Fulton Hogan - Inspection Management

Optimizing field service operations through custom integrations between M-Files and Inspection Management, an online and offline field data collection application

Project Highlights

  • Mobile-First Application: Fulton Hogan replaced analog processes with TEAM IM's Inspection Management (which Fulton internally branded as "M-Field"), a mobile-first, offline-compatible application, enhancing efficiency and reducing human error.
  • Digitized Check Sheets: Over 200 check sheets were digitized into mobile-friendly templates, allowing field teams to fill them out on any device and sync data automatically.
  • Geolocation and Documentation: Field teams can capture geolocation data and photographic documentation directly within the check sheets, which are then automatically classified and synced to M-Files.
  • Increased Efficiency: Nearly 3000 check sheets have been submitted across 20 large-scale construction projects, streamlining the quality assurance process.
  • Future Integration: Plans for future integration with mapping software like ArcGIS to visualize test data collectively on a map.

Customer Background

Fulton Hogan is a prominent infrastructure and civil engineering company based in New Zealand and Australia. Founded in 1933 by Jules Fulton and Bob Hogan in Dunedin, New Zealand, the company started as a small contracting business. Over the decades, it has grown significantly and now employs over 7,800 people across New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific.

Fulton Hogan specializes in building and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and water facilities. The company is known for its commitment to sustainability, community partnerships, and innovation in infrastructure development.

Fulton Hogan has worked with TEAM IM before — migrating their content from Oracle WebCenter to M-Files. Since then, TEAM IM has provided ongoing support for all of FH’s content management needs.

 

Project Highlights

  • Upgraded and migrated M-Files Cloud to M-Files On-premises
  • Reviewed and updated vault configurations using industry best practices
  • Upgraded and refreshed Development Test Environments
  • Providing ongoing Enhanced Support

Software Involved

  • M-Files Online (Cloud)
  • M-Files On-Premise

Value to the Customer

  • Better management of valuable content and improved collaboration
  • Improved control of the M-Files platform
  • Support service leaves Regency resources to focus on core business

Inbound Marketing

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Digitizing Quality Management

Fulton Hogan partnered with TEAM IM to enhance their quality management processes by implementing Inspection Management (M-Field). They aimed to replace analog processes with a mobile-first, offline-compatible application.

Challenges

Fulton Hogan faced several challenges with their traditional quality assurance (QA) processes:

  • Manual Data Entry: Field teams used hard copies of spreadsheets for QA checks, which were later scanned and entered into M-Files by another team member, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
  • Lack of Real-Time Data: The analog process delayed data availability, hindering timely decision-making.
  • Inconsistent Documentation: Paper-based processes resulted in inconsistent documentation and difficulty in maintaining standardized records.

Solution

TEAM IM worked with Fulton Hogan to implement and customize Inspection Management, an online / offline field collection mobile application that digitized the QA process. Key features included:

  • Mobile Check Sheets: Field teams could access and fill out inspection check sheets on mobile devices, even offline.
  • Photographic Documentation: Photos could be added directly to inspection check sheets, enhancing documentation accuracy.
  • Automatic Data Sync: Data was automatically synced to the backend M-Files system when devices connected to the cloud, ensuring real-time availability and storage in the system of record.
  • Geolocation Recording: Geolocation data was captured and will be made available for integration with mapping software like ArcGIS.

Results

The digitization of quality management at Fulton Hogan brought numerous benefits:

  1. Increased Efficiency:
    • Time Savings: The digital process eliminated the need for manual data entry and scanning, saving significant time for field and office staff.
    • Streamlined Workflows: Automated data syncing and classification reduced administrative burdens and streamlined workflows. For example, when the check sheet is complete, the relevant data is submitted to M-Files along with a PDF record and automatically classified according to what type of check sheet was completed.
  2. Improved Data Accuracy:
    • Reduced Errors: Digital check sheets minimized human errors associated with manual data entry.
    • Consistent Documentation: With the help of M-Field, Fulton Hogan’s document control staff have digitized over 200 check sheets into mobile-friendly templates. The standardized templates ensured consistent and accurate data collection.
  3. Enhanced Decision-Making:
    • Real-Time Data Access: Immediate data availability enabled timely and informed decision-making.
    • Comprehensive Reporting: Integration with M-Files and MS Power BI provided comprehensive reporting and visualization capabilities.
  4. Cost Savings:
    • Reduced Operational Costs: The elimination of paper-based processes and manual data entry reduced operational costs.
    • ROI: The investment in M-Field yielded a significant ROI through time savings, reduced errors, and improved efficiency.

Conclusion

The digitization of quality management at Fulton Hogan, facilitated by TEAM IM’s Inspection Management solution has transformed their QA processes. The benefits of increased efficiency, improved data accuracy, enhanced decision-making, and significant cost savings demonstrate a compelling ROI. This digital transformation not only optimizes current operations but also positions Fulton Hogan for future innovations and continuous improvement.

 

“M-Field takes advantage of key features in M-Connect Field Services including simplified custom interfaces, offline sync, Single-Sign On, and cross-platform compatibility. The added value is clear for everyone from end users to upper management.”

Fletcher Thomas
Solution Architect at TEAM IM

Value to Customer

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Paper surveys are now digital—ensuring quality data capture and visibility to all relevant parties via M-Files instantaneously.
  • Improved Data Accuracy: Bidirectional data sync between M-Files and M-Field increases data accuracy and reduces data entry.
  • Real-Time Data Access: Immediate data availability enables timely and informed decision-making, improving project management and outcomes.
  • Cost Savings: Inspection Management / M-Field allows Fulton Hogan to use their current infrastructure investment as it works on Windows Desktop, iOS, Android, and MacOS using a “build once, deploy everywhere” development model.

Software and Cloud Services Used

  • Inspection Management
  • M-Files
  • Atlassian Jira
  • Microsoft Power BI

 

Talk with the expert

“TEAM IM’s M-Connect enabled us to securely streamline documentation exchange between HHB and its clients,”

Jim Himmelwright,
CPA