A better inspection starts in the field

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Dataforma is reworking its inspection process to reduce field friction and strengthen the documentation that supports reports, recommendations and client communication. 

Roof inspections are the starting point for much of the work that follows, from documenting existing conditions to preparing client reports and identifying potential repairs. When that process is inefficient, the effects can extend across maintenance planning, recommendations and communication with building owners. Dataforma is addressing that challenge by reworking a workflow that Brian Cook acknowledged has not always been one of the platform’s strongest areas. 

Brian shared, “We’re also redoing our inspection process, which is a big thing for our core constituency.” That work responds to a competitive weakness Brian described candidly. “With our inspection process, that is the way that our competitors most directly attack us.” Dataforma was designed to support operations across an entire business rather than focus narrowly on inspections. That broader approach created advantages elsewhere, but it also left room to improve the field experience. 

Brian explained that the challenge stemmed in part from Dataforma’s broader purpose as a platform designed to support operations across the business. “Dataforma was built to encompass your entire business. So, the inspection process just wasn’t as good.” That broad focus meant the inspection workflow had to support a detailed range of field tasks. In practice, crews may need to record the roof system type, document overall conditions, identify problems and organize findings into reports that can range from 10 to 50 pages. Those findings can also inform repair recommendations and reveal additional service opportunities. 

The updated workflow is designed to reduce repetition and create a more direct path through the inspection process. Brian explained that the previous approach could require users to cross the roof several times to complete each step, while the new model allows them to document issues as they move through the inspection. 

By streamlining that field experience, Dataforma is making it easier for users to capture findings efficiently and move those details into reports, maintenance planning and repair recommendations. Brian described the change as a significant upgrade that better aligns the platform with the way contractors work in the field. 

Learn more about Dataforma’s efforts to improve inspection workflows and field usability!