Earthtec Engineering Leaps into the Digital Age of Construction Materials Testing with eFieldData
May 18, 2024
Executive Summary
Earthtec Engineering faced challenges meeting client demands due to an outdated and inefficient reporting process, causing delays in report delivery and hindering growth and competitiveness. Implementing eFieldData significantly reduced turnaround times, enhanced client satisfaction, and improved overall efficiency, enabling Earthtec to thrive in the digital age.
Business Challenge
When Earthtec Engineering Vice President, Bob Wenzel, P.E., and his two partners acquired the company, they inherited an outdated and inefficient reporting process. The company's reliance on manual processes, including handwritten time cards, Adobe files, Excel spreadsheets and paper reports created significant bottlenecks in data collection and report generation. Technicians often submitted paperwork inconsistently, resulting in delays of up to a week before critical field data reached the office. This inconsistency made it challenging for project managers to maintain oversight and send reports in a timely manner to clients.
The lack of real-time access to reports further compounded the problem, hindering effective communication between project managers and field technicians. The existing system not only hampered operational efficiency but also strained internal resources, as administrative staff spent significant time manually transcribing data and chasing paperwork. Overall, the company's outdated processes posed a considerable obstacle to growth and competitiveness in the industry.
Solution
Recognizing the need for a modern digital solution, Bob and his team began the search for a cloud-based construction materials testing software to streamline Earthtec Engineering’s operations. After evaluating multiple vendors, they determined that eFieldData offered the ideal combination of user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and affordability.
By implementing eFieldData, Earthtec Engineering underwent a transformation in its reporting processes. The platform's intuitive design ensured that both younger and older technicians could adapt quickly, facilitating smooth integration into the company's workflow. With real-time access to reports, project managers could monitor progress and address issues proactively, improving communication and collaboration across the organization.
eFieldData's automated workflow accommodated scheduling priority for time critical jobs and reports could be sent to clients instantaneously as soon as the review process was completed. This significantly reduced turnaround times and enhanced overall efficiency. Additionally, Earthtec Engineering benefited from eFieldData's responsive support team, who worked with them on a smooth transition and promptly addressed any issues and provided ongoing support. According to Bob Wenzel, “Support from the eFieldData team has been excellent. Our problem tickets are attended to within 24 hours, and all our questions are answered.”
Results
The implementation of eFieldData marked a pivotal step forward for Earthtec Engineering, enabling it to overcome its operational challenges and thrive in the digital age. The company experienced a dramatic reduction in report turnaround times, with reports now being delivered within 24 to 48 hours, and even within an hour for urgent requests. This expedited process enhanced client satisfaction and improved overall efficiency. Additionally, the inclusion of attached pictures in reports, such as concrete reports with truck tickets, further enhanced the quality and credibility of Earthtec's deliverables, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
Also, eFieldData empowered Earthtec Engineering to operate more flexibly, with the ability to review and send reports remotely, even while on the road. This flexibility and accessibility significantly improved productivity and streamlined operations. Bob emphasized the ease of adoption and the ongoing improvements to the software, advising others to embrace change and leverage the benefits of modern technology. Overall, eFieldData transformed Earthtec Engineering's operations, making life easier for employees, enhancing client satisfaction, and positioning the company for continued success.
About Earthtec Engineering
Earthtec Engineering, with locations in Lindon, Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah has been successfully servicing commercial constructors, developers, industrial facilities, school districts, and municipalities since 1989. Throughout their tenure, Earthtec's name has become synonymous with value, quality, and integrity. They provide services beginning at the Environmental, Geotechnical Engineering, and Geologic Investigation phases by conducting preliminary studies, and continuing to the construction phase by providing Special Inspections and Testing to ensure that future construction is built in accordance with building codes, project plans, and specifications. They also provide commercial building code inspections, post-construction testing, forensic studies, and more.
About eFieldData
eFieldData, a subscription-based Software-as-a-Solution (SaaS) platform, developed by Vconnex Services, Inc, is designed for geotechnical firms to automate the workflow process for construction materials testing and field inspections.
efieldData stands out as a unique solution for engineers seeking to automate project workflow and manage lab reports, field reports, timesheets, billing and analyze productivity via dashboards.