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Tablet PCs
In many instances across all of the industry sectors, inspection information is captured on paper during the inspection and either stored in a file cabinet, or entered into some kind electronic storage facility, such as Microsoft Word, Excel or perhaps a database such as Access.
The shortcomings of storing paper in a file cabinet do not require elaboration.
The cost of the administration of the electronic files can be considerable, with people e-mailing files back and forth and storing/searching for them on local and/or server hard drives.
The hidden cost of data entry, whether it is by the Inspector or an administration person can be enormous. It is estimated that Inspectors spend as much as 30% of their time entering information gathered during the Inspection into some kind of electronic format.
The evolution of the Tablet PC has revolutionized the way that this type of effort is handled. Instead of writing notes on a piece of paper, the inspector has the ability to enter the information into a database by either writing on the screen or speaking into a microphone. In either case the content is stored as typed text, which is can be modified just as easily.
Tablet PCs fall into two categories, a notebook computer where the screen swivels from laptop to writing pad and the pure tablet which docks with a keyboard and other peripherals. All have touch-screens and have built-in 802.11X wireless Ethernet.
Most of the Laptop Vendors have Tablet models that have all the features of Windows XP Professional plus handwriting and speech recognition. You can point and click with a pen, instead of using the keypad. You can also write on the screen with the pen and the system will save your handwriting as typed text, or speak into a microphone and have your speech saved as typed text.
These features make the Tablet ideal for Inspection applications, since Inspectors can complete their Inspection forms while walking around the site...using their digital pen to check radio buttons or picklists and either writing their comments on the screen like they would on a note pad, or by speaking into a microphone and having their speech converted to typed text.
In fact, we have developed a utility, which allows the client contact to "sign-off" on an inspection, by signing the screen. Their signature is captured as electronic ink and encrypted. The inspector can then print a copy of the report for the client and, more importantly, keep a copy of the signed inspection document in the database, thereby eliminating the need to keep a paper copy of the inspection.
One Note...do your homework...while virtually all of them run the same Microsoft OS, you'll want to carefully assess things such as ruggedness, weight, screen size, peripherals and battery life. And don't forget the most important issue of all...price...Tablet PCs come in a wide variety of models and just as wide a price range.