• a flexible and robust inspection and defects management solution
• gives mobile access to BIW’s web-based collaboration platform
• lets users capture data on-site using mobile devices and share it via the web
• allows information to be uploaded to mobile devices for re-use on-site

BIW's first mobile solution, BIW: Quality Manager, is a flexible and robust inspection and defects management system. It allows remote capture and updating of data, and, crucially, it offers seamless integration with the BIW collaboration platform for notification, recording and reporting.

• faster, more accurate and detailed data capture
• less re-keying of data
• less ambiguity
• greater consistency
• faster collation and transmission of defects to relevant contractor
• easier access to context-sensitive information
• faster resolution of defects through removal of paperwork bottlenecks
• real-time reporting on defect resolution progress
• improved reporting on supplier performance
• clear audit trail of defect resolution processes

BIW: Quality Manager is configurable to suit the process requirements of each customer organization and its project(s). Typically, the system will reflect the detailed work breakdown structure created for the project; users can drill down into that structure to identify the area of the facility they wish to focus upon.

If defects are identified, the user can enter pre-defined defect codes into the application along with text describing the problem. Timescales for resolution can also be specified. After completing data entry, the user will synchronise the data on the mobile device with that held on the BIW: Collaboration system. BIW then automates the production of lists of defects by package for immediate onward transmission to the relevant subcontractor.

Throughout the process, the time and date of each stage is recorded by BIW, helping to maintain a clear audit trail of who did what and when.

As each defect is rectified, the subcontractor reports the fix via BIW, a step which usually prompts a further inspection. This re-inspection stage is also supported by BIW’s mobile solution: the inspector downloads a report of the reported fixes, inspects the work undertaken, and, assuming the inspector is satisfied, the defect can be signed-off or closed via the hand-held device.

Reporting tools are available both to manage day-to-day progress and to enable performance reviews – for example, a customer or contractor may want to assess the quality control performance of individual suppliers on a project.

The mobile element of BIW: Quality Manager has been developed specifically for Windows Mobile 5 and the latest hardware, and gives users access to project data via hand-held PDA-type devices equipped with 3G, GPRS, wi-fi or direct cable connectivity.

For more information, contact sales@biwtech.com.