Analytics and Data Collection

5 Tips to Improve How Your Business Collects Data

person using mobile device for data collection
Posted on by Caroline Brezovec

5 Tips to Improve How Your Business Collects Data

| |

Companies rely on collecting data in order to operate. In a fast-changing world, companies that focus on streamlining and improving their data collection processes will be able to do more. The good news is that it’s become easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to convert their workflows to digital processes, streamline tasks through automation, and take advantage of real-time analytics. 

5 Best Practices for Data Collection

Focusing on your business practices for data collection will help you scale your business growth and productivity. Here are some best practices tips to improve how your business collects data from the field and how to make the most of it in the office and anywhere else you need it.

1. Convert Processes Over to Digital 

A great first place to start with data collection is to audit where your business uses paper forms. If you have a high volume of paper forms being used for operational tasks, this can be an opportunity to convert these processes over to digital forms instead. When thinking about data collection, it’s important to make sure that information collected is easily accessible by the teams that need it. Paper forms can be a lost opportunity, with data that is siloed and difficult to roll up for analysis. 

The takeaway: Consider moving to digital forms instead of paper to capture data from anywhere on a mobile device and instantly have the information available online to utilize.

2. Leverage Software to Improve Productivity

Once you decide to bring your processes online, the next important step is to make sure you select the right software to power your business. One common challenge for companies is when they adopt tools like excel sheets, google sheets, word documents, and other similar types of basic online tools. While these applications are great for certain tasks, they aren’t always the right tool for collecting data on a large scale, across multiple people and teams. So while the information technically lives online in a spreadsheet, it’s still limited in your ability to report on that information or it requires you to wrangle information together. 

There are many tools available to help with field data collection and analysis. For example, work process software is designed to rapidly collect information from the field and automatically roll the information up for reporting purposes. 

The takeaway: Not all software tools are created equal. Consider investing in software that supports productivity and avoid tools that rely on manual workflows.

3. Standardize How Data is Collected

Once you decide on digital tools to help increase your productivity, make sure to consider how you are collecting information. Standardized data is an important concept and the basic idea is to ensure you are collecting data that is consistent and accurate. Luckily, there are many features built into data collection software tools that help ensure your data is standardized. Features like drop down lists, required fields, and auto populated fields are some of the ways to ensure that forms are filled out correctly. Here’s an example of how these features help with data consistency:

  • Drop down lists. In this example, you would give a pre-set list of options for people to choose from when filling out a digital form. Leaving an open-ended field leaves room for interpretation, but features like drop-down lists help to promote consistent answers to form fills.
  • Required fields. The option to require data ensures that information is not skipped over on the form. If information is missing from the form, it creates blind spots in your data and the information collected becomes less useful for reporting. Digital forms that require fields help promote complete data.
  • Auto-populated fields. Many times when people are filling out forms, information is already known or exists in another database. The ability to pre-populate known information in digital forms allows you to shorten the time it takes to fill out forms and ensures data is pulled directly from your customer database or similar system.

4. Integrate Disparate Data and Automate Tasks

Disparate data is one of the greatest challenges for companies. You have gone through all of the trouble to bring processes online, but now data lives off in different systems and there’s no way to easily connect information. When selecting software to help your business, consider how you need to integrate data that is captured from digital forms. For example, you may want to connect to an accounting system for billing or payroll purposes, or you may want to integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) tools to update customer records. 

The takeaway: Instead of manually pulling together disparate data sources at the end of the week or month, consider the possibility of integrating your data collected. This will help you avoid data entry tasks and other manual processes that are easy enough to automate with the help of software tools.

5. Align Data Capture with Analytics and Reporting

The final best practice to consider is how you think about analytics and reporting. You want to make sure that the information you capture is easily accessible for analytics and reporting purposes. Analytics tools have become widely available for businesses to use and getting to useful reporting is easier than ever with modern software. Consider not just the collection of data, but how this ties into your goals for reporting on information. 

The takeaway: Improving data analytics capabilities can help you uncover trends and make data-driven decisions that result in improved productivity, cost savings and increased revenue.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Man inputting digital work order into a tablet from a work site.

How Digital Work Orders Impact Your Key Business Outcomes

Is your company still using paper sheets to manage work orders? The drawbacks of using paper forms are often hidden, making it difficult to understand the true impact of paper forms on a business…

Read the Blog
Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

See How Centurion Got Amazing ROI from GoCanvas

Centurion is the largest heavy haulage provider in Australia. They deliver national supply chain solutions to the resources, energy, construction & retail sectors throughout Western Australia, Queensland & the Northern Territory…

Read their Story
A man reviewing data on tablet collected by GoCanvas solutions.

Top 3 Benefits of Construction Inspection Software

In a world where construction demands are rapidly evolving, efficiency and precision have become the cornerstone of successful projects. Today’s construction industry—spanning various sectors like landscaping, roofing, and HVAC—faces an array of complex challenges. Addressing these challenges…

Read the Blog

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Your Guide to Waiver Forms – Examples and Templates

man signing waiver form on tablet device
Posted on by Caroline Brezovec

Your Guide to Waiver Forms – Examples and Templates

| |

What is a waiver form?

Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used to document that all parties are aware of potential risks in certain situations. Waiver forms act as a release of liability for the company and typically the customer or participant will need to sign the form in order to move forward. 

What is the purpose of a waiver form?

The basic purpose of a waiver form is to shield a business from liability and risk. While no one is ever required to sign off a waiver form, businesses may refuse service if all parties do not sign off on the waiver form. By willingly entering into an agreement, the waiver form acts as a record that all parties have been informed of potential risks and agree not to hold the business legally responsible in case of an incident or accident. 

Can I use Google Forms for waivers?

Since waivers are basic documents by nature, it’s entirely possible to use a word processor such as Google Forms or Microsoft Word to produce waiver forms. 

However one key downside of using Google Forms or Word documents is that you aren’t able to natively collect signatures using these tools. You would need to print out the form or use a third party app to collect a digital signature. 

Since waiver forms rely on signature capture, more companies are looking to specific waiver apps that can be filled out directly on a tablet or mobile device in the field. For example, software for waiver apps can have all of your waiver form templates available and customers can read and sign off on the forms digitally. 

The rise of app technology has made it easier than ever to complete all types of waiver forms, collecting digital signatures and storing documents directly to the cloud – even without an internet connection. 

Using word processors for waivers may work in some instances, but as your business grows in complexity it can benefit your organization to have productivity tools in place to streamline how you capture information in the field. 

How do you write a waiver form?

Luckily there are many examples and templates out there that can be used when writing a waiver form. Many businesses prefer to copy from a template, rather than starting completely from scratch. In general though, a waiver form typically includes information like:

  • Branding: Your company name, address, contact information, and logo that represents your business’s brand in the header or footer of the document
  • Customer Information: Name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, parent or guardian name (if applicable), etc.
  • Waiver terms: Includes all of the legal language, clauses, definitions, and terms of the agreement in its entirety
  • Signatures: Form field to capture the signature of all parties and sign off from a parent or guardian in the case of a minor

Since waiver forms may be used in a legal setting, it’s always advisable to consult a lawyer to help when writing your waiver forms. Here is an example of a waiver form that can be built on GoCanvas and published as a PDF form to be filled out via a mobile device, tablet, or computer by your customers.

Who needs a waiver form?

