A Guide to Transforming Fleet Inspections with Digital Solutions

A Guide to Transforming Fleet Inspections with Digital Solutions

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Government-mandated vehicle inspections lack uniformity. The European Union (EU) has standards that apply to all countries, but every country can institute their own. Canadian inspection requirements are determined by province, and the United States has state and federal regulations. How does a fleet manager keep up?

Here are a few steps to make the task manageable.

Fleet inspections should be part of every maintenance program regardless of government regulations. Scheduling vehicle maintenance that complies with mandated inspections ensures:

  • Vehicle safety
  • Reduced maintenance costs
  • Extended vehicle life
  • Compliance

Incorporating software solutions into your inspection requirements, into a larger maintenance program eliminates duplicate efforts and frees technicians to address more immediate repairs.

Scheduled preventive maintenance checks reduce the chance of unexpected repairs or equipment breakdowns. They help protect a company’s assets and extend the life of a vehicle. Some insurance carriers require inspection and maintenance documentation before approving coverage.

Adding mandated inspection requirements to planned fleet maintenance checks reduces the risk of an out-of-compliance citation. If multiple jurisdictions are involved, the inspection efforts become more complex, increasing the risk of a requirement being overlooked.

Lists identify the items to be checked during an inspection or what functions to test as part of scheduled maintenance. Checklists ensure consistency. They can also create more work, especially if they are paper-based.

How costly are paper-based checklists? A box of paper containing ten reams has 5,000 pages.  The average paper usage per worker in the United States is 10,000 pages or two boxes of paper a year. While two boxes of paper may only average around $100, it’s the time lost in printing, copying, and distributing the paper-based checklists that impact the bottom line.

Someone has to update paper-based checklists. Without a version control system, it’s easy to use an out-of-compliance checklist, resulting in an out-of-compliance vehicle. The situation generates a snowball effect where costs grow because of fines, unscheduled repairs, and technician overtime.

Digitizing inspection checklists eliminates problems with version control. When forms are updated, they replace existing lists automatically. When employees access a checklist, the current version displays on their phone, tablet, or computer. The checklist is completed electronically and uploaded for back-end processing. Alternatively, completed digital forms could be forwarded to a manager or supervisor for review and approval before being uploaded. With e-signing capabilities, paperwork isn’t delayed, lost, or misplaced. The process from inspection to reporting becomes seamless.

Digitized data is easily transmitted to a central location where critical information on fleet inspections can be secured. The centralized data becomes a single source of truth for what is transpiring across a commercial fleet. Providing access to the same data throughout the enterprise can result in:

  • Faster routine maintenance
  • Responsive field support
  • Smoother workflows

Centralizing data means sharing data that establishes an informed workforce, empowered to make data-driven decisions.

Maintenance schedules with digital checklists should outline what checks to perform on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis. When a van is scheduled for a six-month maintenance check, the technician can access the corresponding checklist. 

Mechanics can note areas on the digital form that may require additional checks. They can schedule repairs using an electronic form. Employees spend less time tracking down what needs to be done and more time doing it.

Systematic routine maintenance processes go a long way to extend a vehicle’s life. It minimizes wear and tear and can catch weaknesses that can be repaired before they become a problem. Even with the best maintenance programs, equipment can fail. With digital forms, the truck driver can submit a repair request and attach GPS coordinates for the maintenance crew. Drivers could even include photos of the damage so technicians can see what happened. 

Digital forms with well-designed workflows can keep a preventative maintenance program on track. Drivers can be notified of upcoming maintenance checks. Maintenance departments can communicate schedules to minimize operational disruptions. With a digital format, the information can be shared across the fleet. Data can be uploaded and made available to other solutions for tracking inventory or developing data-based insights.

Part of compliance is reporting. Digitizing information makes it easy to produce reports showing compliance with inspection standards. Electronic driving records ensure compliance without the hassles of managing reams of paper. Creating mobile applications that track driving hours can minimize the time a driver must spend documenting activities to remain in compliance.

Using digital resources, fleet managers can ensure compliance through checklists and consistent reporting.

  • With digital data, checklists can be uploaded and databases updated for faster reporting. Managers do not have to track down drivers or technicians to prepare compliance reports.
  • Digital forms ensure that the same data is collected every time. Data consistency means more reliable reporting and fewer follow-up requests.

With digitized data, compliance takes less time with fewer errors, resulting in more time for more customer-facing tasks.

Data collected through digital forms can provide insights into fleet operations. Historical data can identify vehicle-specific trends, reducing the likelihood of an in-field breakdown. Minimizing unplanned servicing can save between $488 and $760 a day in vehicle downtime.

Mobile forms allow drivers and technicians to submit data in real time. If approvals are required, digital form solutions like GoCanvas can capture signatures electronically for faster processing.  With these capabilities, fleet managers can make and approve adjustments in schedules or delivery times.

