Inspections

A Guide to Transforming Fleet Inspections with Digital Solutions

Posted on by Danny Kanev

A Guide to Transforming Fleet Inspections with Digital Solutions

| |

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.

1. Optimize Inspection and Maintenance Reports with Fleet Management Software

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.

Preventive Maintenance

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.

Automate Inspection Requirements

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.

2. Use Digital Checklists to Streamline Fleet Productivity

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.

Eliminate Paper Forms

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.

Digitize Inspection Checklists

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.

3. Centralize Data with Fleet Inspection Reports

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.

Faster Routine-Efficient Maintenance Schedules

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.

Digital Maintenance Processes

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. 

Smoother Business Workflows

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.

4. Ensure Fleet Management Compliance with Mobile Devices

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.

5. Deliver Fleet Operation Insights in Real-Time

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.

6. Partner with GoCanvas for a Digital Transformation

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.

Flexibility of a Digital Fleet

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. 

Reliable Fleet Tracking Automation

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.

Transformational Digital Solutions

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.

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

A Comprehensive Guide to Post-Construction Cleaning Checklists

Posted on by Nikki Kanev

A Comprehensive Guide to Post-Construction Cleaning Checklists

| |

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.

What To Include in Your Checklist

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:

Entrances & Exits

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

Living/Common Areas

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

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

Bathrooms

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

Bedrooms

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

Outdoor Spaces/ Landscaping

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

Manage Your New Construction Projects with GoCanvas Checklists

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.

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

business people discussing project

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.

Learn more
Forte Supply Chain Solutions Partner Video

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.

Watch VIDEO
Closeup of a handshake.

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.

View integrations

Connect with an Expert Today.

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

Let’s Build A Plan Together

How to Ensure Site Safety Every Day

Posted on by Danny Kanev

How to Ensure Site Safety Every Day

| |

Construction site safety is no joke. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are more than 200,000 construction site non-fatal accidents every year. That’s why it’s so important to have a site safety plan in place and follow it religiously.

Below are some general safety guidelines you can follow to ensure site safety every day.

1. Establish a site-specific safety plan.

This is the first and most important step in ensuring site safety. You need to have a plan that outlines the specific risks present at your site and how to mitigate them. Your safety plan should be created with input from all team members, including, but not limited to, management and construction workers.

2. Conduct daily site safety inspections.

You need to make sure your site safety plan is being followed, once it’s in place. That’s why it’s important to conduct regular site safety inspections and safety meetings. These inspections should be thorough and conducted by a designated site safety officer. Pay attention to obvious and potential hazards, and make sure all workers are following the site safety plan.

3. Keep a site safety log.

In addition to conducting site safety inspections, you should keep a site safety log. This log should be used to record any incidents that occur at the site, as well as any near-misses. Keeping a site safety log will help you identify patterns and trends so you can make changes to your site safety plan as needed.

4. Make site safety a priority.

Site safety should be a top priority for everyone on your team. That means taking the time to review the site safety plan regularly, conducting site safety training for all new employees, and being vigilant about safety hazards at all times. It is important to have a first aid kit on site in case of emergencies, as well as, other needed safety tools including hard hats, hearing protection, barricades, fire prevention, fire extinguishers, foot protection, and more.

Construction Safety Inspection Checklists

We’ve put together a few different checklists, to help you ensure site safety

General Construction Site Safety Checklist

Any type of construction site can use the general safety checklist:

  • Review the site safety plan with all workers before work begins
  • Inspect the site for hazards before work begins and throughout the day
  • Ensure that all workers are wearing the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Prohibit drugs and alcohol on site
  • Implement a site health and safety log to record any incidents that occur
  • Make site safety a priority for everyone on site

Residential Construction Site Safety Checklist

In addition to the items on the general construction site safety checklist, here are a few additional items to include on a residential construction site safety checklist:

  • Inspect the work area for trip hazards like uneven pavement and loose cables
  • Inspect scaffolding, ladders, and other fall protection equipment before use
  • Train every construction worker in power tool safety
  • Secure all site materials to prevent them from falling
  • Implement safety meetings

Industrial Construction Site Safety Checklist

Here are a few additional items to include on an industrial construction site safety checklist:

  • Inspect the site for hazards like loose debris and exposed electrical cords, wires, and power lines
  • Inspect site machinery and heavy equipment for hazards like blind spots and defective parts
  • Implement a site traffic control plan to prevent vehicle accidents
  • Make sure all construction workers are properly trained in the use of site machinery

Commercial Construction Site Safety Checklist

In addition to the items on the general construction site safety checklist, here are a few additional items to include on a commercial construction site safety checklist:

  • Inspect the site for hazards like trip hazards and loose debris
  • Post signs and barrels around the perimeter of the construction project

Ensure Construction Site Safety with GoCanvas

Following these simple checklists can help you avoid potential accidents and injuries, and keep your construction site safe for everyone involved. GoCanvas provides a mobile app for easy site safety checklist management. With GoCanvas, you can easily record and track site safety incidents, ensuring that your construction site is safe for everyone involved. Contact us today to learn more.