Waiver forms are used across many different industries and use cases. Some common examples include:

As you can see, there are many variations of waiver forms out there designed for specific businesses that work with customers and have the potential for risk. You can search the GoCanvas app store to find all of our specific waiver and release forms.

Using GoCanvas for Waiver Forms

Using GoCanvas can help your business avoid potential legal fees from litigation and related costs. Going digital with forms provides a way to modernize your operations and streamline data collection. Key benefits of digital waivers on GoCanvas include:

  • Customization – The GoCanvas product lets you easily customize disclosure language and layout in seconds, ensuring the waiver applies to each activity or business process.
  • Standardized data – Digital forms allow you to create required data fields for completion including name and signature, helping to avoid incomplete or inaccurate forms.
  • Accessible information – GoCanvas allows you to create a central, cloud database of customer waivers to review/download/print from anywhere.
  • Digital signatures:  GoCanvas allows you to capture signatures digitally and then email a digital PDF copy to the customer for their records
  • Secure, cloud-based documentation: With GoCanvas, you never have to worry about losing or misplacing a customer waiver again. All documents are securely stored to the cloud, giving you peace of mind in case of a dispute.
  • Integrated data – GoCanvas enables you to integrate and share waiver forms into customer relationship management systems or any of the other cloud-based tools your business already uses.

Using GoCanvas, customers have found they are able to decrease their risk and liability by 18%. Switching to digital waiver solutions has helped companies be more prepared with digital documentation in the case of an accident, incident, or other unforeseen event that occurs. Start your free trial with GoCanvas to see how going digital can help to streamline your operations and lower your company’s risk with better documentation.

Back to Top
waiver form example

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Man inputting digital work order into a tablet from a work site.

How Digital Work Orders Impact Your Key Business Outcomes

Is your company still using paper sheets to manage work orders? The drawbacks of using paper forms are often hidden, making it difficult to understand the true impact of paper forms on a business…

Read the Blog
Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

See How Centurion Got Amazing ROI from GoCanvas

Centurion is the largest heavy haulage provider in Australia. They deliver national supply chain solutions to the resources, energy, construction & retail sectors throughout Western Australia, Queensland & the Northern Territory…

Read their Story
A man reviewing data on tablet collected by GoCanvas solutions.

5 Tips to Improve How Your Business Collects Data

Companies rely on collecting data in order to operate. In a fast-changing world, companies that focus on streamlining and improving their data collection processes will be able to do more. The good news is that it’s become easier than ever for businesses of all… 

Discover the 5 Tips

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Streamlining Fire Inspection Checklists: 4 Ways to Boost Efficiency

Posted on by Nikki Kanev

Streamlining Fire Inspection Checklists:
4 Ways to Boost Efficiency

| | |

Fire safety has evolved; it’s not just about putting out fires anymore, but also preventing them in the first place. This is where mobile technology is transforming cumbersome fire inspection checklists into efficient, user-friendly tools. Smartphones and tablets are redefining how fire safety professionals conduct inspections by making them faster and more accurate while doing away with the old hassles of paperwork and manual entry errors. These mobile tools are pivotal in enhancing precision, ensuring compliance, and streamlining workflows in fire safety.

Let’s dive into four key ways these mobile checklists are reshaping fire safety inspections and setting new standards in the industry.

1. Ensure Consistency With Standardized Digital Fire Inspection Checklists

Consistency in fire inspections is vital for maintaining safety standards and ensuring compliance. Digital fire inspection checklists bring this much-needed consistency by standardizing the inspection process. With mobile technology, every inspector has access to the same checklist format, ensuring that no elements are overlooked. In an industry where even a minor oversight can have significant consequences, this standardization is critical.

Beyond standardization, these digital checklists offer a level of customization that’s invaluable. They can be tailored to meet specific regulatory requirements or the unique needs of different organizations. This flexibility ensures that fire safety professionals are always equipped with the most up-to-date tools aligned with current safety standards and practices.

In addition, digital checklists serve as an effective tool for training new inspectors. They provide clear and consistent guidelines accessible on mobile devices, making it easier for newcomers to learn and adhere to established inspection protocols. This not only speeds up the onboarding process but also helps maintain the uniformity and thoroughness of fire safety inspections.

2. Accelerate On-Site Checks With Process Automation

Mobile technology introduces process automation into fire inspections, significantly accelerating on-site checks. This integration of automation streamlines the inspection process, boosting both efficiency and accuracy in tangible ways.

  • Streamlined Data Entry and Reporting
    Automation in mobile technology simplifies data entry and report generation. Inspectors can input data directly into their devices, and the app intelligently populates relevant report sections. This not only speeds up the inspection process but also reduces errors that can occur with manual data handling.
  • Efficient Information Gathering With Barcode Scanning
    Barcode scanning is a standout feature of process automation. Inspectors can swiftly scan equipment labels to retrieve and record essential information. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving valuable time and reducing potential input errors.
  • Optimized Routing With GPS Tracking
    GPS tracking is another critical element of process automation. It aids inspectors in planning efficient routes to inspection sites, ensuring time-effective travel. This functionality is particularly useful for managing multiple inspections in different locations, thereby optimizing overall workflow.
  • Enhanced Reporting With Integrated Photo Capture
    The ability to capture and upload photos directly within the inspection app adds a significant layer of detail to reports. Inspectors can provide visual evidence of their findings, making reports more comprehensive. Additionally, the feature to annotate photos within the app allows for highlighting specific concerns or compliance areas, further enhancing the accuracy and usefulness of the reports.

3. Real-Time Dispatch of Fire Crews for Rapid Response

In emergency scenarios, every second counts. Mobile technology is pivotal in elevating the response speed of fire crews with its real-time dispatch capabilities. Dispatchers are now able to immediately send alerts and assignments to fire crews, along with comprehensive details about the incident’s location and nature.

The real-time dispatch system greatly empowers fire departments in resource management. With a live overview of crew availability and their precise locations, dispatchers can deploy resources more strategically and react to emergencies faster. This efficiency in response can be crucial in minimizing the damage and risks associated with fire incidents.

Additionally, mobile dispatch systems are often equipped with live maps and real-time traffic data. This feature is invaluable for fire crews, aiding them in navigating quickly to the incident site. By avoiding traffic jams and identifying the quickest routes, they can significantly cut down their response times.

4. Clarity and Accessibility With a Cloud-Based Fire Safety Management System

A cloud-based fire safety management system brings unmatched clarity and ease of access. It securely stores all inspection data in the cloud, making information available anytime, anywhere. This is a game-changer for fire safety managers who need to constantly review inspection data, schedule maintenance, or prepare for audits.

Storing data in the cloud means it’s safe from the physical risks associated with paper records—like damage, loss, or theft. Cloud systems don’t just secure data; they also provide robust backup and recovery options. This ensures that vital safety information is always accessible, even in emergencies.

Furthermore, a cloud-based system enhances teamwork and communication within fire safety teams. It allows for the instant sharing of inspection reports and other essential documents with team members, no matter where they are. This ensures that everyone is informed and can make decisions based on the most current data, fostering a cohesive and responsive fire safety team.

Transform Your Fire Safety Inspections With GoCanvas

By harnessing the power of digital checklists, real-time dispatch, and cloud systems, GoCanvas is leading a shift toward more consistent, accurate, and efficient fire safety management. These tools do more than just streamline processes—they empower teams to achieve unprecedented levels of clarity and responsiveness in their operations.