Using a solution such as GoCanvas allows fleet managers to build forms from a no-code platform. Through drag-and-drop capabilities and templates, individuals with little to no coding experience can create forms. Organizations can work on their digital transformations without adding to the workload of the IT department.

Given the flexibility of a GoCanvas platform, fleet departments can generate jurisdiction-specific checklists. Whether it is adding or subtracting items on a list, digital forms can be created in hours and modified in minutes. Fleet managers no longer need to wait months, if not years, for developers to deliver an electronic form that can only be updated by IT. 

When checklists become outdated, the out-of-compliance risk increases. Companies must depend on employees to remember what has changed until the form can be updated. Relying on human memory to recall undocumented changes in compliance regulations will ultimately lead to fines and other penalties.

With the right process and partner, fleet managers can ensure compliance, improve operations, and reduce employee friction. Talk to the experts at GoCanvas to learn how to transform your fleet inspection process.

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

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Improve Your Field Service Workflow in 5 Easy Steps

Improve Your Field Service Workflow in 5 Easy Steps

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Field service work can be difficult and time-consuming. But with the right tools and a bit of organization, it doesn’t have to be. Following these tips for integrating mobile applications into your business processes can save time and energy while ensuring that your work is done efficiently and effectively.

The first step to improving your field service workflow is to automate as much of the process as possible with field service automation software. Mobile apps can help by allowing you to fill out forms and submit them electronically. This enhances the functionality of your business and eliminates the need for paper forms, which can be lost or misplaced. It also speeds up the process by allowing you to submit information in real-time.

Integrating your work orders into your mobile app can help you keep track of all the details in one place. This includes the customer’s information, the service to be performed, and any special instructions. This readily available information will help you provide better customer service and avoid mistakes.

Scheduling, route planning, and optimization are essential for any field service business. Mobile apps can help you plan your routes more efficiently and optimize your schedule to save time. This way, you can be sure that you’re making the most of your time and resources.

Customer management is another important aspect of field service. Mobile apps can help you keep track of your customers’ information and preferences. You can provide them with the best possible service and increase customer satisfaction.

Clear and effective communication is essential for any business, but it’s especially important in field service operations. Mobile apps can help you communicate with your team in real-time by sending work order notifications. This way, you can keep everyone on the same page and resolve any issues quickly.

There are many benefits to automating your field service workflow. Mobile apps can help you save time, money, and resources. 

  • Automates Workforce Management
  • Eliminates Manual Effort and Human Error
  • Enhances Service Delivery
  • Improves Coordination Among On-Site Field Service Teams
  • Implements Field Service Organization
  • Streamlines Inventory Management
  • Reduces Downtime
  • Integrates Work Order Management

The field service industry is constantly changing, and automation can help you stay ahead of the curve.

At GoCanvas, we provide customizable templates to field service businesses to enhance their workflow. Our easy-to-use platform allows you to create checklists, work orders, and inspection reports. Our mobile apps are designed to help you automate your workflow and improve coordination among your team. To learn more, contact us today.

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

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Common Workplace Hazards for Field Service Providers and What to Do About Them

Common Workplace Hazards for Field Service Providers and What to Do About Them

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Field service providers face a variety of safety hazards while on the job site. Some of these hazards are common to all workplaces, while others are specific to the field service industry. By knowing what these hazards are and how to protect yourself from them, you and your field technicians can stay safe while working.

Common workplace hazards include slips, trips, and falls. However, more specific to the field service industry are risks such as working at heights, driving hazards, electrical hazards, and exposure to harmful chemicals.

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common on-site accidents. They can happen anywhere there is a change in elevation or surface type, such as going from a carpeted floor to a tile floor. They can also happen when loose cords or clutter create a tripping hazard.

  • Keep floors clean and free of debris
  • Use floor mats or anti-slip tape in areas where there is a risk of slipping
  • Make sure all cords are neatly organized and out of the way
  • Be aware of changes in elevation, such as steps, curbs, or confined spaces

Working at heights can be dangerous for field service technicians, whether climbing a ladder to clean gutters or working on a roof. Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities.

  • Wear appropriate fall protection gear, such as a harness
  • Inspect your personal protective equipment (PPE) before use to make sure it is in good condition
  • Use the buddy system when possible
  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay away from edges

Field service providers often have to drive as part of their job. This can be hazardous if you’re not used to driving in certain conditions, such as icy roads.

  • Be familiar with the route you’re taking
  • Plan for extra time, so you don’t have to rush
  • Be aware of other drivers

Electrical hazards are common in the field service industry because technicians often work with wiring and other electrical components. shocks and burns are the most common injuries from electrical hazards.

  • Turn off all power before working on electrical components
  • Use proper safety gear, such as gloves and goggles
  • Inspect equipment for damage before use
  • Keep your work area clear of flammable materials

Many field service providers work with chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Some common examples are solvents, cleaners, and pesticides.

