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Information Technology: Latista Field
New field inspection software generates detailed, on-the-spot reports
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Latista Field uses back-office data to create the information needed for field inspections and punchlists, thus eliminating the need to retype project locations or subcontractor data. |
As the ties between the field Trailer and the jobsite become stronger with wireless connections, new efficiencies are changing the way every aspect of a project is done.
“Now that many construction companies have their back offices automated, they can turn their attention to automating their field operations,” says Igor Starkov, vice president of Latista, Reston, Va. For those in charge of construction inspections, Latista Field offers a new way for superintendents to streamline the way they perform inspections and how they communicate what they find.
Whether used for a rolling punch list, safety inspection or quality control, Latista Field’s templates can significantly speed the response to job tickets. “In the case of a rolling punch list, the superintendent can see what needs to be done by walking through the jobsite and automatically generate a job ticket and sending it to the sub while doing the inspection,” Starkov says. The job ticket can even be translated into several other languages, including Spanish and Korean.
In addition, Latista Field’s tablet PCs come with small imbedded digital cameras. Once a photograph is taken, it is linked to the issue ticket and automatically attached to it. The user can also mark up the photo. The user’s name and the date and time the photograph was taken are stamped on the image. Starkov says this feature even makes the image usable in court to support litigation or arbitration as well as clearly illustrating the issues that need to be addressed.
Latista Field can work on jobsites where Internet connections are sometimes spotty or nonexistent because of electrical interference, concrete or lack of wireless capabilities. The database in the computer gives users what they need for the day and then synchronizes with the main computer when the users are back in wireless range.
Latista Field uses back-office data to create the information needed for inspections and punchlists. Starkov says Latista Field works with the major construction project management software and financial systems such as Prolog and Constructware. “There is no need to retype project location or subcontractor data,” he says.
Information from Latista Field can be helpful in making project management decisions. The software generates reports by project, inspection, subcontractor or claims, making it easier to see which subs were issued the most issue tickets or how quickly problems were resolved.
Depending on the level of detail needed, the software can be set up for a day or a month. Templates guide the user to set up each page with specific project details. If the inspection involves new construction of a single-family home, for example, the user clicks a button for “master bedroom” and gets a checklist for doors, moldings, windows, carpet and other elements.
Latista Field uses Xplore and Itronix PC tablets. The company customizes the software for the client and provides support and maintenance. Call Latista for pricing.
Latista
12007 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite 110
Reston, Va. 20191
703-391-1070
Toll free: 800-941-8941
www.latista.com
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