In the world of construction inspections and property appraisals, efficiency and accuracy are crucial. Our integrated software system is designed to radically transform how civil works inspections and property appraisals are carried out, thanks to automation.

Our system centralizes all information on a single platform, accessible both from the Android app and from the cloud server. This eliminates the need to manage multiple systems and physical documents, significantly reducing time spent managing data.

Automation ensures that information collected during inspections is stored securely and error-free. Every project, visit and item is accurately recorded, and observations and photos are organized automatically. This minimizes human error and ensures that data is consistent and reliable.

Automation and the use of ergonomic techniques such as oral text entry, WYSIWYG interactive-graphic techniques, and sending reports to the cloud, contribute significantly to the optimization of resources and time savings in processes at this level. (see corporate summary).

Using AWS to store and back up data provides an additional layer of security. Inspectors can rest assured that all information captured during inspections is backed up in the cloud, preventing the loss of crucial data.

Thanks to the integration with AWS-IAM, administrators can easily manage permissions for inspectors, appraisers, and users from other departments. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access, modify or delete data, improving information security and integrity.

Taking and managing photos during inspections has never been easier. Photos are automatically assigned to the corresponding categories and organized in a list of thumbnails, making it easy to review and quickly access the necessary images. Additionally, at the end of a visit, the complete report, including photos, is sent to the server, ensuring that all material is available in one place and in real time.

Our app allows for an innovative organization of reference lists, which can be sorted by category or by visit date. This flexibility enhances efficiency by enabling inspectors to quickly access relevant information. For example, in the date view (right panel), the inspector can focus on a single category to examine the history by clicking on the different visit dates.

The integrated software system developed for civil works inspection and property appraisals offers a crucial advantage in terms of time and financial resource savings. By automating and simplifying the inspection process through apps, an EC2 server on AWS, and data storage in AWS buckets, it achieves high ergonomics, efficient management of reports and photos, as well as their secure storage.

The main financial advantage of this system lies in the increased productivity of inspectors. Thanks to the ergonomic preparation of reports, automated organization of sentences and photos, and the direct sending of reports from the mobile device to the cloud server, inspectors can perform more tasks in less time, significantly reducing operational costs. Additionally, the office workflow processes linked to the inspection start immediately. Moreover, automation eliminates the need for extensive manual processes in the office, leading to a more efficient use of the company's financial resources. In summary, this system not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens the company's competitiveness by shortening process times and reducing costs.

Main Advantages of Automation in Our System

• Centralized System: Access to all information from a single point.

• Information Integrity: Accurate and consistent data.

• Data Backup: Security and prevention of data loss.

• Authorized Access: Permission management and enhanced security.

• Simplified Photo Management: Quick organization and access to images.

• Innovative Organization: Flexibility in data visualization.

In the construction and property appraisal industry, report accuracy is crucial. An accurate report not only ensures compliance with standards and regulations but also protects the interests of all parties involved. Our integrated software system is designed to guarantee maximum accuracy at every stage of the inspection and reporting process.

In the field of construction and appraisals, complying with local, state, and national regulations is crucial. An accurate report ensures that all inspections and evaluations are conducted according to established standards, avoiding potential penalties and ensuring the safety and quality of the works.

In both construction and property appraisals, accurate reports are essential for making informed financial decisions. An error in the report can lead to cost overruns, legal issues, and loss of investments. Our system minimizes these risks by automating data collection and management, ensuring that all information is accurate and verifiable.

Accuracy in reports fosters transparency and builds trust among all parties involved: owners, contractors, inspectors, and regulatory entities. By ensuring that every detail is correctly documented, our system helps build trusting relationships and facilitates dispute resolution.

Automation and centralized data management in our system significantly reduce human errors. The app allows capturing observations and photos at the time of the inspection, automatically organizing them into the corresponding project. This not only improves accuracy but also streamlines the report generation process.

Every project, visit, and task is meticulously recorded in our system. Photos and observations are stored along with relevant information, providing complete and detailed documentation. This attention to detail is crucial to support any decision made based on the reports.

Accurate and well-organized information allows for quick and easy access to the necessary data. Administrators and inspectors can verify and validate the information at any time, ensuring that reports are always accurate and up-to-date.