  • Read the label carefully and follow all directions
  • Wear proper safety gear, such as gloves and a respirator
  • Work in a well-ventilated area
  • Keep chemicals stored in their original containers

If you or someone else is injured on the job, it’s important to know what your safety procedures are.

  • Call for medical help if necessary
  • Report the accident to your supervisor
  • Fill out any necessary paperwork
  • Follow up with your doctor for any injuries sustained

By following these safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and injuries on the job. If an accident occurs, ensure you know how to respond so you can get the help you need.

Safety training is vital to service work. GoCanvas can help you implement your safety policies by providing your business with field service management software where you can create safety training, checklists, and workflows to protect the operational safety of your field service business. Contact us today to learn more.

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.

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How Mobile Field Service Apps Have Changed Field Service Management

How Mobile Field Service Apps Have Changed Field Service Management

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Field service management is a critical process for companies that rely on field service technicians to maintain and repair their products. In the past, this process was often handled through paper-based work orders and communication methods that were slow and inefficient. However, with the advent of mobile field service apps, companies are now able to manage their field service operations more effectively and efficiently than ever before. Field service apps allow technicians to access work orders and customer information from anywhere in the world, which speeds up the repair process and improves customer satisfaction. Additionally, mobile apps allow companies to track technician locations in real-time, which enhances safety and compliance. Overall, mobile field service apps provide several benefits that can help companies improve their field service operations.

In the past, work orders for field service technicians were often paper-based, which made it difficult for technicians to access them from remote locations. This would often lead to delays in the repair process as technicians had to wait until they returned to the office to receive their work orders. However, with mobile field service apps, work orders can be digital and easily accessed by technicians anywhere in the world. This allows repairs to be completed more quickly and efficiently, which leads to improved customer satisfaction.

Another way that mobile field service apps have changed field service management is by automating many of the tasks associated with managing a field service operation. For example, apps can automatically give real-time updates to technicians, customers, job site locations, track your service team’s GPS locations, and schedule follow-up appointments. This automation eliminates many of the manual tasks that field service managers previously had.

Mobile field service apps also optimize workflows by providing technicians with the information and tools they need for project management and to complete repairs quickly and efficiently. For example, some apps provide technicians access to customer records, product manuals, and parts catalogs. This allows technicians to resolve problems more quickly without waiting for assistance from a field service manager. Additionally, mobile apps often include built-in scheduling features that allow managers to plan and optimize technician routes. This helps to ensure that technicians can complete their work promptly and reduces fuel costs associated with inefficient routing.

Inventory management, GPS tracking, client management, and scheduling are only a few of the features that can enhance the functionality of your field service business. Mobile apps provide an all-in-one solution for managing your field service business, which makes it easier than ever to run your operation smoothly and efficiently.

Enhancing the customer experience is one of the most important goals of any business, and mobile field service apps can help you achieve this goal. By streamlining workflows, enhancing customer management, and automating many of the tasks associated with managing a field service operation, mobile apps make it easier to provide customers with the high-quality service they expect and deserve. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, which can result in positive customer relationships and more repeat business and referrals.

Another benefit of mobile field service apps is that they can help reduce pricing associated with your field service operation and invoicing. For example, by automating appointment scheduling, you can eliminate the need to pay a receptionist to schedule appointments. Additionally, by tracking technician GPS locations, you can minimize fuel costs by ensuring technicians take the most efficient routes to customer locations. Overall, mobile apps can help you reduce the costs associated with running your field service business, which can improve your bottom line.

Field service technicians often work in remote or dangerous locations, which can pose a safety risk. However, mobile field service apps can help improve safety and compliance by providing technicians with the information and tools they need to stay safe while working. For example, some apps provide technicians access to customer records, product manuals, and parts catalogs. This allows technicians to resolve problems more quickly without waiting for assistance from a field service manager. Mobile apps can also track technician GPS locations, allowing field service managers to monitor technician safety and compliance.

Overall, mobile field service apps have made field service management more effective and efficient by automating many tasks associated with managing a field service operation. In addition, mobile apps have improved safety and compliance by providing technicians with the information and tools they need to stay safe while working. Finally, mobile apps can help reduce costs associated with your field service operation. These factors combine to make mobile field service apps an essential tool for any business that relies on field service operations.

GoCanvas can help your business with field service management solutions including customizable cloud-based templates, checklists, and management tools that can be used on mobile devices or tablets. Contact us today to learn more about getting started.

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

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A Comprehensive Guide to Post-Construction Cleaning Checklists

A Comprehensive Guide to Post-Construction Cleaning Checklists

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When a construction project is complete, the final step is a thorough inspection of the job site to ensure everything is clean, organized, safe, and put away. This final walkthrough usually involves a construction punch list and ensures that all loose ends are tied up, damages are addressed, and the property is up to standard. One way to ensure all of these are done is by creating and utilizing a custom post-construction cleaning checklist.

