Computer-aided facilities inspection

This paper presents the development of a computer-aided facilities inspection system based on Web-centric technologies and pen-based computers. The system, called Field Inspection Reporting System, was field tested at the Boulder campus of the University of Colorado. More than 20 employees from the Department of Facilities Management at the University of Colorado participated in the 2-month study that included 18 building inspections in the mechanical, electrical, and architectural areas. Results show an improved process with better quality, greater speed, enhanced service, and lower cost. The Field Inspection Reporting System demonstrates the viability of Web-centric technologies to support complex processes. When a Web-centric system is implemented, there is a paradigm shift from isolation to collaboration. The characteristics of this new paradigm shift were found to be centered on the concepts of ownership, accessibility, availability, and timeliness of information together with the notions of process implementation and control.