In January 2017, Reading, Berkshire, UK-based Idox, parent company of engineering document management software provider McLaren Software, launched a new mobile app, OnSite, which it claimed was the first of its kind, giving building control officers (professionals responsible for enforcement of building regulations in the UK) remote access to documents and information. Users of the app (Apple iOS only) will apparently be able to search, recover, download, update and upload anything they might need for an inspection, wherever they are.
Benefits include:
- Immediate access and usage – designed with simplicity in mind, the app requires no training or a complex implementation project; users are up and running in minutes.
- Efficiency savings – view, complete and create inspections on site and sync these records with those in the back office once connected.
- Constant intelligence – obtain case details even when mobile, take photos which automatically upload to your DMS, and view and sort all inspections on a map.
- Avoid duplication – update multiple inspections/plots all at once where inspection details are the same or similar.
- Reduced travel time – no need to visit the office to pick up workloads and update systems.
- Reduced printing costs and administrative efforts – the system supports paperless working.
Idox plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has a long track record of providing software and data solutions to local authorities (once the sole home of building control – today there are many private approved inspectors, which need to be registered with the Construction Industry Council). It already provides a range of regulatory services solutions including food and health and safety inspections, pest control, and monitoring of licensing applications, renewals and conditions. Building Control is therefore a logical extension of its regulatory toolset.