If you’re ready to elevate your fire inspection procedures, talk to one of our product experts at GoCanvas today. Discover how GoCanvas can tailor these technological advancements to your specific needs and take the first step toward smarter, more efficient fire safety management.

Back to Top
CONNECT WITH AN EXPERT

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Manage Risk for Oil and Gas Companies With a Risk Assessment Checklist

Today, the challenges faced by the oil and gas industry are considerable. Effective business leaders and managers must thoroughly understand them to determine…

read the blog

Solutions to Waste Management Issues For Oil & Gas Companies

Waste management compliance is important in every industry. The oil and gas industry, in particular, has a strong risk of waste emissions…

Read the blog

4 Ways Big Data is Transforming Oil and Gas

Oil and gas companies are getting smart about using the data they collect to gain insights and manage people, equipment, and worksites more effectively…

Read the eBook

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Mobile Fire Inspections: A Game Changer for Fire Safety Professionals

Posted on by Caroline Brezovec

Mobile Fire Inspections: A Game Changer for Fire Safety Professionals

| |

Fire safety is serious business. As a professional dedicated to protecting lives and property, you understand the importance of regular fire truck inspections: They’re not just good practice, fire departments are required by law to perform them. But traditional inspection methods can be clunky and time-consuming, often leading to incomplete inspections, irrelevant details, and confusion over who even conducted the checks in the first place.

By switching from old-school checklists to mobile fire truck inspection apps, fire safety professionals can eliminate these problems and save hundreds of hours annually. Mobile fire inspections offer a more efficient, transparent, and compliant way of conducting routine maintenance checks to ensure the safety of the trucks and equipment to better serve the community. 

Let’s dive into how mobile inspections can streamline your processes, making reporting easier and quicker than ever before.

Benefits of Mobile Fire Inspections for Fire Safety Professionals

The rise of mobile fire inspections represents a significant leap in the way fire departments approach their essential duties. It’s not just about doing things differently; it’s about doing them better. By integrating mobile technology, fire safety professionals are equipped with tools that redefine efficiency and accuracy in fire truck inspections. This innovative approach not only addresses the challenges of the past but also paves the way for more streamlined and effective fire safety management in the future.

And when it comes to safety, innovation is key to staying ahead. That’s exactly what mobile fire inspections bring to the table—a transformative approach that’s reshaping how fire safety professionals conduct their crucial work. By moving away from traditional paper-based methods, mobile solutions open the door to several benefits that both streamline the inspection process and enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of fire safety operations.

Next, let’s take a closer look at how mobile fire inspections are revolutionizing the field with solid benefits that go far beyond reducing paperwork. From improving accuracy to enhancing compliance, these tools are setting a new standard in fire safety—one that makes the lives of those responsible for protecting our communities significantly easier and their work much more effective.

Enhancing Efficiency With Mobile Solutions

Time is something you can’t afford to waste in this line of work. Mobile fire inspection apps and software are all about getting you more bang for your buck, time-wise. You’ll be able to slash the hours you spend on each inspection thanks to features like quick data entry, preloaded checklists, and the ability to send reports on the fly, giving you more time to do what matters most: keeping everyone safe.

But it’s not just about speed. Mobile tools bring organization and ease to a process that was once chaotic and scattered. Imagine having all your inspection data in one place and accessible with just a few taps. No more rummaging through piles of paper or trying to decipher handwritten notes. It’s all there—clear, concise, and ready when you are.

Integrating Technology in Fire Inspections Safety: A Closer Look

Switching to tech like GoCanvas for fire safety inspections means out with the old paper hassles and in with a simpler, more streamlined process. These tools are changing the game, making inspections much quicker and a lot less trouble.

No more drowning in paperwork or wrestling with outdated checklists. With these digital solutions, you get the job done efficiently and accurately. Next, we’ll explore how mobile tools are not just streamlining fire safety inspections but also improving their quality.

Improving Accuracy and Compliance in Fire Inspection Safety

Accuracy is about more than crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s—it means making sure no detail is missed. In addition to helping ensure that every inspection is as thorough as possible, mobile apps enable you to adapt quickly if regulations change. When you’re always compliant, fines and legal issues become a thing of the past.

Moreover, features like photo uploads and instant reporting allow for immediate documentation and action, making them an indispensable part of modern fire safety practices.

User Experience and Real-Time Reporting in Fire Inspection Safety

The technological advancements in mobile fire inspection tools are evident in their user-friendly interfaces tailored for field workers’ ease of use. These advanced systems simplify the inspection process, minimize errors, and significantly reduce training time. Another standout feature is the technology’s capacity for real-time reporting—as soon as an inspection report is completed and sent, all relevant parties can be immediately alerted and the information can be seamlessly transferred to other systems, enhancing transparency and saving time. This rapid information-sharing facilitates quick decision-making and ensures consistent communication across the team, which is a crucial aspect of fire inspection safety.

Customization for Specific Needs in Fire Inspection Safety

The power of modern fire inspection technology lies in its customization capabilities. Built with the understanding that each fire department has unique needs, mobile technological solutions offer extensive customization options. This flexibility is key in adapting the technology to various equipment types and inspection protocols, thereby enhancing the relevance and efficiency of the inspection process. Additionally, the ability to tailor reports to specific requirements means the most critical information is always highlighted. This level of customization not only streamlines workflow but also significantly bolsters overall safety assurance in fire inspections.

The Future of Fire Safety Inspections

As technology keeps evolving, so will the tools we use. Imagine inspections that are not only quicker but also smarter, allowing you to predict potential issues before they arise. That’s the future we’re looking at with mobile fire inspections.

In our tech-driven world, mobile fire inspection tools are not just a fancy add-on—they’re a necessity for those who want to stay ahead of the game. They make inspections faster, more accurate, and a whole lot easier, so it’s about time we embrace them for the safety of our teams and communities.

Optimize Your Fire and Safety Inspections

Ready to take your fire inspection game to the next level? Talk to one of our product experts at GoCanvas today to learn how we can transform your approach to fire safety. Don’t work harder when you can work smarter. GoCanvas is here to help.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Fire & Safety Commodities, Inc. goes 100% paperless

Read the case study to find out how Fire & Safety Commodities, Inc. went 100% Paperless and unlocked revenue forecasting by using GoCanvas.

Read Story
Man in oil and gas industry using digital forms on tablet.

Streamline Fire Inspections and Improve Safety

GoCanvas empowers fire protection service providers, facility managers, and fire departments with a solution that streamlines inspections, ensures compliance, and improves safety.

Learn More
The Appeal of Mobile Fire Alarm Inspections for Fire Safety Experts. Read the Blog.

The Appeal of Mobile Fire Alarm Inspections

Discover why fire safety professionals are turning to mobile fire alarm system inspections for accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.