What is A Post-Construction Cleaning Checklist?

A post-construction cleaning checklist is a detailed document that breaks down the different areas of a worksite into specific categories for cleaning. It helps workers walk through each space and identify any cleanup tasks that need to be done before the project can be considered complete.

Your post-construction cleaning checklist should walk cover each area of the building. It should serve as a guide to help workers inspect all aspects of the building—from floors, windows, and ceilings to external features and the removal of trash and debris. Here’s what to include:

All doors that lead into the building should be inspected and cleaned. These areas are the first things the new owner will notice when they arrive on the property.

  • Dust exterior lights
  • Make sure all lights are working
  • Wipe down windows
  • Clean doors, door frames, and doorknobs
  • Sweep entrance ways

The living rooms and common areas should be clear, clean, well-lit, and free of debris. All evidence that you were there working should be removed.

  • Floors are swept and vacuumed/mopped
  • All lights are working and free of dust
  • Doorknobs and light switches are clean
  • Windows, window sills, and window tracks are cleaned and dusted
  • No evidence of paint drops on the floors or scuff marks on the walls
  • Trash removed
  • Doors and doorframes cleaned

Kitchens can be complicated spaces, filled with crevices and spaces that often get overlooked. Part of completing a construction project is making sure the kitchen area is clean, and everything is in working order.

  • Dust all shelves and countertops 
  • Clean inside appliances
  • Clean inside cabinets and drawers
  • Make sure all cabinet hardware is clean and secure
  • Sweep and vacuum/mop floors
  • Clean windows, window sills, and window tracks
  • Remove trash
  • Clean sink and backsplash
  • Wipe down all fixtures and finishes

Although they’re usually one of the smallest rooms in a home, bathrooms must be clean and in working order by the end of a construction project.

  • Sink, tub, and shower are clean and sanitized
  • Toilet is sanitized
  • Mirrors, cabinets, and counters are wiped down
  • Floors are swept and vacuumed/mopped
  • Inside cabinets and drawers are cleaned
  • Windows, baseboards, light fixtures, doorknobs, and doorframes are cleaned
  • Trash is removed

Removing trash, dusting light fixtures, and ensuring the floor, walls, and windows are clean is vital in a clean and complete bedroom area. Some other things to look out for when inspecting a bedroom area include:

  • Cleaning inside closets
  • Dusting light fixtures and ceiling fans
  • Wiping down baseboards
  • Dusting built-in shelving units
  • Dusting grates and vents
  • Removing paint from hinges

The final step of your post-construction cleaning checklist should include a careful analysis of the exterior of the property. This means checking to make sure all packaging, tape, plastic, and other signs of construction are taken away from the property and disposed of properly.

  • Remove all trash from the premises
  • Sweep/power wash the walkways
  • Sweep all porches, decks, and patios
  • Clean garage door and mailbox

At GoCanvas, we provide construction teams with the tools they need to do any job efficiently. Learn about our different checklists templates and work with us to custom-design one that works best for your business. Contact us today to learn more.

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

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Connect with an Expert Today.

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

6 Types of Future Technology for Construction Professionals

6 Types of Future Technology for Construction Professionals

According to Deloitte’s 2021 engineering and construction industry outlook, 76 percent of engineering and construction executives indicated that they are planning to invest in digital technology this year. Investing in the latest construction technology is helping business owners facilitate digital transformations and stay a step ahead of the competition. Modernizing your current construction processes have real, practical applications and benefits. And if your construction company wants to maintain a competitive edge, you’ll need to find ways to integrate new approaches into your strategy and workflows. These cutting-edge technologies are drastically changing how the industry operates and how future projects will be completed.

Apps are becoming more of the norm in construction and for a good reason. The increased portability of tablets, smartphones, and other new technologies allows for greater communication between construction teams and the ability to work from anywhere. More specifically, data collection apps are helping construction companies gather faster, more accurate, and higher quality data from the jobsite. Integrating this type of technology into your current project management processes is simple. It equires a smaller upfront investment while still providing major benefits, including:

  • Significant time savings & reduced data entry errors. Data collection app users have reported more than 20 field and administrative hours saved each week, along with a 50 percent reduction in data entry errors. Helpful tip: Estimate your ROI potential by using our free online calculator.
  • Enhanced workflows. You can automate data collection workflows, so the submission of one form triggers another form to be sent, and so on, until a particular task is completed with all necessary sign-offs and collected data. Additionally, some data collection applications offer mobile forms and web forms apps so your team can submit forms on their smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops – basically any digital device.
  • Improved safety compliance. Data collection apps can facilitate everything from daily equipment inspections to near-miss reporting to a comprehensive job safety analysis.

Instant reporting. Whether you need daily job reports, quick turn-around on client deliverables, or fast access to legal documentation, a data collection app is going to help you streamline reporting. You can also easily customize reports based on your business needs.

