We get it, setting up a digital inspection platform can be confusing, intimidating, and a little overwhelming. New clients commonly believe they need serious computer skills to get started, but are happily surprised to find that’s not the case. When it comes to the digital part, we do all the heavy lifting, all you need to do is provide us with information you already have. To answer some of the typical beginner questions, we put together this blog on how it works, what you need to get started and some general terms you will come across.
How it works?
The Liftspec platform is specially designed for inspectors and their companies. We created a framework that can apply to various types of industrial equipment inspection such as those performed on lifts, cranes, compressors, generators and more. The platform consists of a customizable mobile application, a web application, and a customizable automated report generator.
In general, your inspectors start by entering inspection results into the mobile application using a phone or tablet. After completing, the inspection is submitted from their device and uploaded to a web server where it is immediately accessible to the rest of your team through any web browser. At the same time, the data is processed by the automated report generator which builds, stores, and emails your customer an inspection report in a simple web link.
That’s it. Obviously there are many moving pieces and features in the background, but we don’t need to get any more complicated for now.
What do you need to get started?
- Inspection Content.
The first item we need from you is your inspection content. This is the line-by-line items specific to your equipment or industry. We will use this content to customize the mobile application and customer report.
If you already have an existing inspection checklist or document, great! All you need to do is send it to us.
If you don’t have one or feel you may need to update your existing content, then here is where you will spend your time.
TIP: You can start by reviewing industry standards (Like ANSI, SAE or similar) and manufacturer instructions. Most industries reference a standard that contains general inspection checklists items. Even if you already have an inspection checklist, it is a good idea to review the latest applicable standard(s) and update your content accordingly.
2. Branding
Branding is a key part of the platform. It allows you to make the platform feel like part of your company. As a minimum we require a logo that will be used on the web application and your customer report.
What else can you brand?
Your customer email.
Your customer receives an email from the system automatically after your inspector submits the results.
You can use this email to add links to your website, your google review page, your scheduler or whatever else makes it easy for your customer to do business with you.
As a default this email is sent from info@liftspec.com however, we can easily integrate your own email address (ie whatever@yourcompany.com).
Branding is a great way to separate yourself from the pack. Take advantage of it.
3. Technology
One of the most common questions we get is “what type of device should I use?”
Firstly, our system is cloud based, so you can access your data from any web connected device.
Secondly, the mobile application is available on iOS and Android, so don’t worry if you have one or the other, they’re both easy to use. Our mobile application is light and doesn’t require any special requirements, so any modern smartphone or tablet will be acceptable.
We suggest using a tablet instead of a phone as it is easier to read and enter data. Also, it just looks more professional.
4. Other Productivity Addons
Going digital kicks open a door of possibilities that are as endless as your imagination. Now is a great time to think beyond the inspection and imagine other business issues you would like to solve.
Over the years, we have added some interesting customizations for clients and here are a few to get you thinking
- A parts selector: a drop-down list that can be used by your inspector to select parts for your back-office quoting / ordering process. This list can be populated from a CSV or excel file which you can easily update as often as you need through the web app. It can also be sorted and filtered from other data entered on your form.
- Preventative Maintenance Checklists: A checklist of preventative maintenance activities that are performed in addition to the inspection. Inspectors can choose their equipment type and a checklist will automatically sort. They can then select the preventative maintenance items performed during that inspection which can be shown on the final report.
- Customer Lists: A drop down field to choose your customer which will auto-fill customer address and contact details. It will also keep your customer names consistent across all your platforms. This can also be updated from a CSV or excel file through the web app as often as you need.
- Customer feedback: Adding a simple survey on the mobile app can give your customer a chance to rate your service before they sign the inspection. An averaging total can be computed instantaneously on the web app after submission and trigger someone in your company to perform a follow up call if a low rating was given.
And that’s it, you’ve made it to the end of the list. As you can see, we only require a few items to get started on your customized inspection platform. As part of your setup, we also provide the initial training for your team to get up and running along with detailed video help on our website. If you have questions or would like to get in touch with us, email info@liftspec.com or call 1-866-250-6277.
PS: Here are some common terms you will come across when beginning your digital journey.
Mobile Application: The software designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet. Our mobile application is where your inspectors enter their inspection results. It is also customized with your inspection content.
Web Application: This is software designed to run on a web server that can be accessed from any internet connected browser using a username and password. This is where your team will access, review, edit and forward inspections. It is also where you can analyze, search, and sort your inspection data.
Report generator: A computer program that takes data from a source and uses it to produce a document. Our report generator creates your customer report, stores it for public access, and sends it in a link to your client.
Weblink: A clickable reference that will direct you to a storage location on the internet. A user can follow the link by clicking or tapping. All our reports are sent as a weblink in an email to reduce the size of the email and reduce the chances of being restricted by mail servers.
Cloud: Software services that are accessed through the internet without the need for local storage, servers, databases, or other equipment. Liftspec is a cloud-based inspection solution.