Read Blog

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Work Order Apps Advance the Shift to Digital

Posted on by Nikki Kanev

Work Order Apps Advance the Shift to Digital

|

Work order management is about creating a reliable system for handling job requests from start to finish. The old paper-based method was error-prone and sluggish. Now, work order apps are transforming this process, enhancing efficiency and accuracy for maintenance teams and businesses. Adopting these apps isn’t just trendy—it’s a smart move in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Problems With Paper-Based Work Orders

Paper-based work orders often lead to stacks of paperwork, creating a logistical headache for tracking tasks. Here’s what can go wrong with this outdated system:

  • Lost Orders: Paper documents—such as plumbing work order forms—are easily lost or misplaced, causing delays. As a result, you end up making extra copies or resubmitting orders. All this back and forth slows down progress and messes with your ability to get things done fast and right.
  • Illegible Handwriting: Handwriting is a big pain with job work order forms. Picture this: A worker is on-site, juggling tools while trying to fill out a form or jotting something down while rushing to their next job. The field tech’s chicken scratch could mean someone misses key information or can’t figure out where they need to be.
  • Calculation Errors: When work orders include the cost of prices and parts, field techs and maintenance folks often have to crunch numbers on the fly. They may not have time to double-check their math—and with paperwork orders, errors due to manual calculations frequently lead to overspending or ordering the wrong quantities of materials.
  • Misinterpretation and Downtime: Getting your point across can be tough with work orders, especially if you have to write out a long explanation. And with paper forms, you can’t just affix a photo to show what you mean—you’d have to print and attach the image, which would slow everything down.

The drawbacks of paper-based work orders are clear. From the hassle of lost or illegible orders to misinterpretations and errors in calculations, these issues can significantly hinder operational efficiency. They not only slow down processes but also compromise the accuracy and clarity needed in fast-paced work environments. Shifting away from this outdated method and embracing digital work orders is essential for businesses looking to optimize their workflow, reduce errors, and keep pace with the demands of modern work. 

Transitioning to Digital Work Order Solutions

Switching to mobile apps for creating work orders makes a large difference for maintenance crews and workers. There’s no paper or messy handwriting, plus you have the ability to take and attach photos. Calculations can be double-checked by computers, and it’s practically impossible for digital work to get lost. 

Let’s look at some of the biggest perks of using mobile apps:

  • Automation and Efficiency: Digital work order forms for maintenance represent a leap in automating job management. They significantly cut down on manual input and reduce the likelihood of human error—and the incorporation of a work order generator further streamlines this approach. For maintenance teams, these tools mean quicker responses to work orders and more efficient handling of tasks, leading to smoother and more effective operations overall.
  • Standardization and Accuracy: Using a digital work order template ensures every order follows the same format and includes all necessary information. This uniformity makes it easier to review and process orders. In addition to reducing the risk of missing critical details, digital forms help maintain accuracy, as each order is clear and follows a set standard that leaves less room for error.
  • Real-Time Updates and Mobility: Work order apps allow for updates to be sent and received in real time. They’re especially useful in fast-paced environments like those often encountered during HVAC maintenance or property management, where situations change quickly. The mobility of these apps means workers have the ability to access and update work orders from anywhere, which ensures they’re always in the loop.
  • Enhanced Communication: Digital solutions bridge the gap in communication often found in manual processes by enabling clearer, more direct communication between teams and clients. This improved understanding of job requirements and expectations ensures everyone is on the same page. As a result, there’s less confusion and more responsive service.

Adopting digital work order solutions significantly enhances efficiency, accuracy, and communication in maintenance management. The shift to digital work orders not only streamlines processes but also ensures a more responsive and effective operation overall.

Digital Work Orders’ Industry-wide Impact

The transition to digital work order management is proving to be a game-changer across various sectors, including the construction industry. More specifically, the adoption of work order apps and management systems is bringing substantial benefits to construction, HVAC, small business, and property management, as detailed next. 

IndustryImpact of Digital Work Order Management
ConstructionEnhanced operational efficiencies
HVACQuick response capabilities (crucial in extreme conditions)
Small BusinessAccess to scalable systems (provides a competitive advantage)
Property ManagementImproved maintenance schedules (leading to boosted tenant satisfaction)

The transformative power of digital work orders extends beyond improving individual tasks—it revolutionizes the entire workflow, from initial request to final resolution. 

  • In construction, it means more projects staying on schedule and under budget. 
  • For HVAC operations, using digital job work order forms for maintenance ensures timely interventions, which can be critical in extreme conditions. 
  • Small businesses gain the ability to compete with larger entities. 
  • In property management, digital work orders translate to quicker fixes and happier tenants. 

The shift to digital solutions isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about embracing a new way of working that is more efficient, transparent, and adaptable to ever-changing industry demands.

Embracing the Future: The Transformative Impact of Digital Work Order Apps

Ultimately, the widespread adoption of digital work order apps and management software marks a significant leap forward in the pursuit of operational modernization across industries. The shift from traditional paper-based processes to a streamlined digital approach transcends mere time savings—it represents a fundamental change in how maintenance and operational tasks are approached, executed, and managed. 

Enhanced accuracy and efficiency lead to improved service delivery, increased customer and client satisfaction, and a more robust bottom line. Furthermore, the integration of data analytics with these digital solutions offers insights that drive continuous improvement and strategic planning. As industries continue to evolve in an increasingly digital world, the ability to swiftly adapt and optimize operations will become not just an advantage but a necessity. The result? A paradigm shift toward a more responsive, agile, and effective work order management system across a multitude of industries.

Ready to make the switch? Request a demo. GoCanvas is ready for you.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Two people in an office looking at a tablet.

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

Whether you have two or 200 employees, your business’ success depends on their hard work. Passionate, motivated team players are the difference between…

Read the Blog
Two people in hard hats looking off camera.

Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

Field service management software has shown to increase productivity both for employees in the field and operations teams in the office. You may be wondering how field service…

Read the Blog
Person in safety vest smiling.

How the Best Field Services Businesses Use Mobile Apps

Mobility and field service: the talk has been happening forever. The idea that real-time information improves customer service and boosts technician productivity is changing…

Read the eBook

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together
 

Simplify Inspections: Inspection Reporting Software for Data and Compliance

Posted on by Nikki Kanev

Simplify Inspections: Inspection Reporting Software for Data and Compliance

| |

Although tools and technologies have evolved, the challenge of conducting thorough and error-free inspections that don’t consume your entire day remains. Traditional inspections often involve paper forms, manual checks, and heaps of data entry—a recipe for human error and wasted time. Miss one detail and your “unsinkable” project could hit an iceberg of its own, whether that’s failed compliance, safety risks, or operational delays.

The digital age offers a lifeboat—specifically, inspection reporting software. These ready-made forms are built to streamline data collection, making it efficient and nearly error-free. Whether you’re online or offline, in the office or in the field, you can collect data seamlessly and stay on course for compliance.

By ditching paper and pen for inspection reporting software, you’re not just updating your tools; you’re upgrading your entire toolbelt.

Why Use Inspection Reporting Software?

Nobody likes paperwork; it’s tedious and error-prone. Inspection management apps streamline the process by using predesigned templates to collect accurate data, with some fields auto-filled for convenience. Whether you’re offline at a remote construction site or managing a fleet across cities, the software saves your data locally and syncs it when you’re back online. Templates ensure consistent, reliable data collection regardless of location.

How Inspection Management Apps Benefit Your Role

  • Construction Supervisors: Time is gold, and construction inspection software helps you make the most of it by speeding up safety checks, cutting down on paperwork, and letting you focus on the build process. You get quick, accurate inspections that keep you on the right side of the law.
  • Quality Control Managers: Inspection reporting software is your new BFF. It standardizes data collection across sites so you can ditch the paper maze and zero in on quality.
  • Compliance Pros: Say goodbye to mistakes that could mess up compliance. Inspection management apps automate data collection, making following the rules a no-brainer.
  • Facility and Fleet Managers: Overseeing lots of assets? Inspection reporting software kills manual data entry, lowering error chances and making compliance checks a breeze.

Regardless of your role, digital form templates are not just a tool; they’re an ally in enhancing efficiency, maintaining accuracy, and meeting compliance needs.

