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Tom SpielmanDirector of IT
Heather HansonProgram Coordinator
Hover your cursor at the top of
the screen to access the WebEx
menu bar and open your Chat
Window
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
Page 6
Page 7
We’ve Made Many Attempts to Replace Paper
Too
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?
Page 9
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
iPads
That’s the Technology Now for
the Reality
Page 21
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
Page 22
CeeTrack Database
Page 23
Counselor
?
Page 24
Counselor – Cont.
Tallies bulbs as they’re entered
Page 25
Diagnostics – Initial Program Design
3 pages
7 pages
8 pages
2 pages
4 pages
Page 26
Technician – Initial Program Design
Front Back
Page 27
Inventory
Methods for verification were put in place but consistent errors remained
Page 28
Insulation
Page 29
Reports – Then vs. Now
vs.
Current program design:
All reports are generated using data inputs from the counselor, technician, and insulation tabs
Initial program design
Page 30
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
Page 31
Dropbox
Manuals and protocols
Field staff reference materials
Videos and pics
“Life line” – same time visuals
Future reference and training
Additional Benefits
Page 32
Conclusion: We’ve Come a Long Way!
Vs.
Page 33
Questions?
Page 34
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
Page 35
CeeTrack Database
Page 36
Counselor
?
Page 37
Counselor – Cont.
Tallies bulbs as they’re
entered
Page 38
Diagnostics – Initial Program Design
3 pages
7 pages
8 pages
2 pages
4 pages
Page 39
Technician – Initial Program Design
Front Back
Page 40
Inventory
Methods for verification were put in place but consistent errors remained
Page 41
Insulation
Page 42
Reports – Then vs. Now
vs.
Current program design:
All reports are generated using data
inputs from the counselor, technician,
and insulation tabs
Initial program design
Page 43
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
Page 44
Additional Benefits
Dropbox Manuals and protocols
Field staff reference materials
Page 45
Dropbox (cont.)
Videos and pics
“Life line” – same time visuals
Future reference and training
Additional Benefits
Page 46
Conclusion: We’ve Come a Long Way!
Vs.
Page 47
Questions?
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