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

Jobsite Safety Checklists for Construction – Examples & Templates

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Jobsite Safety Checklists for Construction – Examples & Templates

| |

Worker safety is a top priority for everyone in the construction industry. It’s in the best interest of workers and employers to comply with all regulations set by OSHA and to follow all of the best practices for safety in the workplace. 

Having a robust safety program is good for workers, helping to limit accidents and incidents, and strengthening employee trust in the company. Companies with robust safety management programs benefit from satisfied workers, lowered costs, and greater productivity and efficiency.

Construction project management software is widely used in the construction industry as a way to collect important information about different components of the job and tasks at hand. A simple inspection formcan be used by workers on the job to determine potential hazards and mitigate risks. 

3 Types of Jobsite Safety Inspection Forms in Construction

A jobsite safety inspection form is an essential tool used in safety management programs and there is a wide range of use cases for safety forms. This article reviews some of the most commonly used safety forms and templates that construction firms and contractors can use to get started for free. 

Construction Safety Inspection Forms – The 10 Most Common OSHA Hazards

OSHA shares data with companies that details the top 10 OSHA violations each year.  This data is shared to create awareness around the top preventable hazards in the workplace, so employers know where to focus their efforts to address the most common health and safety issues. 

In 2020, the top violations included:

  • Fall Protection
  • Hazard Communication
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Scaffolding, Ladders
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Powered Industrial Trucks
  • Eye and Face
  • Machine Guarding

Construction companies routinely use safety inspection forms to monitor these problem areas, with a safety inspection form designed specifically for each type of hazard. These types of safety forms are designed around one specific hazard and the corresponding list of items to review.

In general, safety inspection forms are meant as a way to evaluate tools, personal protective equipment, fire extinguishers, forklifts, work areas, and other elements for potential hazards or mitigators for hazards. These can be checked as frequently as deemed necessary, whether it be on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.

Examples and Templates for Safety Inspection Checklists:

  • Fall Protection
  • Hazard Communication
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Scaffolding
  • Ladders
  • Lockout/Tagout 
  • Powered Industrial Trucks
  • Eye and Face
  • Machine Guarding

Safety Audit Form

A safety audit form is similar to the safety inspection form listed in the previous section, but instead of examining one component of safety, the safety audit form typically examines the entire Jobsite, looking holistically for hazards in the workplace. This type of inspection form is used to understand all of the safety and health hazards so that they can be addressed before an accident or incident happens. Construction firms should update their safety audit forms regularly to ensure that they are keeping up with changing OSHA standards in the workplace. This type of safety audit or Jobsite inspection checklist may only be used on occasion in the workplace, in order to assess the overall safety of a work zone. 

Example and Template:

Typically the safety audit checklist will include examine safety threats across the entire Jobsite, including: 

  • PPE
  • Housekeeping and Sanitation
  • Trenching & Excavations
  • Electrical Installations
  • Tools, Ladders, Scaffolding
  • Fall Protection
  • Steel Erection
  • Precast Concrete Erection
  • Roofing Work
  • Aerial Lifts / Scissor Lifts
  • Cranes, hoists, and derricks
  • Rigging, Heavy Equipment
  • Fire Prevention
  • Flammable Gases
  • Welding and Cutting
  • Spray Painting / Fire Proofing Operations
  • Air Compressors
  • Confined Space
  • Lockout / Tagout
  • Concrete, Masonry
  • Fueling Area
  • And More

COVID-19 Workplace Safety and Health Inspection Forms

Many workplaces have started to use the COVID-19 workplace safety and health checklist to ensure measures are in place to protect workers from exposure to and infection with COVID-19. 

In the construction industry, workers have had to continue working as an essential business and this means that workplaces need to take the appropriate precautions to limit the spread of the coronavirus. 

The workplace safety and health inspection form is designed to help job sites stay in compliance with new safety regulations and restrictions that stemmed from the pandemic. 

Example and Template:

covid-19 safety checklist template example

Health screening forms and workplace safety forms will continue to be needed on job sites in the near term to keep workers safe and productive.

Going Digital With Safety Inspection Form

There are many digital tools and forms that can help to formalize your safety program, rather than managing this process on paper forms. The common challenges with paper forms include missing or lost papers, illegible writing, and time-consuming data entry. Using a digital platform like GoCanvas for managing your safety programs will enable your business to gain greater visibility into safety across job sites and make the process seamless for workers to access information from anywhere. The rise of mobile devices has given construction companies the opportunity to leverage apps and forms in the field to both collect and share key safety information with workers. 

You can learn more about the benefits of a safety management program managed with mobile apps and forms in a recent article published here. You can also search the GoCanvas Form Template Library for more examples and resources to use for all your safety forms and safety inspection forms. Sign up for a free trial and see how easy it can be to use our no-code platform for mobile apps and forms for construction.

