and costly data entry for office workers. Our improvements also allow for more accurate real-time
data collection by the inspectors, including photos of the condemned trees. On top of the data entry, our client benefits from an automated reinspection application. Field inspectors no longer need to be notified about work they are required to perform for that day. Most importantly, it allows our client’s workers to leverage modern GIS mapping Capabilities.
The final application has been implemented at the client’s site for five months, and the client has been greatly impressed with the capabilities of the GIS maps and the increase in productivity brought about by the new workflow. Their workers are now able to more quickly enter data and track changes along the way. The improvements have also reduced the amount of time their workers spend doing repetitive mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on more pressing issues.