Advantages of Accuracy in Our System:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that all inspections comply with regulations.

• Financial Protection: Minimizes financial risks associated with errors in reports.

• Transparency and Trust: Fosters trustful relationships among parties.

• Reduction of Human Errors: Automation that improves accuracy.

• Complete Documentation: Detailed records of every aspect of the inspection.

• Access and Verification: Information is easy to access and verify.

Accuracy is not just a technical aspect; it is the foundation on which the credibility and effectiveness of any construction or appraisal project are built. Our integrated software system is designed to provide that accuracy, ensuring that each report faithfully reflects reality and meets the highest industry standards.

In the field of construction and property appraisals, visual documentation is crucial. Photos not only complement written observations but also provide visual evidence of the condition of the works or properties. Our integrated software system greatly facilitates the capture, management, and attachment of photos in inspection reports.

Our Android app allows inspectors to take photos directly from their mobile device during the visit. This integrated feature eliminates the need to use separate cameras and manually transfer photos, saving time and reducing the possibility of errors.

Each photo taken is automatically assigned to the corresponding task within the project. This ensures that all images are organized and easy to find. For example, if inspecting the structure of a building, the photos will be automatically saved to the task from which the photo was taken.

The photos are displayed in a thumbnail list for each task. This preview makes it easier to quickly review the images and ensures that all relevant photos are available in one place. Inspectors can review and select the most representative photos to include in their reports.

Each photo can be accompanied by detailed observations. When taking a photo, the app allows users to add specific notes or comments about what is being documented, referring to the photo by its number or file name. This provides the written part of the report, which is invaluable for understanding the exact condition of the work or property.

At the end of a visit, the app allows sending the complete report, including all photos, directly to the cloud server. This automated process ensures that all images and observations are synchronized and securely stored in AWS S3, ready to be reviewed and used in the final reports.

Administrators and inspectors can easily access the photos and observations stored on the server. The server interface allows searching, viewing, and downloading the necessary images for creating inspection reports.

Advantages of Simplified Photo Management:

• Efficiency: Real-time capture and organization of photos during the inspection.

• Accuracy: Automatic assignment of photos to the corresponding tasks.

• Convenience: Thumbnail preview for quick and efficient review.

• Complete Documentation: Detailed observations accompanying the photo group for each task.

• Secure Synchronization: Automatic sending of photos to the server for secure storage.

• Quick Access: Easy access to photos from the server for report generation.

The ease of attaching photos to our inspection reports not only improves the quality of the documentation but also streamlines the report creation process, allowing inspectors to focus on what matters most: precise and detailed evaluation of works and properties.

Ergonomics in the organization of inspection visits is essential to maximize efficiency and minimize inspector fatigue. Our integrated software system is designed to facilitate ergonomic planning and execution of visits, allowing inspectors to focus on their work efficiently and without stress.

Good planning is key to an ergonomic inspection visit. With our system, administrators can schedule visits in advance, assigning each inspector specific tasks and the order in which they should be performed. This ensures that inspectors know exactly what to expect and can prepare accordingly.

Each project is assigned basic metadata such as the creation date and the supervisor in charge. Of particular interest for the organization and tracking of report execution are the planning data of the visits, which are usually coordinated with planning and process control tools indicating the arrival and departure times of the visit in question.

The metadata is customizable according to the requirements of the company using the system.

Advantages of Ergonomic Organization

• Efficient Planning: Advance scheduling and clear task assignment.

• Reduced Cognitive Load: Detailed and structured checklists.

• Synchronization of Planning and Process Control: Real execution times.

The civil works inspection and property appraisal system developed allows for efficient project management through the self-configuration of logs. The logs are lists of tasks or items to be inspected during visits, and their configuration is essential for the operability and customization of the system according to the specific needs of each project.

The configuration of the logs is done through an Excel file with a defined format, which allows the user to specify the inspection items. Each row of the file represents an item and must contain the following elements:

o Index: A number that uniquely identifies each item.

o Title: The name of the item to be inspected.

o Optional Description: A brief description of the item, providing context and additional details about what needs to be inspected.