Sign up for a free trial today and see how GoCanvas can impact your business.

No fees, no obligations!

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 Reasons Why I Use GoCanvas Mobile Apps in my Safety Business

Posted on by Danny Kanev

5 Reasons Why I Use GoCanvas Mobile Apps in my Safety Business

|

I’ve worked in the safety & health field for the better of 20 years, inspecting thousands of job sites and facilities. I, like most people, used a clipboard and notepad. I’d walk around writing down what I found.

When I started in safety, this was the only way to do it. We’d then have to regurgitate all the data into something others could understand and act upon. As you can guess: it was very, very time-consuming. I would spend almost twice as much time creating the reports as I did conducting the inspection.

Now, I still conduct inspections frequently, as do my staff. We’ve ditched the clipboard and pens: We all use our smartphones or tablets. Prior to finding GoCanvas, we were already using electronic devices. Basically, it was an electronic clipboard and pad of paper. This method still required a lot of additional work back at the office, but at least some of the work was cut and pasted.

So why did I switch to GoCanvas?

1. Done, the First Time

Inspections happen in the field, away from the office. Before, I would write out all my notes in the field, go back to the office, type out all the notes again, download pictures and try to match each picture to the finding. It was slow, painful, and inefficient. 

Using GoCanvas. I type out my notes, take the picture in the app, load GPS coordinates and email it to myself. If anyone else needs to see it immediately,  they can be added to the distribution list. Do it once, finish it out in the field, and easily find the submission later.

2. Easy to Share with Anyone, Immediately

Inspections can be sent to whomever, once complete. This is great, especially if I have a finding that creates an imminent risk to life or health and needs immediate attention. After the inspection is complete, I can go back to the office to edit/modify/clarify the text, add regulator references or company standards that apply to the finding. Then, I send it out to the people responsible for correcting the issue or for review.

3. Productivity Increases

Since it’s done once, operations have become more productive. With all the details and pictures automatically grouped together in the finding, people can find the location and easily identify what needs to be corrected.

I don’t have to go out to the location again and point to the deficiency. I don’t have to worry about mismatched photos or unreadable text. We save time by preventing these common misunderstandings and mistakes. GoCanvas makes the work go more smoothly.

4. Following-up Increases

With GoCanvas API web services, integrating submissions with existing systems becomes instantaneous. All the inspections are downloaded to my database for tracking.  No additional inputting of inspection data. Just a few clicks and the information is downloaded. I can see what inspections have been conducted, who conducted them, where they were conducted and what the findings were.

GoCanvas makes it easy to track inspection findings from beginning to end. Plug this information into an executive dashboard and management can see all this too. This easy access increases accountability. Better accountability increases compliance and in turn, a safer work environment.

5. Sharing Information Across Organizations Becomes Simple

From my database, I can then create reports for management. It’s easy to track and trend the findings. I can pull out pieces of the inspections to create safety bulletins to share with other sites, clients, or departments.

Using mobile apps has saved my organization much time and in turn, saved me a lot of money. It helped my customers as well. I deliver a better product at a better rate. As an efficient and effective organization, my customers tell more people about my work growing my business.

Ready to Know More?

Check out the apps Mark uses in his Essential Safety Resources Store

Sign up for a free trial today and see how GoCanvas can impact your business.

No fees, no obligations!

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

business people discussing project

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.

Learn more
Forte Supply Chain Solutions Partner Video

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.

Watch VIDEO
Closeup of a handshake.

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.

View integrations

Connect with an Expert Today.

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

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Three Ways GoCanvas Helps with Safety Toolbox Talks

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Three Ways GoCanvas Helps with Safety Toolbox Talks

| |

Safety should be the number one priority of every construction company. Daily safety meetings and toolbox talks are integral to educating workers on best work practices and staying compliant with regulations for every job and project.

Regular safety toolbox talks, sometimes referred to as daily briefings or tailgate meetings, are a great way to reinforce safety basics, introduce new policies, and inform workers about changes to the jobsite and working conditions that may have occurred since their last shift. These daily meetings can also serve as a means to provide training on new rules in order to stay up to date with state and federal OSHA standards.

But toolbox talks also come with daily challenges. Collecting attendance and capturing meeting notes from multiple worksites is daunting. Plus, you’ve got the headache of making sure the details of federal or state regulations are communicated consistently across several locations. You also need to be able to document all of these details and provide reports that all of your employees have been properly informed to ensure compliance with the standards of every project.

Fortunately, GoCanvas Safety has the solutions to each of the problems that plague your crew for safety toolbox talks.

Accountability

With GoCanvas Safety, your team can complete safety documentation from any mobile phone or tablet. Using required attendance logs, you can collect the names and IDs of every employee at each worksite to ensure they are present for the latest safety information. Plus, you can capture details related to the jobsite location, project manager, as well as date and time stamps for every briefing.

