Read an article from the Journal of Light construction where our customer Ron Paulk has written about how he uses his tablet PC.  Click here to read the full story.

A mobile computing solution that goes where you go

For superintendents, project managers, field architects and other personnel, having project data at their fingertips can reduce errors, shorten project times and increase worker safety.  Allegiance Technology has partnered with Vela Systems to provide an integrated package for the use of Tablet PCs in construction.  Vela Systems' unique software and services are designed 'from the ground up' to maximize the potential of the Tablet PC for your organization.

Vela Systems software streamlines and accelerates all field processes in construction and capital projects. By replacing the paper and clipboard normally used by field personnel with the easy-to-use Vela software suite and Tablet PCs, our customers save time, reduce risk, and increase profitability.

For example, the inking capability and mobility of the tablet PC makes it an ideal tool for people in the construction and building industries. The features of this mobile computing platform have benefits for project managers and superintendents as well as owners.

To learn more about how the software can help your business or see a demonstration, please call Rich Kinzler at 877-772-5580 x103 or email us.

Building or construction superintendents, who in most organizations often have more direct field responsibilities than project managers, can respond immediately to many situations that require pen and paper or access to information stored in the construction trailer or home office. Examples include: a walk through of completed portions of a construction project, taking and annotating photographs of punch list issues, logging pictures and notes of safety infractions by employees and subcontractors and receiving delivered goods while noting their condition and any missing items.

Additional mobile computing benefits

Simple notetaking and sketching, along with marking up digital photos, is one of the best time saving uses of mobile computing in the building and construction field. Instead of trying to describe a building problem with a poorly poured concrete floor by contacting the building subcontractor and project manager on a Nextel and then taking some quick notes on a yellow pad, the super can take a digital photograph, writes some notes pointing out where the floor is uneven and then email it to the PM and fax it to the sub (since many do not have email).

While doing a walk through of a recently renovated apartment building, each apartment can have detailed photos and notes attached to the punch list that explain exactly what the problem was noted to be and whose responsibility it is to fix it. The tablet PC lets the building super carry an electronic notepad that allows him to communicate and resolve issues quickly.

Electronic forms on the tablet PC have many uses on the building and construction job site. Whether making a list of missing items from a shipment of windows and doors, or filling out safety reports that document when a worker was disciplined for failing to properly tether themselves on a roof, the inking capability of mobile computing allows building and construction companies to save real money (and time).

CASE STUDY: Anderson-Moore Builders

Tracy Moore needed to increase his productivity in his job in the construction industry. He attended education classes at the 21st Century Expo in Charlotte, NC, where they discussed technology for the construction industry and he heard about tablet PC’s and their application in the construction field. Tablet PCs in construction showed up again when Tracy saw an article in the Journal of Light Construction about ALLTP and the effect of Tablet PCs on construction.

ALLTP proved a great fit for Tracy. “The response and customer service I got from John were immeasurable; he was very responsive and understood our industry.”  Moore’s favorite feature is having the ability to take handwritten notes on the tablet, as well as the ability to draw and design directly onto photographs.

The tablet has afforded him much quicker turn around time on projects. “I do not have to run back and forth from the office to the field to get needed information from architects and designers. It’s like I have a mobile office with all the right accessories, there’s not much need to visit the office on a daily basis.” This saves him money on gas, and time on transcribing his notes to the rest of the team.  Tracy no longer uses a personal computer; with the efficiency of the Tablet PC there is no need.

The Tablet PC is the ideal computer for the transitory construction industry. Moore would recommend tablet PC’s to his peers, “if you work a portion of your time in the field or just spend a majority of your time on the production aspects of the business…..where you are on job sites or supervising in the field, it is a good way to keep the information flowing and it is a rather durable product.”

Moore sees a many prospective uses for tablet PC’s in construction. “There is a good potential for using this type of pc with superintendents in the field to keep them in the communication loop, especially on projects that have a lot of changes in the scope of work.”

UPDATE: Since this article, Tracy's partner Erik Anderson and one of their Superintendents have started using Tablet PCs.