The Impact of Form Templates on Compliance

Compliance is more than ticking boxes; it’s about quality and legal safety. Keeping up is tough, but inspection reporting software makes it easier by standardizing data collection and allowing you to ditch much of the paperwork and handwritten notes. Templates make sure you fill in all the blanks and tick all the boxes required by regulations, and also cut down on errors that could get you in legal trouble. By automating steps, inspection management apps nix common issues like missing or wrong data and lost files—they’re not just convenient, they’re vital for staying compliant, avoiding costly mistakes, and making your workflow smoother.

Real-World Examples of Inspection Reporting Software

Inspection reporting software is revolutionizing the way inspections are conducted across different industries. The following examples illustrate how inspection management apps are not just convenient but transformative in enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

  • Construction Industry: A construction firm employing construction inspection software can significantly streamline on-site safety checks and compliance inspections. For instance, site managers can use mobile apps to quickly report issues—complete with photos and GPS locations—thereby speeding up response time and ensuring safety regulations are met. A study by Procore found that construction companies using inspection reporting software were able to reduce their project completion time by an average of 10%
  • Food Safety Inspections: Restaurants and food manufacturers using inspection management apps have witnessed a reduction in health violations. A study by the National Restaurant Association found that restaurants using inspection management apps had a 25% lower rate of health code violations. Apps standardize the inspection process, ensuring that critical health and safety checks are not overlooked and any violations are promptly addressed
  • Airline Maintenance Checks: Airlines using inspection reporting software can conduct thorough and efficient pre-flight checks. Inspection management apps enable pilots and ground staff to quickly report and address maintenance issues, ensuring aircraft safety and compliance with aviation regulations. Moreover, a study by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) found that airlines using inspection management apps had a 20% lower rate of aircraft maintenance incidents
  • Real Estate Inspections: Real estate agents and property managers have benefitted from inspection management apps that allow them to conduct property assessments swiftly and accurately. A study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that real estate agents using inspection management apps saved an average of two hours per inspection. Features like photo attachments and digital signatures make it easier to document the condition of a property and ensure tenant-landlord transparency.

In addition to these specific examples, inspection management apps also help improve compliance by:

  • Providing clear and concise instructions for completing forms
  • Ensuring all required information is collected accurately
  • Preventing errors via automatic data validation
  • Offering a secure and auditable method for data collection and storage 

By improving compliance, inspection reporting software helps organizations evade fines and legal issues while safeguarding their reputations.

Elevate Your Field Operations With GoCanvas

GoCanvas keeps you in the loop with real-time updates on work orders and tasks that let you spot problems fast and chat with field techs without missing a beat. Want to supercharge your inspection dispatch game? Check out a GoCanvas demo.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

A person sits at a desk holding their phone showing a graph, while their laptop sits on the desk showing more charts and graphs.

How TE3CO Leverages Data Analytics to Unlock Business Potential

TE3CO provides mission-critical pressure relief technology and services to customers across the oil and gas industry. They employ a highly trained and capable workforce of field technicians and engineers. Before working with GoCanvas, TE3CO relied on spreadsheets and emails to manage their ticketing process but found the system time-consuming and difficult to track.

Read their story
Two men in hard hats look onto a tablet.

VIP Lighting Gains Business Efficiencies with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance company that services retail chains across Australia and New Zealand. The business has been operating for 25 years and now services 10,000 retail sites across both countries. Prior to joining GoCanvas in 2018, the business had multiple systems running different aspects of their technician and contractor network.

Read their story
Man in a hard hat inspecting HVAC vents.

Three HVAC Maintenance Checklists that will Reduce Errors and Grow Your Bottom Line

For HVAC technicians, so many errors within their daily tasks come from using outdated paper forms while completing a job. Using these HVAC inspection checklists will prevent issues before they happen, so your technicians can collect comprehensive and consistent data at every job.

View checklists

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

The Evolution of Work Orders and Maintenance Management

Posted on by Nikki Kanev

The Evolution of Work Orders and Maintenance Management

| |

Remember the days of navigating unfamiliar roads with a paper map or a printout from Mapquest? It got the job done but was cumbersome, easy to take a wrong turn, and downright inefficient at times. Now, we have GPS—smart, fast, and far less error-prone. In the same way, it’s time to ask why so many businesses still rely on manual work orders and maintenance schedules when digital field operations and inspection platforms offer a ‘GPS-like’ upgrade. 

If the answer is “because that’s how we’ve always done it,” it’s high time we consider a tech upgrade for work tasks. Sticking to old methods can slow down projects, create room for errors, and make everything harder to manage—even if you think it’s fast enough for your business. So, let’s dig into why digitizing your process for work orders and maintenance is the update you didn’t know you needed.

The traditional approach: Manual work and communication

Manual work orders have been the go-to method for organizing maintenance tasks and scheduling work for years. You know the drill: someone jots down the details on a piece of paper, hands it off to the next person, and so on until it reaches the correct person (hopefully!) It’s simple, but let’s be real—it’s also outdated.

The issues with this approach are many. First off, it’s inefficient. Passing around physical documents is time-consuming, and papers can get lost under the passenger seat of your truck or damaged on a job site. You’re also relying on everyone to be where they need to be to keep things moving, and that’s not always a guarantee.

Then there’s human error. Mistakes in a written work order can range from poor handwriting to incorrect details, and these errors can cause larger problems down the line. Even if the paper makes it to the right person, there’s a chance they might misinterpret what’s written.

Communication is often stuck in the past. With manual methods, important information often ends up buried in a filing cabinet, outdated and forgotten. This lack of accessibility makes it hard to keep everyone in the loop and stalls the entire operation.  

The whole process can only move as quickly as the slowest person in the chain of communication. Even if your crew did the job well, you still need to get paid on time. And if someone didn’t correctly capture or hand over important details for the invoice, you’re losing days (if not weeks) waiting to get paid.

The modern solution: field operations and inspection platforms and their benefits 

Jumping from paper to digital for work orders is like going from a flip phone to a smartphone. You wonder how you ever managed without it. Field operations and inspection platforms offer four solid benefits when managing work orders and maintenance management:  

  • Efficient allocation of resources 
  • Minimize human error
  • Enhanced communication and collaboration 
  • Faster response times

Efficient allocation of resources

Field operations and inspection platforms make resource allocation easy. Instead of manually sorting through spreadsheets or paper notes to match tasks with available staff and equipment, the software does it for you. It considers real-time variables like worker availability, equipment status, and location. The workflows and automation save you time and ensure the right people and the right tools are matched with the right job. Ultimately, this means fewer idle hands and less wasted time, leading to a more efficient operation overall.

Minimized human error 

Digitizing the work order process also reduces human errors. Instead of scribbled notes and lost forms, everything’s digital and organized. There are no more guessing games or missing info. Automated systems keep track of tasks, schedules, and resources. They can even flag inconsistencies before they become problems. The result is fewer slip-ups, less wasted time, and more reliable work. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Enhanced communication and collaboration 

Field operations and inspection solutions boost communication and teamwork in managing work orders and maintenance requests. Everything’s in one place, accessible to all team members. No more chasing down emails or hunting for paper forms. When a task changes or gets completed, the system updates in real-time. Team members get instant notifications, keeping everyone on the same page. It speeds up decision-making and makes sure everyone knows what’s going on. Bottom line: less confusion, more collaboration.