Importance of the Self-Configuration method

A. Customization and Flexibility: This method allows each company or project to configure their logs according to their specific requirements. Users can define the inspection items they consider relevant, adapting the system to different types of works and evaluation criteria.

B. Efficiency in Configuration: By using an Excel file, users can prepare their logs quickly and easily. The familiarity and accessibility of Excel make it easy to create and edit lists without the need for advanced technical knowledge.

C. Consistency and Standardization: The defined format ensures that all logs follow a uniform structure, facilitating the interpretation and comparison of data between different projects and visits. This helps maintain high standards of quality and consistency in inspections.

D. Integration and Simplified Management: Once the logs are configured and loaded into the system, they integrate seamlessly with the Android app. During inspection visits, users can enter observations and take photos directly from their mobile devices, automatically assigning the photos to the corresponding items. This not only streamlines the inspection process but also improves the organization and access to information.

E. Improved Decision Making: The immediate availability of organized and structured information in logs facilitates the review and analysis of inspections. Administrators and supervisors can make more informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date data.

The first step in configuring an effective log is to identify the specific requirements of the project or inspection. The following aspects should be considered:

• Type of project: New construction, renovation, property appraisal, etc.

• Regulations and standards: Local regulations and industry standards that must be met.

• Inspection objectives: Specific areas and aspects that need to be evaluated.

The inspection is then broken down into detailed items and sub-items that cover all the necessary aspects. For example:

• Structure: Foundations, columns, beams.

• Finishes: Walls, floors, ceilings.

• Installations: Electrical, plumbing, gas.

Example of Log Configuration

List Name: IEE Building Structure Inspection

Items and Sub-items:

Structure

' 1.1. Foundations

' 1.1.1. Verify the depth of the foundations.

' 1.1.2. Check the quality of the concrete.

' 1.2. Columns

' 1.2.1. Review the alignment of the columns.

' 1.2.2. Inspect the steel connections.

Finishes

' 2.1. Walls

' 2.1.1. Inspect the uniformity of the finish.

' 2.1.2. Verify the correct application of paint.

' 2.2. Floors

' 2.2.1. Check the leveling of the floor.

' 2.2.2. Review the quality of the materials used.

Installations

' 3.1. Electrical

' 3.1.1. Verify the installation of wiring.

' 3.1.2. Check the functionality of switches.

' 3.2. Plumbing

' 3.2.1. Inspect the installation of pipes.

' 3.2.2. Review the correct connection to the sewage system.

Optionally, the titles of the deeper levels can be shortened, and the instruction can be delegated to the attached description of the item. For example:

' 1.1.1 Depth; description: Verify the depth of the foundations.

This procedure improves the supervision of items in menu listings as explained in Chapter 1.6.

Conclusion

The self-configuration of logs through an Excel file is a key feature that brings flexibility, efficiency, and consistency to the civil works and property appraisal inspection system. This approach allows the system to adapt to various needs and standards, significantly improving the management and execution of inspections.

In the construction and property appraisal industry, efficient management of reports is crucial for accuracy, safety, and accessibility of information. Storing reports in the cloud offers numerous advantages that transform the way data is managed and improve the operational efficiency of companies. Below, we explore the main benefits of using our integrated software system that leverages the cloud for storing inspection reports.

Storing reports in the cloud allows data to be available at any time and from anywhere. Inspectors, administrators, and assigned departmental staff can access project and visit information in real-time, facilitating collaboration and quick decision-making regardless of geographic location.

Using the cloud to store reports ensures that data is protected against loss and unauthorized access. Our system utilizes AWS S3 for storage, benefiting from AWS’s robust security measures, including data encryption in transit and at rest, as well as detailed permission management through AWS-IAM.

The cloud provides integrated backup and data recovery solutions. This means that reports are always backed up, and in the event of any system failure or data loss, information can be quickly recovered without affecting business continuity.

Storing data in the cloud allows for easy scalability according to business needs. As the volume of data grows, storage capacity can be expanded without significant investments in infrastructure. This flexibility ensures that the system can adapt to the changing needs of businesses without interruptions.

The cloud eliminates the need to maintain physical storage infrastructure, thereby reducing costs associated with hardware, maintenance, and management of local servers. Cloud services' pay-as-you-go models allow for efficient and predictable cost management.

