Using Tablets to Collect Data in the Field

transcript

Tom SpielmanDirector of IT

Heather HansonProgram Coordinator

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November, 2012

Using Tablets to Collect Data in the Field

Qualities of a Good Data Entry/Collection Tool

Light and portable

Large enough to see related information in one

glance (without scrolling)

Easy to use

Durable

Can be used while carrying it

Fast data entry

Fortunately Modern Technology

hasProvided a Tool that has those

Qualities

No Error Checking

Won’t do any calculations for you

Legibility problems

At some point the information probably needs

to be entered into a computer anyway

Paper files have large storage requirements

Paper: has its downsides

We’ve Made Many Attempts to Replace Paper

Clunky

TotalFailure

Too Small

They’ve become much more portable in

recent years and have improved battery life,

but there is one major problem:

So Why Not a Laptop?

You need a flat surface to use a laptop

Lightweight (relatively)

Battery will last all day

Big enough to display a lot of information at once

Easily switch between portrait and landscape

Touch Interface: They don’t require a keyboard or stylus

Can be used without setting them down

Similar Android devices were not available at the time

Why we chose an iPad

An iPad Isn’t the Only Tablet Option

A tablet alone won’t collect any data, you need

software.

In our case, we decided to adapt one of our web

applications (CeeTrack) for use on an iPad.

The iPad has a very capable web browser which

made the job easier

It worked with only a few minor tweaks

Software for Data Collection

A web application runs within a web browser

A “Native” application is designed specifically for the

device and runs on it directly, - not through a web

browser

The lines between them can get a little blurred

Web Application vs. Native Software

Web App Example - Facebook

Native App Example - Zillow

Zillow – the web app

Native App Pros

Able to take full advantage of device features like

cameras

Native controls (sliders, date pickers, etc.)

No Internet connection required

Generally preferred by users

Pros of Web Apps for Field Use

Data saved directly to central database – no

syncing

Easy software updates, only web server needs to

be updated

Web Apps work with many types of devices, no

need for custom versions of software for different

Tablets, PCs, Laptops, etc

Why is CeeTrack a Web App ?

Because it already existed before we started using

That’s the Technology Now for

the Reality

Two person team

Energy counseling/house walk-through

Diagnostics and inspections

Attic and wall insulation inspections and estimate, blower door test, combustion safety tests

Product installations

Door weather-stripping, programmable thermostat, water heater blanket, CFLs, shower heads and faucet aerators

Final review of recommendations and printed Home Energy Report and Index

Two hour time limit

A lot to accomplish in a limited time frame

Efficiency is crucial!

Home Energy Visits

CeeTrack Database

Counselor

Counselor – Cont.

Tallies bulbs as they’re entered

Diagnostics – Initial Program Design

3 pages

7 pages

8 pages

2 pages

4 pages

Technician – Initial Program Design

Front Back

Inventory

Methods for verification were put in place but consistent errors remained

Insulation

Reports – Then vs. Now

Current program design:

All reports are generated using data inputs from the counselor, technician, and insulation tabs

Initial program design

Pros: Homeowners are really impressed with the iPads and printers

The Home Energy Report is comprehensive, polished and professional Adds value to the visit

Messaging is consistent Can still customize as needed in notes sections

Recommendations are determined without calculations

Cons: Connectivity issues

Location in home can interfere with connection

Stucco homes more prone to issues

Printing iPads and printers not designed to work together

+ May take a few attempts Regular updates and providing trouble-shooting guide has helped

Staff Feedback

Dropbox

Manuals and protocols

Field staff reference materials

Videos and pics

“Life line” – same time visuals

Future reference and training

Additional Benefits

Conclusion: We’ve Come a Long Way!

Questions?

Two person team

Energy counseling/house walk-through

Diagnostics and inspections

Attic and wall insulation inspections and estimate, blower door test, combustion safety tests

Product installations

Door weather-stripping, programmable thermostat, water heater blanket, CFLs, shower heads and faucet aerators

Final review of recommendations and printed Home Energy Report

Two hour time limit

A lot to accomplish in a limited time frame

Efficiency is crucial!

Home Energy Visits

CeeTrack Database

Counselor

Counselor – Cont.

Tallies bulbs as they’re

entered

Diagnostics – Initial Program Design

3 pages

7 pages

8 pages

2 pages

4 pages

Technician – Initial Program Design

Front Back

Inventory

Methods for verification were put in place but consistent errors remained

Insulation

Reports – Then vs. Now

Current program design:

All reports are generated using data

inputs from the counselor, technician,

and insulation tabs

Initial program design

Pros: Homeowners are really impressed with the iPads and printers

The Home Energy Report is comprehensive, polished and professional Adds value to the visit

Messaging is consistent Can still customize as needed in notes sections

Recommendations are determined without calculations

Cons: Connectivity issues

Location in home can interfere with connection

Stucco homes more prone to issues

Printing iPads and printers not designed to work together

+ May take a few attempts Regular updates and providing trouble-shooting guide has helped

Staff Feedback

Additional Benefits

Dropbox Manuals and protocols

Field staff reference materials

Dropbox (cont.)

Videos and pics

“Life line” – same time visuals

Future reference and training

Additional Benefits

Conclusion: We’ve Come a Long Way!

Questions?

Using Tablets to Collect Data in the Field

Documents