Parabola Software has simplified fire-safety inspections for Adactus Housing by developing a low-cost app for smartphones and tablets. The project was delivered in six weeks and the development costs were less than £10,000.
The app, which uses Microsoft SharePoint Online, works on any device using Android, iOS or Windows. Online automation eliminates the errors and delays associated with paper records, and gives Adactus an immediate up-to-date record of the fire-safety status of all its 150 general needs properties with communal areas.
Gary Heaton, head of property services, Adactus Housing, said, “This app puts us in control of our fire-safety checks and helps us stay compliant. The software guides our caretaker team step-by-step through the checking process. When the inspection’s over, we can immediately tell if anything’s been overlooked and if the caretaker found any problems.
“The Parabola app was an easy choice because we didn’t have to buy special equipment or software licences. It took less than a month to develop and cost far less than proprietary mobile-workforce solutions.”
Adactus reported that the app is as popular with its roving caretakers as it is with the management team. There’s no paperwork for them to complete, the app gives them a simple checklist of inspection tasks, and they don’t have to return to base to file reports. In addition, all inspections are time- and date-stamped, and reports are filed with GPS location data, helping Adactus to improve staff utilisation.
Richard Gray, managing director, Parabola Software, said, “Apps like this are adaptable to most types of remote data collection, such as property inspections, tenant support or anything in which remote workers capture data. Smartphone automation is an inexpensive way to gather data and feed it straight back into the housing management system.”