An integrated signature capture field means you can have employees verify their attendance and you can collect signatures from your foreman and any safety representative who makes an onsite visit, ensuring compliance measures are met for every meeting.

Consistency

Every day on a jobsite brings new challenges. GoCanvas Safety helps your supervisors and safety managers deliver consistent messaging at every meeting. Required fields and checklists ensure that the proper information is conveyed and collected for every toolbox talk, so they don’t have to scramble to keep their crews informed and safe.

Visibility

Monitoring the delivery of policy and regulation details across multiple worksites is a struggle. Not only do you have to decipher handwritten paper forms, but you have to hope that any details are not missed as they are input into your home system. 

GoCanvas Safety means no more waiting for paper forms from daily briefings to be returned at the end of the day or managing documents from multiple worksites. 

Analytics Dashboards remove the hours-long wait times for daily reports. With real-time visibility of your current Certification Programs (including expiration dates and IDs) and active incident reporting, you can quickly share safety program data with customers, fulfilling SLA requirements so you can get jobs done faster while keeping your team safe.

Looking to streamline your safety data collection and ensure compliance from your toolbox talks? With GoCanvas Safety, you have real-time visibility into your safety program and can quickly share results with customers with the click of a button. Click here to learn more!

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

Automate Data Entry by Scanning Barcodes & QR Codes

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Automate Data Entry by Scanning Barcodes & QR Codes

| |

In today’s business world, data entry is a crucial task. It’s often the first step in any process and can be very time-consuming. There are many ways to automate data entry, but one of the most efficient methods is by scanning barcodes and QR codes.

Mobile Form Barcode Field - Canvas

Efficient QR Code & Barcode Technology

When building out your mobile data collection platform with GoCanvas, it’s important to understand all the ways that you’re able to streamline your existing data collection processes.

The beauty of the GoCanvas platform is that it allows you to leverage the power of the mobile devices you already own. You can now take photos, collect GPS coordinates, capture payments, and more without the need for additional 3rd party tools.

But one of the biggest overlooked features is the ability to scan barcodes and QR codes using your mobile device’s auto-focus camera.  This built-in functionality allows companies to quickly scan codes into their forms without having to manually type out 12+ characters. This scanned data can even be linked to other parts or sections of your mobile forms so that it automatically pre-populates additional data within your mobile forms using  Reference Data. We will dive more into this below.

Improve Business with QR Code and Barcode Data Entry

Do you commonly fill out lists or tables full of data? Does it normally involve typing in long names, descriptions, item codes, etc? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then QR and Barcode Scanning from GoCanvas is right for you! There are essentially two ways that the GoCanvas QR and Barcode Scanning feature works.

Utilize QR & Barcode Readers for Standalone Data

The first way is without connecting the QR or Barcode Scanning field to reference data and just using it as a standalone data input field. This means that you would simply scan barcodes using your device’s camera and have the numbers or text data (QR codes) populate in that specific data field within your mobile form. Simple and easy. No manual data entry is involved.

Connect QR & Barcode Scanners to Reference Data

The second way would be to connect the Barcode Scanning field to Reference Data. By doing this, when a code is scanned, that data can then pre-populate other reference data-connected fields within the mobile form. This can drastically reduce data entry time for a report since all that is needed to be done is the scanning of the barcode.

A prime example would be if you were logging equipment at the end of the day. Instead of having to manually type in five lines of data for each piece of equipment, I would simply scan the item’s barcode and the matching Reference Data would auto-fill in the corresponding data fields.

​Barcode Field - Scanning Barcode

Reasons to Use QR Code & Barcode Software

Top use cases for GoCanvas QR and barcode scanning include:

  • Facility Inspections
  • Safety Equipment Checks
  • Product Merchandising
  • Item Lookup / Site Inventory
  • Transportation/Logistics – Shipping

And click here to learn how the global shipping company, Royal Cargo, saves over $144K annually by using GoCanvas mobile forms with barcode scanning.

How to Implement Code Scanners to Your Mobile Forms

Implementing QR and barcode scanning within your new or existing mobile forms such as IOS or Android devices is extremely easy. To get started, simply head over to the GoCanvas App Builder and begin editing the form you wish to add this feature too. On the left side of the Builder, you will see the field “Barcode” that you can add to any screen of your mobile form. Simply add this field to the section you wish to grant QR and barcode scanning abilities and you’re all set.

Propelling Your Mobile Data Collection Management System

Your business will now start to quickly see the benefits of using QR and barcoding scanning, which include:

  • Quicker data entry
  • Increased data accuracy
  • Reduction in inventory errors
  • Improved 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

business people discussing project

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.

Learn more
Forte Supply Chain Solutions Partner Video

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.

Watch VIDEO
Closeup of a handshake.

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.

View integrations

Connect with an Expert Today.

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

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Ultimate Guide to Handyman Estimate Templates

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Ultimate Guide to Handyman Estimate Templates

| |

Whether you run a property management business or you’re just starting out as a self-employed handyman, nailing down your handyman prices based on the job is vital to your success. Here’s why. 

