Just two years ago the term “apps” made me immediately think of fried calamari or buffalo wings now I reach for my iPhone. The improvements to smartphones and the development of the iPad have lead to an explosion in new application software or “apps”. It seems like every day there is a new app to “help” professionals be more efficient at work and the building industry is not immune to this trend. It’s nearly impossible to keep up by typing the word “construction” in the search window of the iTunes apps store returns 212 apps, and that’s just one source.

Paperless construction management. While that statement may seem like an oxymoron and is not likely realistic; the use of less paper in construction management may be attainable and beneficial.  By combining new portable computers with new software the need for managers, superintendents and even Architects\Engineers to carry a briefcase (or two) full of documents could be eliminated. The mobile planroom by Construction Connect and construction field management software by Vela Systems allow professionals to access construction plans, field reports, punch lists and other important job related documents in the field and on demand.

Remote monitoring is also becoming a reality due to improvements in webcam technology that allows for their use in real time remote project monitoring. improved security as well as increased data collection. For example;in addition to providing webcam software; Earthcam has developed a software that can remotely track on-site conditions such as weather and power system status.

Property Managers certainly have not been left out of this trend. I recently attended a property owner’s seminar; one of the speakers was Ashish Patel of Pilera Communication Systems. He has developed what appears to be a very impressive property management software targeting building complexes, communities and managers of multiple buildings. A similar product is available from Active Building, LLC. The software provides a database for easy access to all relevant information for each tenant including contact information, maintenance records and requests, violation notices, license plate data and lease agreements. Using the software voice or email notifications can be distributed to all or select groups of tenants, newsletters can be distributed and an events calendar can be posted and maintained. By accessing the mobile version of the software from a smartphone; maintenance and security staff can easily obtain records in the field.

For those of you who, like me, are trying to find any way to minimize retyping field notes, the dictation app developed by Dragon may be of interest. This app converts brief voice messages into text and allows the user to edit, email or text the message for inclusion in another document. As I become more efficient with this app I may graduate to one developed by Notevault which allows the user to store a voice note in the project “vault”, attach a photo to the note and even record the GPS location for the note.

For the tool lover in all of us the iHandy Carpenter app which contains a level, plumb bob, ruler and protractor is convenient when the actual device is out of reach; but I would question the accuracy. The Carpenter’s Helper calculator is one example of the many calculators and unit conversion apps available for the number crunchers.

So in addition to helping us find a good place for lunch, track the latest World Cup scores and feed our inner nerd; it’s clear that many of the new tools and apps can be very useful. Just finding the right ones will be the trick. The website and newsletter for Constructech magazine is one good place to start.

For more information on this topic or to discuss any issue further please feel free to contact me at bsullivan@sullivanengineeringllc.com.

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