10 advantages of field data collection with mobile devices
Field data collection can be a very difficult and time consuming process. Manual field data collection requires a great deal of money, materials, personnel, and other resources. With such an investment comes the great responsibility of collecting the correct data in a short period of time, since the data collected in the field affects the productivity of the company.
All thanks to constantly evolving technology, with the help of mobile devices seems to be the only solution to the challenges faced by field data collection teams. This not only replaces the old and outdated Pen-Paper method of data collection, but also provides new ways to utilize available workforce time in the field. The field data collection app is designed for all devices, whether it is an Android data collection app or an iOS data collection app.
Mobile-based tools have become established in almost all developed and developing countries. It is obvious that the companies that adopt this online method prosper more than those that are still stuck in the old methodologies.
Let’s take a look at the advantages for executives and workers who have a specialization in this area.
1. Supercharged productivity
Platforms based on mobile forms allow a systematic and efficient organization of the collected data thanks to its real-time indicators. This saves a lot of time on data collection and reporting back to the head office. All the employee has to do is simply fill out the form on their mobile device and instantly submit it for analysis.
2. Never lose data
Data, mostly old data, is always required to verify or sometimes even compare with new data, allowing a company to set new benchmarks and define long-term goals. The data collected in the mobile form is saved directly in the cloud. This helps to allow the user to access the data whenever and wherever they want without fear of losing the data.
3. Enables rich data collection
Collecting just numbers and text is like some other methods. But rich data collection is now possible thanks to mobile data collection forms. Rich data includes things like images, location, audio, video, and also scanning a barcode. This makes it possible to determine the authenticity of the product or the information collected.
4. Huge cost savings
Saving idle time and resources leads to saving large amounts of money. Mobile forms do the same and reduce costs in processes such as transportation or even the use of paper and much more. Since it also saves data in the cloud, losses that occur due to data loss are also eliminated.
5. Works even offline
Mobile forms can be completed both online and offline. This works very well as there are many areas in the world that do not have mobile network coverage yet. All the worker needs to do is fill out the form and save it to load later when the device has internet access.
6. Comparison with other data
It is very easy to compare data in field applications instead of comparing it manually. The data collected in the app can be easily compared with already existing data. This allows management to make important decisions that can further increase the productivity of the company in the near future.
7. High quality of service
Mobile forms make job evaluation faster and more efficient with high accuracy, adding to the satisfaction of both the service provider and the client.
8. Workflow automation
Zero or minimal human interference minimizes the time required to get the job done and also eliminates human-made errors. The workflow is streamlined as it becomes automated and therefore follows each step set by the form builder at the beginning and is followed over and over again without any real input from the user.
9. Expedited process
Instant email of collected data is sent to customers, colleagues and partners instantly. The dispatch feature allows you to quickly assign jobs and handle approvals with mobile workflows.
10. Ease of use
Perhaps the best advantage of field data collection is its ease of use. Mobile forms are easily prepared using the drag and drop method on your websites. These mobile data collection forms are then distributed to the fieldworker’s mobile devices to complete and provide the necessary details.