What are the biggest challenges today faced by pipeline companies when it comes to data collection and management?
Cost is maybe number one. Many of the current PODS systems are very expensive. Inefficiency and inaccuracy is a close second. Still paper and pen are an important part of how data is collected in the field. This then has to be collated and input into the central company system when back in the office. Often this can take weeks or even months.
Today using cloud and mobile technology, there are far better and cheaper ways to collect and manage field data. Imagine a real scenario faced by pipeline companies; tracking encroachments. The video below shows an iPad application which dramatically improves on old methods:
Notable in the video are:
1) The approach is location and map driven. Encroachments are added at the users location using the iPads GPS location.
2) Workflows are simple. All data about the encroachment is added to each individual encroachment feature. This is the same data collected on encroachments agreement forms.
3) Images of the encroachment, taken with the iPads camera, can also be attached to the encroachment feature.
4) Data is uploaded automatically to the companies cloud instance. So no more manual data input.
5) Access to the data can be provided to users across the organization in real time.
6) Electronic agreements can be signed and sent to all parties automatically.
Using a combination of mobile and cloud technology is dramatically improving how pipeline companies are now working with field based data. Contact us directly for more information.