Suppose you price yourself too high, you’ll force potential clients to shop around for estimates from your competitors. On the other hand, if you price yourself too low, either you’ll raise questions about your experience or potential clients will conclude that there’s some sort of catch. 

That said, how do you find that sweet spot when pricing your handyman services? Well, continue reading this guide to find out all you should know about the handyman business, including how to price your jobs right. 

What Does a Handyman Do? 

“Handyman” is an umbrella term for a wide range of jobs and people. A handyman need not necessarily be a man, women can also do the same tasks. We’ll use the term “handyman” in this guide to refer to the entire profession of people with different identities. 

So, what kind of services do handymen do? Some standard services include: 

  • Installation of kitchen cabinets 
  • Fixing kitchen sinks 
  • Finding and fixing leaky pipes 
  • Stair repair and maintenance 
  • Carpet removal and installation 
  • Bathroom repairs, improvements, and maintenance 
  • Basic carpentry tasks 
  • Attic insulation 
  • Outdoor repairs and installations such as siding repair, gutter maintenance, and fencing. 

Whereas this list is by no means exhaustive, it sets an excellent benchmark for what services a handyman should offer. 

What Is a Handyman Estimate Template? 

A handyman estimate template is a blank copy of your estimate form, which you can fill out to create a comprehensive estimate after a consultation. These templates can be filled in Microsoft Word, PDFs, Google Docs, Google Sheet Spreadsheets, Excel, handyman estimate software, or even free quoting tools. 

You can try out the GoCanvas mobile app for an easy-to-use solution for creating and sending handyman estimates.

PDF Preview | Start Your Free Trial

handyman estimate template PDF view

When Do You Need to Send an Estimate to Customers? 

It’s important that you present the prospective client with the estimate in good time. Ideally, you should furnish the prospective client with the estimate within 24-48 hours after meeting or consulting them. This demonstrates that you’re a professional and enthusiastic about the job. Additionally, some clients want things to move fast, so the first submission of the estimate could win the job. 

Why Accurate Estimates Are Important for Handyman Businesses and Impact Your Business’s Bottom Line 

High-quality workmanship comes at a price. Property renovation and maintenance projects require a substantial amount of time and effort. It is for this reason that every project should begin with an accurate estimate. 

An accurate estimate allows you to properly budget for the job at hand, and avoid any rude surprises when it comes to the materials needed to complete the job and the completion timeline. If you don’t present the customer with an accurate estimate of the entire cost of the renovation or project, you may find yourself in a scenario where you’re significantly under-budgeted. This may mean that you may have to absorb the additional costs or find out where you can reduce costs as the project is progressing. When this happens, besides you jeopardizing the quality of the project, this may also impact your revenue negatively. 

Conversely, if your estimate is on the higher side, potential customers may opt to work with other handymen who offer the same quality of service at competitive prices. This will mean you’ll have fewer clients, and fewer clients mean lower revenue generation. 

How Do I Write a Handyman Estimate? What Should I Include? 

There are three ways of creating a written handyman estimate, namely: 

  1. Using a mobile app or software: This is the fastest and easiest method. Creating an estimate using this method takes a few seconds, and you can usually send the estimate right from the app. 
  2. Using Excel: This is the oldest way of writing a handyman estimate. In case you only need to send one or two estimates, this is a simple and free way of sending an estimate.
  3. Word processor: Google Docs or Microsoft Word can also be used to write estimates. Any word processor can work. 

What to Include in an Estimate? 

The details you include in your estimate are far more important than the method you use to write or deliver them. Whether you create fancy written estimates or hand-deliver them, the vital components are always the same. They include: 

  • Description of your work: Ensure that you are ultra-clear about what the estimate covers. In some instances, all you’ll need is a one-line text to describe the work, like “installation of kitchen cabinets.” In other instances, you may need to explain the project extensively. 
  • Price estimation: You can either itemize everything or quote it in one lump sum. 
  • Important disclaimers: There are projects that start out small and end up being much bigger. For instance, if you’re going to replace a damaged siding, you may never know what you will find behind the siding. Your estimate is your chance to manage your client’s expectations so that they aren’t met with additional price charges they didn’t see coming. 
  • Benefits of hiring you: Suppose a potential client is receiving multiple estimates, it’s prudent to find a way of differentiating yourself from your competition. Otherwise, all the customers will use when choosing a handyman is the price quoted. 

Components of a Written Estimate 

  • The details of your company (name, address, email, phone number) 
  • Customer details (name and address) 
  • The date the estimate was created 
  • Project description 
  • Estimated cost 
  • Important exclusions and disclaimers 
  • The expiration date of the estimate 
  • Terms of payment 
  • Acceptable payment methods 

How Do You Calculate the Price in a Handyman Estimate? 

