Using The AGS Data Format for Field Based Data Collection

Geotechnica 2105 – Geotechnical Conference

Thursday 9th July - Afternoon Session

Ben ArmstrongGround Technology Services Limited

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

Introduction – The Important Questions

1) How is site data currently being collected? What are the options?

2) What are the main benefits and drawbacks of each data collection option?

3) How and to what extent does the collection of data in AGS format improve efficiency and cost?

5) What can you do to minimise the problems and reap the rewards?

4) What problems are there to overcome?

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

How is Site Data Currently Collected? What Are the Options?

Site data entry – paper records

Data manually re-entered into office software

Software generates logs/plots

Hard copy data emailed to the Client

Paper copies taken/sent to the office when convenient

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

How is Site Data Currently Collected? What Are the Options?

Direct electronic site data entry into AGS compatible

software/datasheets

AGS data file imported directly into software

Software automatically generates logs/plots from the

AGS file

AGS file created and emailed to the Client/office from site

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

What are the Main Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Option?

Manual Entry

Pros

• Site staff comfortable

• No investment required

• Hard copy data

AGS Format

Pros

• Rapid data delivery

• Directly importable into software

• Can be sent direct to the client

• Interoperability of use

• Overall cost reduction and enhanced efficiencyCons

• Data receipt time delays

• Missing/illegible data

• Not weatherproof

• Manual re-entry

• Overall cost increase

• Cons

• Initial investment (time and money)

• Training and initial reluctance

• IT/software reliability

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

How does the use of AGS Data Improve Efficiency and Cost?

Eliminates the need to enter data more than once – all the work is done on site

Automatically create lab schedules without labelling errors to reduce incompatible data

Instant production of plots and summaries for enhanced interpretation and reporting

Creation of bespoke AGS compatible data entry sheets for all drilling/in-situ testing/monitoring and sampling activities

Import data in real time = no delays = more time for data interpretation and presentation

Overall the cost and efficiency savings equate to the cost of an administrative person at the rate of around 1 employee per 5 or 6 active

drilling rigs and a 30% time saving for engineering personnel

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

What are the Main Problems to Overcome?

Getting buy in - reluctance of drillers, engineers and site staff to change

Time requirements of early troubleshooting, training and implementing improvements through feedback

Developing a sufficient understanding of AGS data requirements, Microsoft Excel and your software products to maximise efficicency

Planning for the initial investment of time required for successful development and implementation

Choosing the right software product/s and maximising what they can do for you

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

What can you do to Minimise the Problems and Reap the Rewards?

Create a set of specific site data rules (based on efficiency) and develop guidance and support via procedural statements. Example rules may include:

Copy the relevant AGS tabs created above to your site record sheets and use excel functionality to map data from the entry sheet to the correct AGS tab cell

Fill in every single available data box/cell in your software package and export an AGS file and import into an Excel sheet. This will map out exactly where data goes and comes from and provides a useable blueprint

Consult with all personnel involved in data collection before implementing any changes

Create excel versions of all your site records – this will limit the reluctance to use tablet/laptop data entry as it will maintain some familiarity

• Only electronic data allowed!• Do it once and do it right!• No corrections to be made by office staff!

Use the functionality in Excel to lock all formatting and cells that don’t need data to be entered and colour highlight the cells that do

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

An Example of an AGS Embebbed Site Record Sheet

Yellow cells are required data entry points

Hidden tabs that copy data from this entry sheet into AGS compatible excel format

On completion save the record sheet and export AGS file and email to the Client/office

Using the AGS Data Format for Field-based Data Collection

Thank YouQuestions and Further Discussion