Drones are the most widely used emerging construction technology. They can conduct site surveys more quickly and accurately than a crew on the ground and are cheaper than aerial imaging. Their high-resolution cameras and the data collected can create interactive 3D or topographical maps and models, and take volume measurements.Another benefit of using drones is the ability to inspect hard-to-reach places such as bridges or around tall buildings, and to do it safely. You can also use them to monitor progress on a job site and see how people work.

The use of BIM provides space for better collaboration because each person and expertise area can add their piece to the same model, instead of breaking out onto multiple versions of a 2D paper drawing. This way, the model evolves immediately as people contribute, streamlining the process and increasing efficiency. BIM also helps with problem-solving in the design and planning stages of a project, by automating clash detection and providing a more complete picture of the project. We’re seeing more and more global government initiatives to make BIM a compulsory procedure for large-scale facilities projects, including in India, Hong Kong, France, South Korea, Germany, and Italy. In the United Kingdom, BIM is already mandatory for government construction projects. According to Research and Market’s 2021 Building Information Modeling Market Report, emerging trends that will have a direct impact on the industry include AI development in BIM, increased demand for BIM-based cloud collaboration, and modular construction and prefabrication.

Virtual reality technology is often used in conjunction with BIM to help better understand complex projects. Think of the potential: you create a building design with BIM and then are able to use VR to actually walk around it. Pretty cool, right? This will give your team, or the client, an even more realistic idea of what the project will look like once completed. Having a more complete grasp on the project before it begins gives you the opportunity to avoid big changes and expensive change orders mid-way through. Wearables are a construction technology that is not only making a positive impact on safety, but also productivity. AsphaltPro published a recent article on the topic, reporting that wearable technology in the construction industry can increase productivity by 8.5 percent and workplace satisfaction by 3.5 percent. The article also highlighted some notable products on the market, including XOEye Smart Glasses, Spot-r Wearable Sensor, and Redpoint Positioning Safety. Vest Sensors

3D printing as a construction technology has the potential to change material sourcing. For prefabrication, materials for a project can be printed and then transported to the job site, ready for use immediately. This can allow you to get materials faster and streamline the process by removing extra steps in the middle.3D printing makes it possible to print materials right on site, reducing waste and further saving on transportation and storage costs. However, one of the current challenges with the adoption of this technology is limitations with mass production. Although some 3D printers can produce on a larger scale, they are expensive.

For years, artificial intelligence (AI) has provided benefits to construction projects through increased safety, improved workflows, and get jobs done faster and better. However, many construction companies continue to navigate and learn how to best apply this complex technology within their organization. Some larger firms have started to build out their own AI programs to help with internal decision-making processes and operations. While others are relying on third parties, such as AI advisors and solutions providers, to audit their current practices and identify opportunities for AI and/or machine learning implementation.

Investing in the latest construction technologies is undoubtedly a smart business move. The key is finding the tech tools to help you reach your company’s goals. As we mentioned earlier, onboarding a data collection app is a good place to start your digital transformation. At GoCanvas we provide a vast variety of templates to help you create the best project management apps for your construction site. Contact us today to learn more.

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

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Growing? Starting? 7 Reasons You Need a Business Plan

Growing? Starting? 7 Reasons You Need a Business Plan

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Starting a business can be stressful, time-consuming, and resource-intensive. That’s even truer if you start operating without a clear business plan. Developing, enhancing, and considering your business plan, can help ensure you know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how you will accomplish it. 

This article discussed the seven reasons you need a business plan to increase your chances of success. If you already understand the importance of a business plan but aren’t sure where to start, check out our business planner templates today. 

Continue reading to learn the importance of your business plan and where to get the best business plan template for your business. 

Technically, you don’t have to write a business plan. However, in doing so, you set your business up for short-term and long-term success. That’s true regardless of the type of business you’re planning to start. A solid business plan can help you, your employees and potential partners answer the following questions: 

  • What are our company mission, values, and goals?
  • What weaknesses should we address to be more competitive?
  • What are our financial, staffing, marketing, etc., needs? 
  • What’s our long-term vision? 

Every business plan is different, but starting with a business plan template can help ensure you have a solid foundation to build on. 

Jimmy Dean once said, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” This is also true in the business world. Think of your business plan as sails. You can stay above water without them, but plotting a direction is challenging. 

Whether you use a business plan template or start from scratch, it’s an essential first step when forming an LLC, INC, S-Corp, etc. 

A significant part of a business plan is analyzing your competitors and identifying customer profiles. A well-thought-out business plan can help you recognize specific advantages over the competition and exploit them. 

Additionally, identifying and creating customer profiles can help your marketing team target the right prospects, offer the best products, and meet them where they are (i.e., through social media apps, direct mailers, phone calls, text messages, etc.). 