Handyman services usually charge by the hour. However, you can choose to charge by the hour if you feel that it’s a task that you can estimate accurately. That said, it is advisable to set a minimum service charge. This can be something like installing a doorbell or changing a light switch. It’s completely up to you if you want to create a fixed price for small tasks such as these or if you want to set an hourly rate. 

Needless to say, the more complex and larger the job, the more you’ll charge per hour. On average, the hourly rate for handyman jobs usually ranges between $60-$65, but jobs that get complex or are part of a larger company can be priced up to $125 an hour. 

Another thing you should consider when you’re calculating the price in a handyman estimate is your supplies and materials. Most jobs will require that you come with specific supplies, all of which should be billed to your client. You should also factor in taxes in your pricing estimate. 

Given that most handyman jobs aren’t recurrent, it’s likely that you’ll be billing your client once. Keep track of all your expenses and add a markup to ensure that you’re attaining your profit margin. 

What’s the Difference Between a Handyman Estimate Versus an Invoice? 

An estimate is a rough calculation of the cost of work needed to be done upon initial inspection. Upon a handyman getting into a project, it’s not uncommon that the scope of the work will get expanded. Whether it is due to hidden damages that weren’t assessed or complications during the project, your invoice at the completion may be different from your estimate. An invoice is a bill for the services once a customer hires you for a project. They typically contain itemized costs and terms of payment. 

Why Go Digital With Estimates Rather Than Paper Forms 

There are many options for creating paper form estimates, including Excel, Word, and Google spreadsheets. Whereas these options are free to use, there are many hidden costs and risks involved when using them. These include: 

  • Human error: When using paper forms, you can mistype formulas or make other errors and not notice that the final calculation is wrong. 
  • Version control issues: It can be challenging to keep track of the latest version of a document, especially if you have multiple versions of the same document. 
  • Lost work: This usually happens accidentally when a computer crashes and the document isn’t saved, or similar cases. 

More and more companies are turning to digital forms to create estimates. Digitizing handyman estimates can bring a number of benefits to handyman businesses. Including: 

  • Secure cloud platform for estimates 
  • Automatic calculations 
  • Digital signatures 
  • Image capturing ability 
  • Availability of reference data 

How Does Estimating Software Work for a Handyman? 

Regardless of whether you’re repairing a drywall or installing a new ceiling, a handyman’s job is never finished. With the hectic schedule and the sheer range of services you may offer, a handyman estimating software can help you manage your inventory and eliminate the sleepless nights of handling endless amounts of paperwork. 

GoCanvas estimate software for handyman businesses can help convert your paper estimates into efficient digital forms. It simplifies the contract bidding process with its mobile estimating tools that are both easy-to-use and comprehensive. 

With our estimating software, you’ll be able to: 

  • Auto-populate data like prices and parts to minimize manual input and eliminate errors. 
  • Automatically calculate the cost of labor and materials. 
  • Store estimates in the cloud so that you can review and update them anytime, anywhere. 

Try out our handyman business estimate form mobile app for free.

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

Ultimate Guide to Roof Inspection Report Templates

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Ultimate Guide to Roof Inspection Report Templates

| |

As a roofing contractor, your business has a long list of forms that need to be completed on the job. This includes things like routine inspections, roof reports for clients, safety forms for employees, and a multitude of other related forms like work orders and estimates. 

Instead of relying on paper forms, contractors are converting these processes into digital forms to help simplify workflows for everyone involved. This article covers an overview on roof inspection reports and links to the digital templates you can find provided by GoCanvas. Using our roof inspection report software, contractors can easily manage and share documents all from one centralized platform.

What is a roof report?

A roof report is a document that records the current condition of the structures and features of a roof. For example, a residential roof report would document the condition of a sloped roof or a flat roof for a homeowner, whereas a commercial roofing report would be created for the building owner of a commercial space.

In general, a roof report is designed to document findings from the inspection process that looks for any sort of structural damage, decay, or deterioration. The report summarizes everything the client or owner needs to know about the roof at that given point in time, so they can make appropriate repairs or plan for them in the future. 

How do I write a roof inspection report?

With many different types of building structures and purposes, there are naturally many different types of roof reports. What to include in your roof inspection report will depend on many factors like the type of building, type of roof, client information, and more. 

Rather than starting from scratch when writing a roof report, contractors can leverage pre-built templates and simply customize the form with any additional fields needed. Here is one example of the types of information that can be included when writing a basic roof report:

  • Basic information – Includes things like the client name, location, report #, date of the report
  • Roof notes – Includes things like estimated roof age and life expectancy, general roof condition, photos captured, and general roof condition notes
  • Roof diagram – Documents the roof type, slopes, and other important elements or parts of the roof
  • Signatures – Sign off with the roof inspector’s signature is included to make it official

What is included in a roof inspection?