Faster response time

Digital, field operations and inspection platforms supercharge response times in work orders and maintenance. Gone are the days of sifting through paperwork or waiting for approvals. Automated workflows immediately alert the right people when a new work order occurs, or changes happen. They can even prioritize tasks so the urgent stuff gets done first. This speed-up means problems get fixed faster, keeping downtime to a minimum. It’s like having your own pit crew for maintenance tasks.

Why the shift to digital work orders is necessary

The shift to field operations and inspection management solutions and automation in work orders isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s becoming a must. Why? The business landscape is more competitive than ever. Companies that stick to old ways risk falling behind—both functionally and reputationally. Automation isn’t just about tech; it’s a strategy to stay agile and efficient. It’s about running a modern business that’s capable of scaling and working with the big players.

Field operations and inspection management platforms help businesses adapt to market changes, customer demands, and even global crises like pandemics. Plus, workforce members, potential business partners, and customers increasingly expect digital solutions. So, this shift isn’t just necessary—it’s inevitable for staying ahead.

GoCanvas Makes The Shift Easy

Switching to a streamlined field operations and inspection platform for work orders and maintenance management doesn’t have to be a headache. GoCanvas makes it easy. First off, say goodbye to manual paperwork and data entry. Changing this alone can free up to 40% of the time spent on administrative work. Plus, GoCanvas offers an easy-to-use platform that streamlines the process of creating, assigning, and tracking work orders. That means your field techs can focus more on the work that pays. If you want to keep tabs on how things are going, GoCanvas gives you real-time insights into work orders and maintenance tasks. Managers can spot issues early and chat with field techs without missing a beat. Ready to make the shift? Book a free GoCanvas demo and kickstart your site management transformation. 

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

A person sits at a desk holding their phone showing a graph, while their laptop sits on the desk showing more charts and graphs.

How TE3CO Leverages Data Analytics to Unlock Business Potential

TE3CO provides mission-critical pressure relief technology and services to customers across the oil and gas industry. They employ a highly trained and capable workforce of field technicians and engineers. Before working with GoCanvas, TE3CO relied on spreadsheets and emails to manage their ticketing process but found the system time-consuming and difficult to track.

Read their story
Two men in hard hats look onto a tablet.

VIP Lighting Gains Business Efficiencies with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance company that services retail chains across Australia and New Zealand. The business has been operating for 25 years and now services 10,000 retail sites across both countries. Prior to joining GoCanvas in 2018, the business had multiple systems running different aspects of their technician and contractor network.

Read their story
Man in a hard hat inspecting HVAC vents.

Three HVAC Maintenance Checklists that will Reduce Errors and Grow Your Bottom Line

For HVAC technicians, so many errors within their daily tasks come from using outdated paper forms while completing a job. Using these HVAC inspection checklists will prevent issues before they happen, so your technicians can collect comprehensive and consistent data at every job.

View checklists

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

5 Essential Things to Include in Your Construction Daily Reports

Posted on by Nikki Kanev

5 Essential Things to Include in Your Construction Daily Reports

|

Successful construction projects hinge on effective communication and meticulous record-keeping. One of the essential tools in a construction manager’s arsenal is the construction daily report. These concise yet comprehensive documents serve as the project’s diary, capturing progress, setbacks, and crucial insights.

5 Key Elements of Daily Construction Reports

Mastering the art of daily reporting requires understanding what to include and why each detail matters. Here are five must-have components to include in your construction daily report:

1. Project Details

Details lie at the heart of every construction project. This seemingly basic information lays the groundwork for the entire project by:

  • Providing context, including location and site name. In addition to preventing confusion and enabling easy reference, context allows stakeholders to instantly grasp the project’s identity.
  • Serving as a chronological record that threads each day’s progress into a chronological narrative. This aids in tracking and evaluating project milestones over time.
  • Facilitating accurate record-keeping of project specifics and dates. This enables precise documentation and paves the way for accurate project traceability.

Serving as legal documentation in disputes or legal matters. A report’s authenticity and validity are reinforced by project specifics and exact dates.

2. Task and Activity Updates

Having a detailed breakdown of tasks completed, milestones achieved, and challenges encountered paints a vivid picture that includes:

  • Progress tracking: Detailed analyses of completed tasks and milestones offer a visual roadmap of a project’s advancement, which aids project managers in understanding overall progress and identifying potential bottlenecks.
  • Challenge recognition: Highlighting challenges faced during the day pinpoints project hurdles and fosters proactive problem-solving in construction to prevent recurring issues.
  • Data-driven decisions: Comprehensive investigation of tasks and challenges provides a data-rich foundation for decision-making. This information guides project managers in allocating resources, adjusting timelines, and mitigating risks.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Communicating task progress with stakeholders fosters a sense of inclusion and transparency. When clients and partners are engaged in a project’s evolution, this cultivates understanding and trust.
  • Lessons for the future: Over time, task and activity updates become a treasure trove of lessons learned. Reflecting on past challenges and successes allows companies to refine their project strategies and cultivate continuous improvement.

Regulatory compliance: Recording incidents and near misses in accident report forms is a way to emphasize safety adherence, affirm a commitment to compliance, and ensure regulatory authorities have the information they require.

3. Labor and Equipment Information

Knowing how many workers are on site, the roles they play, and the equipment they are using is vital in project management. The benefits of including workforce data and equipment information in construction daily reports include:

  • Resource optimization: Documenting worker numbers and roles provides insight into resource allocation to prevent overstaffing or shortages.
  • Future planning: Having an archive of equipment used in daily tasks can inform strategic planning by helping companies anticipate equipment needs, reduce downtime, and streamline future projects.
  • Budget control: Precise labor and equipment usage records enable thorough cost analysis. This data-driven approach informs budget evaluations, preventing cost overruns and resource wastage.
  • Productivity insights: Tracking the performance of labor and equipment over time reveals productivity trends and patterns. These insights guide decision-making to enhance efficiency and minimize bottlenecks.

Performance evaluation: Armed with data, construction project managers can objectively evaluate the efficiency of labor and equipment, identify areas for improvement, and implement targeted upgrades.

4. Material and Supply Usage Data

Keeping records of construction materials and supplies used helps with:

  • Inventory management: Accurate documentation is necessary to ensure inventory levels align with project requirements. This prevents shortages that may delay work or excesses that could unnecessarily tie up resources.
  • Resource allocation: Recording resource utilization minimizes waste and enables efficient distribution of materials across different project phases.
  • Improved budgeting: By monitoring spending in real time, project managers can identify cost-saving opportunities and make informed decisions to avoid budget overruns.
  • Timely replenishment: Monitoring usage trends facilitates timely reordering of materials and supplies, which averts project delays due to procurement issues.
  • Informed decision-making: Analyzing material and supply usage enables project managers to better negotiate contracts, plan deliveries, and schedule project milestones.
  • Project analysis: Analyzing historical usage records helps identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
  • Contract negotiations: Having precise usage records during contract discussions can help ensure fair terms and pricing.

Dispute resolution: Comprehensive construction documents pertaining to materials usage can prove critical in disputes with stakeholders or suppliers.