Cloud storage facilitates collaboration between teams. Administrators and inspectors can easily share reports and data, work together on projects, and access the latest information without needing to send documents via email or use physical devices for data exchange.

Advantages of Cloud Storage with Our System

• Universal Access: Data available anytime and anywhere.

• Security: Robust protection against loss and unauthorized access.

• Backup and Recovery: Integrated solutions for business continuity.

• Scalability: Adjustable storage capacity according to needs.

• Cost Reduction: Elimination of physical infrastructure and associated costs.

• Collaboration: Facilitates teamwork and information sharing.

• Automated Maintenance: Updates and security managed by the provider.

By storing reports in the cloud, businesses can significantly enhance their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the integrity and availability of their data. Our integrated software system provides all these advantages, transforming the way inspections and property appraisals are managed.

Information security is a top priority in managing construction projects and property appraisals. Protecting sensitive inspection data against unauthorized access is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of information. Our integrated software system employs various security measures to ensure that data is always protected. Below, we explore the strategies and technologies implemented to safeguard your inspection information.

Implementing a robust authentication system is the first step to protect access to information. Our system uses multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to provide two or more forms of verification before accessing the data. This includes combinations of passwords, codes sent to mobile devices, and biometric authenticators.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) allows for defining specific permissions for different roles within the organization. In our system, users are divided into administrators, inspectors, and departmental employees with restricted access, each with clearly defined access rights regulated by AWS-IAM. This ensures that only authorized users can access, modify, or delete sensitive information.

Data encryption is an essential measure to protect information both in transit and at rest. Our system uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data as it transfers between devices and servers. Additionally, data at rest stored in AWS S3 is encrypted using encryption keys managed by AWS, ensuring that the information remains protected even if physical access to the servers is obtained.

Continuous monitoring and auditing of access and activities help detect and respond quickly to any unauthorized access attempts. Our system logs all user access and actions, providing a comprehensive audit trail that allows identifying suspicious behavior and taking immediate corrective actions.

Establishing and maintaining clear security policies is fundamental for data protection. Our system implements strict policies defining how data should be managed and protected. This includes requirements for secure passwords, authentication procedures, and guidelines for handling sensitive data.

Ensuring that data is regularly backed up and can be recovered in case of incidents is vital for business continuity. Our system performs automatic backups of all inspection data and stores it in AWS, ensuring that a backup is always available.

Advantages of Protecting Inspection Information

• Data Integrity: Protection against unauthorized modifications.

• Confidentiality: Ensuring that only authorized users have access to information.

• Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to security regulations and standards.

• Client Trust: Increased trust from clients and stakeholders knowing that data is secure.

• Risk Reduction: Minimization of risks associated with security breaches.

Implementation of Security Strategies in Our System

a) Multi-Factor Authentication: Requires multiple forms of verification to access data.

b) Access Control: Definition of roles and specific permissions for users.

c) Data Encryption: Protection of data in transit and at rest through encryption.

d) Monitoring and Auditing: Logging of access and activities to detect suspicious behavior.

e) Security Policies: Implementation of clear policies for data management and protection.

f) Automatic Backup: Regular backups and secure cloud storage.

g) Automatic Updates: Ensuring the software is always updated with the latest security patches.

By implementing these strategies, our integrated software system ensures that inspection information is always protected against unauthorized access, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the data.

Technology plays a crucial role in transforming inspections, eliminating reliance on traditional paperwork, and significantly improving operational efficiency. Our integrated software system uses advanced technologies to minimize paperwork and optimize the inspection process in the construction and property appraisal industry. Below, we explore how our technological solution reduces paperwork and facilitates daily operations:

The use of mobile devices allows inspectors to capture data directly at the inspection site, eliminating the need for paper forms. Inspectors can enter detailed information, including observations, measurements, and photographs, directly into the developed mobile application. This not only reduces the time spent on manual documentation but also improves the accuracy and speed of data collection.

Our system replaces paper forms with digital logs that are accessible from any connected device. The digital logs are customizable according to the specific requirements of each inspection and can include detailed checklists, text fields for observations, and the ability to attach photos and supporting documents. This reduces paper waste and simplifies the storage and management of documents.

