How a Custom Low-Code Application
Transformed This Company's
Inspection Process
Are you running inspections for your business? Many businesses claim that manual inspections and outdated systems can lead to a significant increase in equipment downtime due to missed or delayed detection of issues. Unfortunately, this isn’t a light matter. When not detected right away, a minor equipment malfunction can cause a ripple effect, possibly halting production lines and costing companies thousands of dollars per minute. According to statistics, unplanned downtime in manufacturing costs about $50 billion every single year.
This was a challenge faced by Interstates, a leader in the industrial manufacturing and processing facility space, known for simplifying complex challenges and providing innovative solutions for industrial facilities. They needed a native mobile application to make their equipment and safety inspections a lot faster, easier, and more efficient.
In this article, we’ll share how Rapid App Werks built a custom solution for this challenge and how Interstates improved their inspection process with their new custom Mobile Equipment Performance Evaluation app.
A System in Need of an Upgrade
While Interstates had a system in place for managing mobile equipment inspections, it was no longer meeting their growing needs. The previous system was cumbersome and time-consuming, sometimes leading to delays in identifying equipment issues. Understanding that this could potentially compromise safety and cause downtime, Interstates sought a more efficient and modern solution by partnering with Rapid App Werks, a rapid app development company, to create a faster, safer, more accurate, and more efficient applications for their inspections team.
How it Works
The mobile equipment inspection app can be downloaded onto any mobile device, such as a phone, tablet, or iPad. Once downloaded, technicians can easily access pre-loaded checklists specific to each piece of equipment.
Here’s a breakdown of the inspection process within the app:
1. New Inspection
Technicians can initiate a new inspection by selecting a specific location (e.g., warehouse) and choosing the equipment type to be inspected (e.g., forklift).
2. Visual and Operational Checklists
The app guides technicians through a comprehensive inspection process with two key checklists:
a. Visual Checklist
This checklist ensures a thorough examination of the equipment’s physical condition. Technicians can efficiently mark completed items and capture photos or videos of any identified issues.
b. Operational Checklist
This checklist focuses on the functionality of the equipment. Technicians can go through each item, marking “Pass” or “Fail” based on the equipment’s performance.
3. Signature and Report Generation
Upon completion, technicians can add their digital signature to the inspection report. The app then automatically generates a comprehensive report that includes all recorded data, photos, and videos. This report can be easily shared with relevant personnel for further analysis and timely corrective actions.
How Interstates’ Mobile Equipment Performance Evaluation Application Streamlined Their Inspection Process
This new custom mobile application, falling under Interstates’ safety category, was specifically designed to streamline their inspection process and upgrade safety standards. This application helped Interstates through the following:
The mobile equipment inspection app empowers technicians with a user-friendly interface accessible on both smartphones and tablets. Standardized digital checklists ensure a thorough examination of all crucial aspects of the equipment, replacing time-consuming manual forms.
The app also allows for the generation of comprehensive reports for further analysis and record-keeping, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This streamlined process significantly reduces inspection times, freeing up valuable technician time and maximizing equipment uptime.
Enhanced Accuracy
Standardized digital checklists minimize errors and ensure consistent, reliable data collection. With the new application, technicians can no longer misinterpret handwriting or forget to record crucial details. This not only improves the accuracy of inspections but also provides valuable historical data for future reference.
Offline Accessibility
Connectivity can be limited in certain industrial environments, so the app is designed to function seamlessly offline. Technicians can complete inspections even in areas with weak or no signal. Data is then synced when a connection is re-established, for an uninterrupted operation.
Interstates’ vision was clear, and their requirements were well-defined. Combining that with Rapid App Werks’ development expertise, it resulted in a solution that perfectly addressed their needs for a more modern, efficient, and safety-focused inspection process.
“[I] wanted to say great job on this one,” said Carter Brock, System Analyst at Interstates. “It looks really good. I appreciate the fact that you were able to take this off my plate and do it as well as you did. That makes a huge difference for me specifically when I can trust you guys to put out good work.”
Empowering Businesses Through Technology
These custom mobile apps demonstrate the power of leveraging technology to improve safety, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making in the manufacturing industry. As Rapid App Werks continues to partner with companies like Interstates, we are committed to developing innovative mobile solutions that address real-world challenges and empower businesses to thrive by creating solutions that meet their needs.
How Low-Code Development Can Benefit Your Inspection Process
Do you think your inspection process needs an upgrade? Many organizations like Interstates struggle with legacy systems that hinder efficiency and accuracy. Here’s where Rapid App Werks, a certified Mendix partner specializing in low-code development, can help.
With Rapid App Werks and our low-code solutions, you can replace legacy systems with a more user-friendly mobile app.
Low-code development allows Rapid App Werks to build these apps quickly and efficiently, without the need for extensive coding. This translates into several benefits for your inspection process, such as:
Reduced Time
Digital checklists eliminate the need for manual data entry, saving technicians valuable time during inspections. They can focus on the actual inspection and easily capture findings for clear documentation.
Improved Accuracy
Standardized checklists minimize errors and ensure all crucial aspects of the equipment are inspected. With this improved system, technicians can’t miss anything or misinterpret handwriting, leading to more reliable data collection.
Enhanced Efficiency
Offline functionality allows inspections to proceed even in areas with limited connectivity. Data automatically syncs when a connection is re-established for an uninterrupted operation. Then, reports are generated automatically, eliminating the need for post-inspection data entry.
Data-Driven Decisions
We can also build an app that can collect valuable historical inspection data. This data can be used to identify trends, predict equipment failures, and schedule preventive maintenance.
Why Low-Code?
Traditional coding for custom applications can be a lengthy and expensive process. This can be a barrier for many businesses that need a quick and cost-effective solution. Low-code development platforms like Mendix provide a visual development environment that allows certified Mendix partners like Rapid App Werks to build apps faster with less coding.
This means:
Faster Development and Deployment
Low-code development streamlines the app creation process, allowing you to get your mobile inspection app up and running quicker. This minimizes downtime and allows you to reap the benefits of a streamlined inspection process sooner.
Reduced Costs
By minimizing the need for extensive coding, low-code development reduces overall development costs. This makes custom mobile apps a more accessible solution for a wider range of businesses.
Scalability and Flexibility
Mendix is designed to be scalable and adaptable. This means your mobile inspection app can grow and evolve alongside your business needs.
With a trusted low-code expert, you can build the right app faster.
Low-code development goes beyond the mobile app itself. Rapid App Werks can integrate the app with your existing systems, providing a holistic view of your inspection data. With your new application, you can generate real-time inspection reports accessible to supervisors and maintenance personnel. This results in faster identification and resolution of equipment issues.
Ready to Streamline Your Inspection Processes?
Low-code development experts like Rapid App Werks can develop custom inspection apps swiftly and cost-effectively for your business. This means you can benefit from the advantages of a mobile inspection solution without the lengthy development times and high costs associated with traditional coding.
Are you ready for a custom low-code solution for your inspections?
Let Rapid App Werks transform your inspection process with your own custom low-code app. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and see how we can help you improve safety, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making in your organization.