The roof report sent to the owner or client is often a summary of key findings from the roof inspection. So what is included in a full roof inspection form? According to InterNACHI standards, a roof inspection should cover:

  • The roof-covering materials;
  • The gutters;
  • The downspouts;
  • The vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and 
  • The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

The roof inspection standards from InterNACHI also note that the inspector should describe 

the type of roof-covering materials and should report as in need of correction, such as observed indications of active roof leaks. Other standards note that the inspector is not required to:

  • Walk on any roof surface.
  • Predict the service life expectancy. 
  • Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes. 
  • Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
  • Move insulation. 
  • Inspect antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar attachments.
  • Walk on any roof areas that appear, in the inspector’s opinion, to be unsafe.
  • Walk on any roof areas if doing so might, in the inspector’s opinion, cause damage. 
  • Perform a water test.
  • Warrant or certify the roof.
  • Confirm proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material.

Roof Inspection Report Examples and Templates

With digital roofing report templates, employees in the field can fill out forms on a mobile device or tablet and have the information automatically sync back to the office for reporting. Roofers and roofing inspection companies can use roofing inspection management software from GoCanvas to help speed up the inspection and maintenance process. Here are some examples of roofing forms for contractors:

  • Roof Inspection Checklist – As part of any building inspection, use this detailed checklist template provided in this mobile app to inspect and detail the condition of the roof and lead to early detection of any roof problem or damage (roof leaks).
  • Roof Inspection Report – Provides a simple way for roof inspectors to track the results of their work and note any issues found during the inspection services. Once the roof inspection form template is complete, the roofing contractor can sign off on the results and have the homeowner or building owner sign off as well.
  • Roofing Certificate of Completion – Use this app as a contractor when documenting successful completion of roofing for a building. Workers in the roofing industry can use this roof installation and repair form to generate new work completion forms once a job has been completed without having to return to the roofing company office.

Additional Forms for Roofing Contractors

Beyond roof inspections and reports, there are many other related roofing forms that can be used on the job site. Here are some other examples of how roofing contractors are using GoCanvas to streamline their operations:

  • Work orders – Managing work is simplified when using software for generating work orders, dispatching the right workers, and tracking the status of work in progress. GoCanvas helps provide the tools to improve workflows between the field and office, with easy-to-use software for managing roofing work orders.
  • Estimates and Invoices –  Another opportunity to streamline work is by digitizing your roofing estimates and client invoices. GoCanvas enables you to provide a digital customer experience with PDF reports for estimates, and digital invoices that allow you to get paid faster. You can even sync GoCanvas with your accounting system to automate processes and you can also use our software to manage employee timesheets to track hours worked on client sites.
  • Safety and Meetings – Roofing work requires working at heights and contractors need to ensure property safety protocols are followed on the job. GoCanvas can also function as a safety management system, with forms specifically designed for roofing safety. Use GoCanvas to provide fall prevention safety meetings, ensure proper PPE with checklists, and enable employees on the job to perform self inspections with checklists for fall protection equipment.

Get started with a free trial of GoCanvas to see all of the roofing contractor forms we have to offer. To learn more about the benefits of digital forms for the roofing industry, hear from Texas State Builders in the video below to see how they leverage work process software.

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

Quality Control vs Quality Assurance: What Construction Companies Should Know

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Quality Control vs Quality Assurance: What Construction Companies Should Know

| |

Any reputable company in the construction industry operates on a safety-first basis at all times. The health and safety of its employees are paramount to the company because the company is well-aware of the fact that the employees are the ones who enable the company to do what it does. They are the backbone that makes everything else possible. This makes the processes of both quality assurance and quality control essential. However, there is some confusion about what these terms mean, what the differences between the two are, and why each one is fundamental to the operation of a successful and growing business. We will cover these topics and many more right now. 

Quality Control: What Is It? 

Imagine a world in which there is a one-in-ten chance that the packaged food that you purchase is expired, moldy, and could make you sick if consumed. If that is the world that we live in, then no one would purchase those foods any longer. Of course, that is not the case, and people can go about buying their packaged foods with relative assurance that they are safe. This is because of the quality control processes implemented by the various food manufacturers. Those same procedures are used in the construction industry as well to ensure that: 

  • Every project comes out the way that the customer expects
  • There is uniformity in how policies are implemented
  • The construction materials are of the highest standards of quality
  • The company can build a good reputation based on the quality of the work it has already performed
  • There aren’t complaints from customers after the project is done

Quality control is the catch-all term for the various procedures that one implements to make sure there are not any defective materials or practices being implemented at any stage of the construction project. 

The Importance Of Quality Control

It is critical to remember that while quality control is typically used to ensure uniformity at every stage of the construction project, there are some exceptions to this rule. Carnegie Mellon University points out: 

While conformance to existing design decisions is the primary focus of quality control, there are exceptions to this rule. First, unforeseen circumstances, incorrect design decisions or changes desired by an owner in the facility function may require re-evaluation of design decisions during the course of construction. While these changes may be motivated by the concern for quality, they represent occasions for re-design with all the attendant objectives and constraints.

