Mobile technologies are now ubiquitous: pretty much everyone has a mobile phone; Blackberries aren't just for bankers anymore; and, EVDO is allowing wireless laptop connectivity just about anywhere. So, I wanted to drill in on how these technologies are being used to extend traditional construction software products into the mobile realm.

I had a chance to interview Austin Beaty, President of Austin Lane Technologies, after he came across RiverGuide for Construction Software. Austin Lane provides mobile solutions that extend traditional software systems. Moreover, the company has a strong focus on the construction industry.

Can you talk about the mobile solution landscape and what's popular today?

Mobile technology has the potential to yield huge benefits for a company. The benefits range from accuracy of data to decreased corporate operating costs. These technologies enable companies of all sizes to extend the reach of their corporate network by enabling an organization to capture data where it originates. It's more than just a laptop in the field sending and receiving email.

If a company has field personnel with Windows experience then they can leverage wireless EVDO and a virtual private network (VPN) on PC-based machines like laptops or tablet PCs. Most companies are looking to capture data for critical business processes like project updates. Many forward-thinking companies leverage handheld devices as well because these devices are cost-effective and can be deployed to many field personnel, including those resistant to using technology.

What are some of the complexities involved in deploying mobile technology?

By far the biggest challenge is overcoming the objection that field personnel -- like superintendents and foremen -- won't or can't adopt technology to capture data. In general, there is a belief that field personnel can't use technology. This belief exists mainly due to paper forms not being filled out correctly.

Field personnel normally wait until the end of the week to report activities for the entire period. It is normally perceived that the current approach to information gathering does not work well. With the right mobile solution this challenge can be overcome. I hear it all the time from guys in the field that they are tired of chasing paper. The field personnel are seeking a better reporting process. They want something that will help them. With mobile technology, the field and the office can both benefit. Information is validated upon entry, electronically transmitted and activity reports are provided on a daily basis.

What are some of the key considerations in selecting a mobile solution?

There are multiple factors to consider. The most important thing is to let the mobile software drive the hardware; the mobile device is secondary. Also, don't get attached to a specific device. Purchase a software solution that supports multiple handheld operating systems like Palm or Windows Mobile along with Windows XP for desktop PC use.

Be sure to select a mobile solution that is logical, intuitive and requires minimal training for the field personnel. The solution’s infrastructure should fully integrate with the primary system and be device agnostic as well as carrier agnostic. Additionally, look for a mobile software vendor that offers a scalable solution. Also, ensure that the software vendor leverages a strong database engine to collect all the information. Lastly, familiarize yourself with how the software vendor performs support. Inquire about software updates and new version releases

And what about selecting a mobile service provider?

It is important to remember that the location of a construction project does not always occur in a wireless carrier’s data coverage area. Therefore, look at the wireless carrier’s coverage map and pay close attention to the data coverage area. If you are looking at handhelds, settle on a device that is supported by all the carriers. From a support and training standpoint, it is smart to have this consistency.

How do you overcome technology objections from the field?

First and foremost you should include the field in the mobile solution selection process. You cannot afford to box up the software and put it on the shelf. You get “buy-in” by including them. It has been my experience that most field personnel want a solution to the traditional approach of chasing paper. They need a mobile solution that is easy to use, intuitive, and simple. And most people really love their electronic gadgets. It's great when the device is both functional and fun.

Give me an example of how much time is required to deploy a mobile solution?

Every software vendor offers different feature sets in their mobile solution; therefore, it is difficult to give a norm. The term "mobile solution" implies a simple and streamlined deployment. So deployment and training should have only a brief impact on a construction company. For example, Austin Lane has a time tracking application called ALPay. It is part of our ALMobile suite of applications and we install and train within 3 business days. All of our ALMobile products are installed with an installation wizard on a Microsoft SQL database.

During the installation we adapt to the customer’s primary system configuration such as job cost accounting or project management software. Training for a group of one to ten field users is typically between four to six hours for one product. As a solution provider, one of our goals is to have minimal impact on the customer during implementation.

Do you have an idea on typical payback for a mobile solution?

The benefits can be substantial; typically companies experience an ROI in less than three months by streamlining just one critical business process. Improving the efficiency of a business process like time tracking can impact the total payroll by three to four percent. This percentage is based on direct costs, not taking into account intangible benefits. It is imperative to stay competitive as construction companies are taking advantage of this technology.

If you want to get in touch with Austin, you can reach him by email at info@austinlane.com or learn more about his company at www.austinlane.com.

February 8, 2007

Just one thought… the ability to share images taken by a "cell" phone is huge too. "A picture is worth…" and sometimes that picture can describe the problem on a construction site better than any words ever could.

Ken Carman