5. Weather Records

Weather conditions like heavy rain or snowfall can significantly impact construction activities. Capturing weather conditions allows for:

  • Operational insight: Weather data provides a tangible explanation for delays, disruptions, and deviations from the construction plan that result in project setbacks and altered timelines.
  • Progress tracking: By measuring how weather conditions impact construction milestones, project managers can gain insight into patterns and correlations that inform future planning.
  • Safety accountability: Including weather conditions in reports highlights potential dangers posed to the workforce and underscores the importance of using a safety checklist to reinforce welfare protocols and accountability.
  • Resource allocation: Because weather impacts the allocation of resources such as labor and equipment, reports enriched with weather insights aid the evaluation of resource needs to optimize utilization.

Trend forecasting: Over time, weather data becomes a valuable resource for identifying seasonal trends that influence construction.

Tips for Effective Reporting

Whether you’re armed with a pen and paper or embracing digital solutions, there are things you can do to enhance reporting efficiency.

Pen and Paper

Consider these strategies to enhance your pen-and-paper reporting efficiency:

  • Use tailored templates: Universal templates tailored to specific job types will guide your reporting to ensure no crucial detail goes unnoticed.
  • Make consistency count: Standardized templates will help you maintain consistency across reports to facilitate comparisons, trend analysis, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Simplify data compilation: Predefined template sections enable you to focus on content rather than format, simultaneously simplifying essential data collection and ensuring completeness.

Digital 

Embracing digital reporting solutions marks a paradigm shift in efficiency and effectiveness by enhancing:

  • Reference data: Digital reports thrive on reference data that eliminates redundant entries and improves accuracy.
  • Precision: Real-time data entry, automated calculations, and streamlined sharing redefine the reporting experience.
  • Access: Digital solutions grant real-time access to data on or off-site.

Choose GoCanvas to Streamline Your Daily Reporting

Incorporating project details, task and activity updates, labor and equipment information, material and supply usage data, and weather records into your daily construction reporting elevates your project management strategy to ensure transparency, accountability, and success. Consider embracing digital solutions like GoCanvas to experience the benefits of streamlined data entry, accuracy, and real-time insights.

Visit our website to discover how GoCanvas can empower your construction daily reporting workflow.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three inspection workers on job site.

The Ultimate Guide to Quality Control Inspections

Managing a construction project is a complex and stressful process. Among other things, you have to coordinate project team members, materials, and equipment and ensure that contractors are not afflicted by the potential risks and hazards present at the construction site. That said, quality means different things to different people which is why you should…

Read the blog
A man using GoCanvas for the digital transformation of his workflow.

Constructions Digital Transformation

Your competition is finding faster ways to capture data and get critical insights from the field into their existing systems. In short, they’re not going bigger, they’re getting smarter. In this 15-minute broadcast on the construction industry’s digital transformation, find out why the trend is to modernize workflows – and how you can stay ahead of the curve…

see for yourself
A electrician inspecting equipment.

See how VIP Lighting optimized efficiency with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance business that services over 10,000 retail locations all over Australia and New Zealand. Before GoCanvas, VIP Lighting had two separate systems that were impossible to integrate, leading to inefficiencies. GoCanvas made it easy to integrate their systems into single, centralized platform…

read their story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

5 Ways to Keep Your Welders Safer With Digitized Checklists and Form Templates

Posted on by Danny Kanev

5 Ways to Keep Your Welders Safer With Digitized Checklists and Form Templates

| | |

Welding carries a significantly high risk to both welders and end users. Whether they are facing ultraviolet radiation or excessive exposure to toxic fumes from welding, the need to keep welders safer can never be understated. Welders, like any other human resource, are integral to the success of your organization. Guaranteeing their safety also means better working standards for your team and, by extension, increased productivity and high-quality outputs. This is where the importance of digitized checklists and form templates comes in.

Read on to discover how to keep your welders safer with digitized checklists and form templates.

The Importance of Enhancing Safety for Your Welders

We’ve come a long way as a society. After all, there was a time when young kids swept chimneys without any form of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazardous materials were frequently used in beauty and personal care items.

Today, the need to continually enhance safety practices is no longer debatable. There’s plenty of evidence on how working with hazardous materials can severely affect a person’s health. In fact, this sometimes leads to chronic conditions or, worse, fatalities.

That aside, welding products are everywhere in our lives, with almost any implement, tool, or machinery having some welded parts. When welders work under unsafe conditions, it’s only a matter of time before someone overlooks a critical procedure, and the results can be disastrous.

Beyond harming workers, the effects of unsafe conditions can boomerang back to involved companies or firms. The Occupational Safety and Health Act demands all employers/firms provide employees with sufficient PPE and ensure they work in safe environments.

Fail to do this and you’ll be looking at major lawsuits from aggrieved employees and, in some cases, end consumers. Thus, it’s important to prioritize enhanced safety for your welders and everyone on your team.

What are Digitized Checklists and Form Templates?

Digitized checklists and form templates are a way to ensure your welders stay safe while performing their jobs. 

As the name suggests, they’re digital versions of traditional paper forms and checklists that can track the tasks, inspections, and certifications required to keep your welders safe. They provide a simple, organized method to ensure all safety precautions are taken before and during welding operations.

Digitized checklists and form templates are typically hosted online or in a mobile format. This allows quick and easy access from any device. These tools usually have customizable fields that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your welding operations. 

The ability to customize means that your team can create forms and checklists tailored to the type of job required. Thus, making it easier for everyone on the team to stay up to date on safety regulations and best practices. Additionally, the online platform makes it easy for supervisors and managers to review results and quickly provide feedback as needed.

Working with the right digital platform can save time and free up your team to focus on other important elements of production.

The Most Valuable Types of Digitized Checklists and Form Templates

There are many digitized checklists and form templates that cut across industries. The following are among the most valuable for enhancing the safety of your welders:

1. Pre-Weld Inspection Checklist

This serves to ensure your team has all safety protocols and procedures in place. Ideally, it should cover all materials and equipment, safety measures, and PPE/clothing.

2. During-Weld Inspection Checklist

As the name suggests, this checklist is used while welding to ensure all operations go as planned and are in line with safety procedures. It also helps to forestall any problems with the weld early on.

3. Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)

This checklist serves as a blueprint for effective welding. More specifically, the WPS features an expertly drafted document that ensures your welds repeatedly and consistently follow all established codes and industry production standards.

Before developing a WPS, you’ll have to draft a Procedure Qualification Record, which forms the basis of your WPS and enables you to test your procedures and materials before going into full-scale production.

4. Post-Weld Inspection Checklist

The post-weld inspection checklist comes immediately after production. Its purpose is to ensure the weld complies with your WPS and other firm/industry-specific standards and procedures.

5. Quality Control Checklist

This checklist is optional, but it can be instrumental in ensuring the quality of your welding products and identifying any defects or policy violations.

Ideally, your quality control checklist should include visual inspections and measurements to verify the quality of welds. This can also double up as the post-welding inspection checklist.

Using Digitized Checklists and Form Templates to Keep Welders Safer

Here are a few tips to get the most out of digitized checklists and form templates:

  • Create checklists for each job. Every welding job is different and has its own set of safety considerations, so it would be wise to create customized checklists for each job. This will ensure that your welders know all the potential risks associated with the task at hand.
  • Ensure your checklists are up to date. Technology is constantly changing, and it’s essential to ensure that your checklists reflect any new equipment or safety regulations. Keeping your checklists current will also help ensure that your welders stay safe and your welds align with ever-evolving industry/regulatory standards.
  • Utilize form templates. Form templates can save time by automatically filling fields with relevant data. This helps ensure the collection and organization of all necessary information for easy reference.
  • Have your welders review the digitized checklists and forms. Make sure that your welders know all the safety protocols they need to observe. One way to ensure this is to require checks before, during, and after welding.