Automating administrative processes in our system allows for the automatic generation of reports and certificates once the inspection is complete. The data collected during the inspection is automatically integrated into predefined templates, eliminating the need for manual transcription and reducing errors associated with duplicate data entry.

Technology facilitates remote access to inspection data and real-time collaboration among geographically dispersed teams. Administrators, engineers, and other stakeholders can access inspection reports from any location, review updated data, and make informed decisions without waiting for the physical delivery of documents.

We use secure cloud storage for all inspection data, providing protected access and automatic backup of information. Documents and photos captured during inspections are stored in an organized manner and are available for future reference, reducing the risk of loss or deterioration of physical documents.

Our system integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and resource planning tools for more efficient project management. This integration allows for data synchronization between different platforms and the consolidation of critical information in one place, eliminating duplicate efforts and improving project visibility.

Advantages of Reducing Paperwork with Technology:

• Operational Efficiency: Less time spent on manual administrative tasks.

• Accuracy and Reliability: Reduction of errors associated with manual data entry.

• Environmental Sustainability: Reduced paper usage and environmental impact.

• Improved Access and Collaboration: Facilitates remote access and real-time collaboration.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that reports comply with current standards and regulations.

Implementation in Our System:

Our integrated software system provides a complete solution for reducing paperwork in inspections, using advanced technology to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection and management. From digital capture to report automation, our platform optimizes every step of the inspection process, thereby improving productivity and customer satisfaction.

• Intuitive Interface: Our user interface (UI) design focuses on the WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) methodology, enhancing the intuitiveness and ease of use of the UI. Each element requiring a higher level of detail is represented by a graphic object or an active text that, when clicked, navigates the UI to the required level using clean design and clear visual hierarchies.

• Logical Workflow: Ensures that the workflow within the application is logical and follows the natural process of an inspection, from report creation to submission.

• Minimization of Steps: Reduces the number of steps required to complete a task, avoiding overload of unnecessary options and functions.

• Educational Material: The integrated software system provides users with clear and accessible educational materials, such as tutorials and step-by-step guides, to help users familiarize themselves with the application.

• Technical Support: We offer efficient and accessible technical support to quickly resolve any issues or questions users may have during the use of the application (support fees apply).

• Training and Instruction: Upon request, our company provides training modules for groups of Inspectors and Administrators. The administrator group requires knowledge of AWS-IAM and S3. The training content and its cost depend on the group's prior knowledge.

• Adaptable Configuration: Allows users to customize the application by language (English, Spanish, or German) according to their specific needs. The customization of logs is key in this process (see chapter 5). Project and visit metadata can be customized according to the client's needs (customization fees apply).

• Cross-Platform Compatibility and System Integration: Ensures that the application is compatible with different devices and operating systems, facilitating its use in various conditions and work environments. Of particular interest are the reports or projects saved in S3. Access to the data and photos is through the UI of an internet browser, with the same functionality as the mobile device UI. This UI allows unrestricted access to notes in visit logs and downloading photos to the computer. If programmatic access to databases is required, AWS provides tools for interoperability with major relational databases such as SQLite, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Aurora, etc. (conversion fees apply).

• Automatic Features: Implements automatic functions that simplify repetitive or complex tasks, such as automatic report generation or background data synchronization.

• IoT Integration (restricted): Uses sensors and IoT devices to automatically collect data during inspections, minimizing manual intervention and improving accuracy.

• Data Security: Prioritizes the security of stored and transmitted data by implementing robust encryption and authentication measures.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that the application complies with applicable data security regulations and standards in the industry and geographic location where it is used.

Benefits of a Simplified Application

• Increased Adoption and Usability: Facilitates user adoption by eliminating entry barriers and reducing the learning curve.

• Operational Efficiency: Improves productivity by minimizing time spent on complex navigation or troubleshooting.

• User Satisfaction: Increases user satisfaction by providing a smooth and enjoyable experience during the use of the application.

Implementation in Our Inspection Application

In our inspection application, we will implement these strategies to ensure that users can perform their tasks effectively and efficiently, without being overwhelmed by the complexity of the software. From interface design to intelligent automation and continuous support, we are committed to providing a tool that simplifies and enhances the inspection process for all involved users.