Welcome to the Iamdata Solutions Asset Management Monthly Newsletter - March 2024
I started using iAuditor several years back while I was still working as an Asset Manager at the Council. My Council used it to capture our building inspection data and risk assessments - and I'm rather pleased to say that I was also instrumental getting the contractor we used to carry out Council's playground risk and safety inspections to switch from clipboard and pencil over to iAuditor too!
What is iAuditor?
iAuditor is a cloud-based inspection and audit platform that enables organisations to manage their assets and processes more efficiently. It has a user-friendly platform that enables organisations to conduct inspections and audits, record results, and track progress in real-time. You can streamline your inspection and audit processes, improve efficiency, and ensure the assets and processes are well-maintained.
Creating Templates
iAuditor allows users to create custom templates for inspections, audits, and assessments. Templates can be created from scratch or based on existing templates, and can include items such as checklists, photos, and annotations.
Conducting Inspections
Once a template has been created, users can conduct inspections using a smartphone or tablet. Inspections can be conducted offline or online, and results are automatically synced to the cloud once an internet connection is available.
Recording Results
During an inspection, users can record results, including observations, photos, and annotations. Results can be automatically assigned to specific categories, such as 'pass' or 'fail', and are stored in the cloud for easy access and analysis.
Sharing Results
iAuditor allows users to share inspection results with stakeholders in real-time, either through the app or by generating a report. Reports can be customised and include information such as inspection results, photos, and annotations.
How to share an iAuditor inspection
Open the iAuditor app and go to the inspections tab.
Select the inspection you want to share and tap the 'Share' button located at the bottom of the screen.
Choose the sharing method you want to use: a. Email: Enter the email addresses of the recipients separated by a comma and add a message if desired. b. Link: Generate a link that can be copied and shared via other means such as messaging apps or social media. c. QR code: Generate a QR code that can be scanned to access the inspection.
Choose the level of access you want to grant to the recipients: View only or Edit.
Tap 'Send' or 'Copy' to complete the sharing process.
Note: The recipient will need to have an iAuditor account to access the shared inspection.
Tracking Progress
iAuditor allows users to track progress on inspections and identify trend by using a few different features. For example:
Status Updates: Users can update the status of an inspection to reflect its current progress. The statuses available include Not Started, In Progress, and Completed.
Date Tracking: iAuditor automatically tracks the date and time an inspection is started and completed, making it easy to see when each inspection was completed and by whom.
Commenting: Users can add comments to an inspection to discuss and document changes or updates.
Version History: iAuditor keeps a record of every change made to an inspection, allowing users to view previous versions and track progress over time.
Dashboards and Reports: iAuditor provides users with a variety of dashboards and reports that can be used to visualize inspection data and track progress. This can help identify areas for improvement, track trends over time, and monitor compliance.
How are Councils using iAuditor?
Councils are using iAuditor to inspect a wide range of assets, for example:
Public buildings, such as libraries, community centres, and town halls.
Councils have an obligation to ensure regular defect, risk and safety inspections are carried out on council owned infrastructure. Buildings and playgrounds are prime examples of where iAuditor can really help with the management of these asset classes by capturing inspection data quickly and efficiently. Buildings and playgrounds require more frequent and regular inspections to ensure they are safe and well-maintained. Councils will usually conduct annual building inspections, especially when the property is being leased out to the public or sporting clubs. I remember getting a shock one year where we discovered the lessee of one of our old Halls had built a big 6 x 6 shed beside the Hall! These inspections are invaluable for keeping an eye on the property, and if the property is being leased, that it is being maintained as per the lease agreements.
Parks and recreation facilities, parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities to ensure they are safe and in good condition for public use.
Playgrounds and play equipment are usually inspected at least once a week. That's a lot of information to capture. As the asset manager, you really wouldn't want to be faced with having to deal with non-digital information.
Waste management facilities, including landfill sites and transfer stations, to ensure they are operating in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Our landfill sites and transfer stations required regular inspections to ensure safety and environmental compliance. iAuditor allowed us to create templates specifically tailored to waste management facilities. Inspection results, including photos and annotations, were easily recorded, stored in the cloud, and shared with stakeholders, ensuring the proper operation of these critical facilities.
Storm Damage Assessments
Inspectors can rapidly assess storm damage to infrastructure like roads, drainage, and buildings using iAuditor. Crews could quickly capture location data and document damage through photos and voice notes even without connectivity.
For instance, in the recent floods caused by Cyclone Jasper, inspectors took photos of damaged infrastructure and recorded specific details in iAuditor which could then be instantly accessed via the cloud to direct resources and restore critical services. The data can also be used in disaster funding applications and damage reports for government authorities.
Is iAuditor Cost Effective?
iAuditor is considered to be a cost-effective solution for organisations looking to streamline their inspection and audit processes. The cost-effectiveness of iAuditor depends on various factors, such as the size of your organisation and the number of inspections and audits performed. However, when compared with traditional inspection and audit methods, such as manual paper-based forms or spreadsheet-based systems, iAuditor will be more cost-effective in the long-run, as it eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces the risk of errors, and saves time.
Is iAuditor Easy to Use?
iAuditor is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. It has a simple interface and a drag-and-drop builder that allows users to create custom inspections and checklists with ease. Additionally, the app offers features like pre-built templates and mobile accessibility that make it accessible to a wide range of users.
If you are not already using iAuditor, why not give it a try and see for yourself how iAuditor can make your inspections and risk assessments easier and more efficient.
NOTE: Look out for my upcoming blog providing details on how you can access your iAuditor inspection data, build data integration processes to consolidate your data enabling you to build valuable insights in Power BI.
I have worked on many different projects with my Local Government clients, from designing and developing Power BI Reports, to building SQL Server databases for spatial data, to managing and maintaining the GIS and the Asset Management systems. If you'd like to discuss how we might work together, then please email Jill at ➡️ jill.singleton@iamdata.solutions
If you would like to receive the latest Newsletter Blog straight to your inbox, please subscribe here: ➡️ https://www.iamdata.solutions/subscribe
You can read all our Newsletters and Blogs here:➡️ https://www.iamdata.solutions/blog
You may also be interested in our Projects Page:➡️ https://www.iamdata.solutions/past-projects
Check out what our clients say about us here:➡️ https://www.iamdata.solutions/reviews
If you would like to see a particular topic covered in these newsletters, then please let me know about it. The chances are other people will be interested and would like to hear about it too! Please email me at: ➡️ jill.singleton@iamdata.solutions with your suggestions.
Commenti