Big long-term goals can motivate you and your team to achieve the impossible. A business plan allows you to define those goals early in the process. This helps you plan and prepare for the next steps, which include financial, product development, marketing, and expansion goals. 

Do you know how your business will make money or finance big plans? Understanding your revenue model can help you identify and address potential problems before they happen. Further, a solid revenue model can help your team identify and attract potential investors, obtain business loans, and more. 

The first step to completing most business plan templates includes identifying your company’s mission and vision. Doing so will help you plan your business goals and be a roadmap to the type of employees and business partners you want to work with.

This can help your HR team pick the best candidates and help you choose business partners who will be an asset to your vision. 

Effective marketing requires a solid marketing plan. Otherwise, you’ll choose where to target your customers, what to sell them, and how to retain them on the fly – which is never a good idea. A well-crafted marketing plan helps your business set attainable goals and identify clear parameters for the price of services/goods, services offered, target audience, and more. 

20% of small businesses fail within the first year. In many cases, they didn’t appropriately assess market needs, neglected to hire the best team, had too much competition, lacked sufficient capital, etc. For the most part, a solid business plan can address these issues and provide solutions before they overtake your business. 

Creating a business plan can be a stressful process. That’s why we’ve developed the perfect Small Business Plan Template Mobile App (works on iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows, etc.) to help build the best business plan for your needs. 

Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the following: 

  • Executive Summary
  • Start-up Summary 
  • Market Analysis Summary
  • Milestones
  • Sales Forecasting
  • Financial Projections, 
  • And much more! 

Click here to try our Small Business Plan Template Mobile App today for free – no credit card required.

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

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Gown Your Business with GoCanvas Partner Program

Join our Partner Program and gain instant access to our global network of thought leaders and industry experts enjoying shared collaboration and collective success.

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Partner Snapshot: Forte Supply Chain Solutions

Explore how Forte Supply Chain Solutions partnered with GoCanvas, combining in-house industry expertise with our white-label mobile forms to revolutionize their processes.

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GoCanvas Integrations: Streamline your Workflow

Integrate with over 1,000 software applications. Enhance your GoCanvas experience by syncing real-time data to one or all of your business tools.

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Top 11 Predictions about Future Construction Technology

Top 11 Predictions about Future Construction Technology

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As construction companies continue to combat labor shortages and push to separate themselves from the competition, they’ll need to consider future construction technology trends. To increase your productivity and remain competitive, explore how these innovative construction technologies will transform the industry in the years ahead.

AI can create tremendous value in construction. First, start with an extensive, high-quality database of past results and then develop machine learning processes to make predictions. Our favorite example is using AI to create new construction schedules by exploring thousands or millions of scenarios. Image recognition is another way to use AI in construction. You can use AI to analyze photos of materials on the job site and identify materials at risk, or watch for high-risk trends in worker behavior.

If you’re looking for AI to use right now, keep in mind that it may have a different name. Some companies prefer to use the term “machine learning” or “algorithms” to describe the same capability

The connected job site is already here. We predict that companies will work much harder to deploy this technology. Efforts to eliminate paper forms will pick up in 2020. As a result, construction companies will need to use digital forms to deliver information to others on the job site.By fully leveraging the connected job site, construction managers benefit in two ways. First, they receive higher-quality information from the site, without needing to travel every day. That means less wasted travel time and faster decision-making on changes. For employees, it means less frustration waiting for the head office to respond to them

Use Device Magic’s Enterprise Solution to bring the power of the connected job site to your team right now. This is a construction technology that’s ready for use right now and wouldn’t break the bank.

AR first became well known to the public through gaming and gadgets. However, AR is now coming to the construction site. Picture the following scenario: a construction worker wears Google Glass and receives updates on work.

For instance, AR can deliver relevant safety warnings when a worker becomes tired and needs rest. AR can also provide data such as temperature, pressure, and other data points when requested, so workers can proactively identify problems

Building owners want more analytics and IoT capabilities in their buildings. As a result, we predict that the construction industry will develop greater IoT expertise. Specifically, installing, testing, and improving network-connected sensors in buildings will become more popular. This will give building owners the capacity to manage heating, cooling, security, and energy usage more efficiently. In the short run, consider outsourcing IoT work to specialized firms. To stay competitive in the long-term, you’ll need to develop this capacity internally.

The days of building homes from scratch are coming to an end. Instead, we predict that modular construction will become more popular. This prediction is enabled by the increasing sophistication and affordability of 3D printers. Speed is another critical factor. In an age of same-day Amazon delivery, customer patience for long construction schedules is diminishing. How important is the modular construction niche? A 2018 market research report found that it’s already worth more than $100 billion annually. The category is also expected to grow at over 6% annually from 2018 to 2023.