Adaptations to the construction project may be necessary at times to provide the highest level of quality throughout the entire project. Quality control does NOT mean being completely inflexible, it just means providing the highest levels of quality throughout every stage of the process. Project managers who are able to do this will likely win more business for the firm in the future, given their attention to detail and insistence on delivering excellence to their clients. 

What Is Quality Assurance? 

Quality assurance focuses more on the implementation of policies to ensure that safety is always at the forefront of all decision-making from the start. The aim of all QA processes is to try to bring a safer environment in which everyone can operate. It is challenging to be certain, but that is why the people who are brought in for this job are expertly trained on what needs to be done. 

Juran.com gives a brief explanation of what quality assurance is: 

The emphasis of quality assurance is less on the end product, and more on the processes and systems involved in creating it. For this reason, auditing is an important part of the quality assurance function–particularly quality auditing, which examines an organization’s entire quality management system (QMS).

In the construction industry, there is nothing worse than getting towards the latter stages of a project only to discover that certain processes were missed to begin with. That can lead to the derailment of the entire project, and no one wants to see that. Thus, various methods of quality assurance have been implemented to attempt to prevent this from happening. 

Types Of Quality Assurance

There are different approaches to quality assurance that work. Companies often experiment with various approaches to the problem. The method that one takes at any given moment often comes down to what is likely to work best given the needs of the project at that time.

Stress Tests

Putting an element of the project to the test before it is placed into the actual project. This allows people working on the project to test for themselves how the various elements of the project may stand up when put to the test. 

The idea is to put materials under some of the toughest conditions that they may face while in real-world environments, in order to see if they are strong enough to withstand what the world may throw at them. Working with materials on this scale allows for companies to test various strategies and see what works best for what they are attempting to accomplish. 

Changes In Company Culture

At times, companies may consider it to be in their best interests to alter the ways in which they do business. If they can change the culture around how they use and develop the materials that will go into their projects, then they can perhaps create better outcomes. Often, it all starts with a change in mindset among the employees. It is imperative to get everyone to think about the end-user of what they are attempting to build. The more that the focus stays on those people, the better the products produced (for the most part). They say that no man is an island, and no person within a construction company should feel that their role is unimportant. They all need to believe that everything that they do serves an end purpose that is vital to the company’s success. 

What Makes Both Quality Control And Quality Assurance Necessary? 

Think back to a time when you were in school. Draw your mind back to the days when you were assigned a group project to work on with your classmates. Perhaps you enjoyed this kind of work, or perhaps you dreaded it. Either way, you ultimately knew that getting the project done right would take teamwork, focus, and attention to detail. You could not let yourself or your teammates wander too far off track without risking a lack of progress on the project. 

Quality control and quality assurance can be thought of in that way as well. They are safeguards against letting some small aspect of a project derail the larger framework of what you are trying to accomplish. 

We actually practice quality control and quality assurance in our daily lives all the time, we just don’t necessarily think of it like that. When you take a few moments to re-read over an e-mail you are about to send, or even when you stop to think about your words before making a comment to someone, you are performing a version of quality control. You don’t want to offend anyone, and you don’t want to send something embarrassing via your e-mail address, so you take a little extra time to make sure everything is perfect before giving it the green light. When this same thing is practiced on a larger scale, we call it quality control or quality assurance. 

Preventing Lawsuits And Other Headaches

We should not breeze past the fact that exceptional quality control and quality assurance policies can help limit the likelihood and the damage from any potential litigation levied against the company. Companies are hit with lawsuits every day, and construction companies are frequent targets of those lawsuits. Worse yet, construction companies can be on the hook for lawsuits years after they have completed the project they were assigned to do. Thus, it can almost feel as though they have no escape from the potential for lawyers hounding them over some faulty aspect of their work. 

The only way to reduce the chances of a lawsuit being thrown at them is to ensure that the quality of the work is superb from start to finish. Quality control and quality assurance steps are necessary to act as a backstop against poor quality designs and/or work getting through. They are a protective mechanism that can help construction managers rest a little easier at night. 

The small amount of extra time that it takes to perform QC and QA steps is nothing compared to the potential for losses stemming from a lawsuit. It is necessary to run a cost-benefit analysis in these situations, and there is no doubt that the benefits of performing QC and QA steps far outweigh any cost of doing so.  

Construction managers have enough to worry about without having to take on the added stress of potentially getting sued on top of it all. Thus, the immediate implementation of concrete steps to take for both QC and QA purposes is incredibly important at this time. Companies need to have their policies firmly established and understood throughout the company, and that training process needs to begin immediately.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas is a mobile platform that makes it simple for any business to automate how work is done, replacing outdated processes and expensive paperwork. The GoCanvas App works on all smartphones and tablets, helping companies easily collect information across their organization, share it instantly with others and gain real-time insights on their business operations. Get started today with solutions for quality control forms, quality control inspection apps, and other workflow management tools built specifically for the construction industry.

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
>