Final Thoughts

Upholding safety is a crucial concern when it comes to welding. However, having policies and procedures is only one part of the puzzle. 

The only effective way to enhance safety for your welders is to create a systematic and easy-to-follow process to ensure everyone on your team follows established safety protocols and industry-accepted standards.

This is where digitized checklists and form templates come in. They allow everyone to stay organized and maintain uniformity while ensuring effective documentation of safety procedures.

But it doesn’t stop at that; digitized checklists and form templates can also enhance safety in other vital yet risky manufacturing processes like laser cutting and grinding.To learn more about how GoCanvas can help you uphold safety standards and maximize efficiency, schedule a demo with us today.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three people in hard hats looking at a tablet.

Smarter, Faster, Safer: Improving Safety Compliance with Mobile Technology

Compliance, there are many ways we talk about it. A necessary evil, a chore, a struggle, or a critically important part of business. We all know how crucial it is, helping save…

Read the eBook
Woman reviewing information on a tablet.

Your Guide to Waiver Forms — Examples and Templates

Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used…

Read the Blog
Closeup of a handshake.

Duotank Transforms Business Processes with GoCanvas

Duotank is a bag-in-tank alternative to the traditional keg beer system. The aseptic tank environment enables breweries to maintain the quality of their beer after it leaves…

Read their Story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

4 Steps Every Manufacturer Should Take On the Journey to ISO 9001 Certification

Construction manager on his tablet at his jobsite.
Posted on by Danny Kanev

4 Steps Every Manufacturer Should Take On the Journey to ISO 9001 Certification

| |

For manufacturers, being ISO 9001-certified is a great milestone in a rather competitive business world. In addition to helping manufacturers retain customers, ISO 9001 certification plays a vital role in winning more clients. Not only does the certification improve a manufacturer’s ranking, but it also serves to create trust in most clients, as the process is based on gauging the manufacturer’s level of customer focus and ability to continuously improve products. As a manufacturer, ISO certification is a measure of your worth in your area of specialization.

So, what is ISO 9001 certification, and what does the process look like for manufacturers? If you are wondering what you need to do to obtain the certification, this guide is for you. Read on to learn more.

What Is ISO 9001 Certification? 

This international standard is used to measure an organization’s ability to offer satisfactory products and services. Published in 1987 by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 19001 sets the requirements for a quality management system (QMS) that acts as an organization’s measure of product suitability across the world.

As a manufacturer, you need to prove that your products or services meet set standards. ISO 9001:2015 is available for use by organizations in any field, whether large or small. 

Benefits of ISO Certification

Organizations that are ISO-certified enjoy numerous benefits, including:

  • The ability to continually improve their products or services to meet customer expectations 
  • Enhanced performance due to improved efficiency in various processes 
  • Organized processes that make operations easy and effective 
  • Consistency, especially in repetitive tasks
  • Improved productivity that helps increases profit 
  • The ability to win new customers while also being able to retain existing ones 
  • The ability to identify areas of weakness and address existing gaps

Through the implementation of the ISO 9001 QMS, you can identify gaps in your processes. This will help you install and maintain measures that boost your business productivity while saving time and resources. You also get to engage your employees in a manner that will help you improve productivity.

Process of ISO 9001: 2015 Certification 

As a manufacturer, getting ISO certification helps open new doors for your business growth. Besides getting a QMS that is ISO-compliant, you will need to involve experts who will verify that the system is functional. You also need to set up an external audit to ensure that your system employs the best practices based on the nature of the industry. 

While this may sound like an overwhelming task, the process is rather straightforward. If you need to get certified, you can use any of the following methods:

Do It Yourself (DIY) Method

You can get certified in-house if you own a small company and need a cost-effective way of acquiring ISO certification. With the help of a DIY kit that offers guidelines on how to get certified even without prior knowledge, your employees can complete the setup and have the company certified within three to six months. The toolkit is efficient and eliminates bureaucracy, making the process almost hassle-free. 

Outsource

If you need to get the job done within the shortest time possible, you can choose to outsource the service to a reputable company. At GoCanvas, we offer reliable services that not only help increase business efficiency and productivity but also let you get certified pretty fast. While you cannot incorporate your staff into the process, our team has the technical know-how and experience required to help your company get certified and improve its efficiency. 

A Combination of the DIY Kit and Consultancy

Combining the DIY method with outsourcing to experts can be an ideal solution that will still be cost-effective. While you may want to participate in some elements of the process, you can hire specialists to help you with specific aspects.

You can approach a consultancy firm and discuss the specific roles you want your in-house team to play, then leave the rest to a team of experts. Combining the two approaches helps you allocate more technical and time-consuming areas to experts while your staff gets to concentrate on other equally important elements.

If your time is limited, you can get a comprehensive guide that will help you achieve your goal within a stipulated timeframe. Additionally, this approach helps you get the most out of the system. For instance, a consultancy firm can perform a comprehensive review of your processes and identify any risks and improvement opportunities to help your company become more competitive. 

What Does the Process of Certification Look Like? 

Although ISO certification is industry-specific, there are general requirements that any industry should comply with. They include: 

  • Documented information for the QMS
  • Managerial responsibilities 
  • Information on resource management 
  • Product realization strategy 
  • Internal audits 
  • Counteractive and preventive actions to help identify risks and opportunities for growth

QMSs use evidence-based decision-making strategies to help achieve a flawless process. 

The 4-Step Journey to ISO Certification

To get started, you need to obtain a copy of ISO 9001:2015. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get ISO certification:

Preparation 

Prepare relevant documentation to help define the QMS. You need to contact an ISO 9001 management representative and get sufficient training on certification standards as well as managing the system once it’s verified and implemented.  

Documentation 

This step involves letting employees adapt to a new way of doing things. You may also incorporate a management review that helps establish the QMS. This works best when the system is user-friendly and non-bureaucratic.

Internal Audit 

Completing an internal audit helps verify that the QMS meets all the specifications and standards for ISO. You can have your in-house team perform the audit or use management software to make the process less tedious. Such software also helps you maintain quality in addition to ensuring that you meet the ISO requirements and are in compliance. 

Certification Audit

Your manufacturing company may require an audit from an independent third party that follows a full internal audit and provides reliable records to help verify the effectiveness of your QMS. 

Your company may also require follow-ups to countercheck and correct any issues that may arise along the way. Keep in mind that you will need to formulate an improvement plan to help effectively manage your QMS once implemented. 

Get Expert Help From GoCanvas 

At GoCanvas, we understand how important ISO 9001 certification is to your manufacturing business. That’s why we offer resources and services that will help you improve productivity and make your business more profitable. For more information, get in touch with our team of tech professionals and schedule a demo so we can discuss your unique business needs. 

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three people in hard hats looking at a tablet.

Smarter, Faster, Safer: Improving Safety Compliance with Mobile Technology

Compliance, there are many ways we talk about it. A necessary evil, a chore, a struggle, or a critically important part of business. We all know how crucial it is, helping save…

Read the eBook
Woman reviewing information on a tablet.

Your Guide to Waiver Forms — Examples and Templates

Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used…

Read the Blog
Closeup of a handshake.

Duotank Transforms Business Processes with GoCanvas

Duotank is a bag-in-tank alternative to the traditional keg beer system. The aseptic tank environment enables breweries to maintain the quality of their beer after it leaves…

Read their Story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together
>