Compared to our other predictions, this one is a bit more “out there.” However, these devices do exist, and there’s interesting potential. Just think about “wearable devices” writ large, and you have an exoskeleton. These devices help construction in two ways. First, they increase worker safety by reducing exposure to hazards on the job site (i.e., workers can avoid touching hazards directly). Second, construction workers can access increased strength.

In large-scale construction sites such as resorts, mines, and commercial properties, it’s difficult to get around efficiently. That’s why we’re going to see the rise of autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars. Unlike self-driving cars on public roads, construction self-driving cars will become more popular because they have a smaller environment to operate in. Mining company Rio Tinto has already started using autonomous vehicles in some of its mines. Such vehicles are a good way to make the most of limited construction personnel. These vehicles are also an excellent way to increase efficiency since these vehicles don’t rest.

3D Printing is transforming the construction industry. Just a few years ago, this innovative technology was used to help design and construct two bridges. Now, construction companies all over the world are using 3D printing to help them complete projects like never before.

Traditionally, contractors could only make so many changes to a wood/plastic model before they had to create an entirely new model. Now, 3D printing makes it easy for contractors to adjust their plans without having to start over. 3D printing can also help to create curved designs, whereas plastic and wooden models are limited to straight lines. Even more fascinating, 3D printing is now being used to complete full-scale projects as well. Beyond modeling applications, builders can 3D print parts and components to be used in the actual construction of projects

Contractors and builders are more intentional than ever about using eco-friendly materials in their construction projects. Not every material marketed as “green” is actually eco-friendly, so builders and contractors need to know precisely what they’re using and how the products they choose impact their carbon footprint.

Instead of using new timber for a construction project and cutting down new trees, consider using salvaged or reclaimed wood that comes from trees that have already been cut down. The same concept applies to steel. Producing steel requires a lot of energy, but using recycled steel for a construction project can produce the same results while using significantly fewer resources.

Other ways to include eco-friendly materials in your next construction project include:

  • For Flooring: Bamboo, Cork, and salvaged wood planks are sustainable options for flooring. Linoleum, recycled rubber, and recycled tiles offer a unique aesthetic with a reduced carbon footprint as well.
  • For Paint: Paints that have either zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or low-VOCs are what you should be looking for when sourcing eco-friendly construction materials. Natural, organic paints, and non-toxic stains and sealers are also a “greener” way to add color to a room.
  • For Walls & Ceiling: Recycled content drywall can go a long way to reduce waste. You can find drywall containing up to 80% recycled materials. When it comes to framing, look for lumber with an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification as eco-friendly.

For Countertops: Consider using recycled glass or paper composite slabs for countertop finishing.

Robots are changing the construction industry by performing automated tasks quickly and safely. They are already used in a range of construction activities today, including brick laying, painting, loading, and more—and their use is sure to become even more prevalent in the future. The use of robots on a construction site protects workers from dangerous environments, reduces injuries, and can be used to complete work during labor shortages. While the construction industry will always require manual labor, innovative robotics technologies can help speed up the process, reduce delays, and improve productivity across many areas.

The construction industry is constantly changing and improving. New methods, materials, and technologies help builders and contractors do their jobs quicker, faster, and safer while simultaneously benefitting the consumer experience.

Some of the most innovative building materials that are transforming the construction industry include:

  • Self-healing concrete. This incredible concrete uses built-in sodium silica capsules that produce calcite to repair cracks. The “bio concrete” is mixed with a healing agent. Once the concrete cracks and water gets in, the healing agent dissolves and becomes active, filling in the cracks automatically!
  • Carbon nanotubes. Scientists have developed carbon tubes with a thickness of 1 nanometer (one-billionth of a meter). Boasting the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any material on Earth today, these nanotubes can be used in combination with a range of other materials to significantly enhance their durability and strength.
  • Transparent aluminum. Imagine a material with the strength and malleability of metal that features the transparency and allure of glass. That’s exactly what transparent aluminum provides. Contractors can use this futuristic material to build glassy structures with less support required than with traditional glass structures.
  • Aerogel insulation. Aerogel is among the least dense materials on the planet, only 15x heavier than air. It is a foam-like substance that features an extremely porous structure. That porousness makes it very difficult for heat to travel through it, so it has outstanding insulating properties—even double or triple that of fiberglass or foam insulation.
  • And more. There are new materials for construction being developed every day. The possibilities for the future are truly exciting!

Dive into the future of construction technology with GoCanvas. We will collaborate with your construction firm to create the best templates and apps for your construction process. Learn more about how to take advantage of these technological advancements by contacting us today

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…

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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…

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See how VIP Lighting optimized efficiency with GoCanvas

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Connect with an Expert Today.

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

5 Essentials For Creating a Website for Your Construction Business

5 Essentials For Creating a Website for Your Construction Business

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As a construction business, having an up-to-date and informative website is key to attracting new customers and keeping your existing ones updated on your latest projects. But with so many things to consider, it can be tough to know where to start.

Here are the 5 essentials for creating your construction company website that will help set you up for success:

First impressions count, and your website is often potential customers’ first interaction with your business. Make sure your site is designed with your brand in mind, and that it reflects the quality of your work. Having an engaging homepage and service pages will help pull website visitors in. Pay attention to small details like fonts and images and consider functionality for a better user experience.

Digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) is important for any website, but it’s especially crucial for construction businesses. Make sure your site is designed with SEO in mind from the start to help enhance your online presence. Including key phrases related to your construction services and location will help lead new users to your landing pages.  This will help potential customers find you when they’re searching online.

A contact form is a must-have for any business website, and construction businesses are no exception. Include a form on your site so that potential customers can quickly get in touch with you. Be sure to include all the necessary fields, such as name, email, and phone number. And include any additional contact information for your company such as a primary email, address, and phone number.

Testimonials from past clients on previous construction projects are a great way to build trust with new potential customers. Include a few testimonials on your site and include the customer’s name and location.

Finally, don’t forget to showcase your work. Include a portfolio on your website so potential customers can see examples of your work. Be sure to include high-quality photos and detailed descriptions that can be shareable on social media.

The construction industry can be very competitive. If you keep these 5 essentials in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a website for your construction business that will attract new customers and help you grow your business. GoCanvas provides various templates to help you build a great website. Contact us today to learn more.

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…

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A electrician inspecting equipment.

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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…

Connect with an Expert Today.

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

Streamlining Construction Compliance: How to Stay Safe, Legal, and Sane

Streamlining Construction Compliance: How to Stay Safe, Legal, and Sane

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Jobsites are regulated by strict compliance requirements that can delay a construction project for longer than anticipated. Preventing delays means being proactive about compliance at both the state and federal levels. But how do you manage the numerous steps required to ensure a jobsite is compliant while reducing wasted time? 

Gone are the days of clipboards and pens. Using technology to replace dated manual processes is the most efficient way to overcome compliance challenges. The most effective construction projects use project management software to track and correct compliance issues in real-time. Moving to a digital process can streamline your compliance process and drastically increase the productivity of your project. 

Let’s look at 3 challenging steps in the compliance process that improves with a digital approach. 

1. Standardize Compliance Documentation

Subcontractors are responsible for ensuring compliance daily. They collect a lot of data from various areas of a jobsite with multiple forms. Common compliance processes can include incident reporting, safety checklists, property inspections, and quality control inspections. 

Manually creating or locating compliance forms makes it difficult to guarantee the right information is being collected on time. Construction management software allows you to easily create universal compliance documentation that can be utilized across departments.

Avoiding redundancies means making sure everyone is on the same page. When it comes to compliance, document standardization can mean the difference between a safe work environment and a life-threatening incident.

2. Track Compliance Audits & Checklists

Various team members are often responsible for completing compliance documentation in their respective departments. Audits may be performed daily, meaning countless data points are collected every week. 

For a general contractor or safety director, tracking down the progress of these audits manually can seem impossible. Digital checklist apps streamline this process by allowing team members across departments to perform audits, report incidents, document compliance with photos, and obtain important signatures with their mobile devices. 

Project managers can access all compliance documentation through the app and assess its completion in real-time. Compliance issues that affect the safety of workers need to be corrected immediately. 

The digital process prevents important compliance paperwork from being skipped.    

Once compliance documentation is complete, it needs to be aggregated and shared with key project stakeholders. This information is vital when assessing the level of compliance or submitting documentation that ends project delays.  

With a manual process, paperwork can be easily misplaced during a review. Delivering compliance documentation becomes laborious and time-consuming. 

Today, construction management apps centralize your documentation in a single location. Sharing reports with management or tracking compliance trends becomes an instantaneous process. 

Safety directors are also empowered to create custom reports with data from all compliance documentation for use in safety bulletins or compliance meetings. Construction management software speeds up the sharing of information and increases the integrity of the compliance process.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal regulator responsible for ensuring all workplaces are safe for workers. Their compliance standards are some of the most common on a jobsite. Construction projects are required to comply with OSHA regulations or risk long project delays and workplace accidents. 

Every year, OSHA releases a list of the ten most commonly cited compliance issues its compliance officers encounter during jobsite inspections. The list increases compliance transparency and makes safety directors aware of the most common infractions they should keep an eye out for.

As a construction management software provider, we’ve encountered every OSHA compliance issue and created numerous templates that make your job easier. 

GoCanvas is a project management tool that’s useful at any stage of a construction project. Stakeholders can create documents with ease, track their completion, and share them with anyone. 

GoCanvas also offers an analytics feature that pulls actionable insights from all the information found in your project management apps.

Take the next step in streamlining your compliance process by scheduling a GoCanvas demo. We guarantee the positive impact it’ll have on your organization.

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…

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…

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…

Connect with an Expert Today.

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

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