Download - Using Tablets to Collect Data in the Field
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Tom SpielmanDirector of IT
Heather HansonProgram Coordinator
Hover your cursor at the top of
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November, 2012
Using Tablets to Collect Data in the Field
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Qualities of a Good Data Entry/Collection Tool
Light and portable
Large enough to see related information in one
glance (without scrolling)
Easy to use
Durable
Can be used while carrying it
Fast data entry
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Fortunately Modern Technology
hasProvided a Tool that has those
Qualities
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No Error Checking
Won’t do any calculations for you
Legibility problems
At some point the information probably needs
to be entered into a computer anyway
Paper files have large storage requirements
Paper: has its downsides
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We’ve Made Many Attempts to Replace Paper
Too
Clunky
TotalFailure
Too Small
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They’ve become much more portable in
recent years and have improved battery life,
but there is one major problem:
So Why Not a Laptop?
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You need a flat surface to use a laptop
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Lightweight (relatively)
Battery will last all day
Big enough to display a lot of information at once
Easily switch between portrait and landscape
Touch Interface: They don’t require a keyboard or stylus
Can be used without setting them down
Similar Android devices were not available at the time
Why we chose an iPad
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An iPad Isn’t the Only Tablet Option
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A tablet alone won’t collect any data, you need
software.
In our case, we decided to adapt one of our web
applications (CeeTrack) for use on an iPad.
The iPad has a very capable web browser which
made the job easier
It worked with only a few minor tweaks
Software for Data Collection
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A web application runs within a web browser
A “Native” application is designed specifically for the
device and runs on it directly, - not through a web
browser
The lines between them can get a little blurred
Web Application vs. Native Software
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Web App Example - Facebook
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Native App Example - Zillow
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Zillow – the web app
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Native App Pros
Able to take full advantage of device features like
cameras
Native controls (sliders, date pickers, etc.)
No Internet connection required
Generally preferred by users
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Pros of Web Apps for Field Use
Data saved directly to central database – no
syncing
Easy software updates, only web server needs to
be updated
Web Apps work with many types of devices, no
need for custom versions of software for different
Tablets, PCs, Laptops, etc
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Why is CeeTrack a Web App ?
Because it already existed before we started using
iPads
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That’s the Technology Now for
the Reality
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Two person team
Energy counseling/house walk-through
Diagnostics and inspections
Attic and wall insulation inspections and estimate, blower door test, combustion safety tests
Product installations
Door weather-stripping, programmable thermostat, water heater blanket, CFLs, shower heads and faucet aerators
Final review of recommendations and printed Home Energy Report and Index
Two hour time limit
A lot to accomplish in a limited time frame
Efficiency is crucial!
Home Energy Visits
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CeeTrack Database
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Counselor
?
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Counselor – Cont.
Tallies bulbs as they’re entered
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Diagnostics – Initial Program Design
3 pages
7 pages
8 pages
2 pages
4 pages
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Technician – Initial Program Design
Front Back
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Inventory
Methods for verification were put in place but consistent errors remained
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Insulation
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Reports – Then vs. Now
vs.
Current program design:
All reports are generated using data inputs from the counselor, technician, and insulation tabs
Initial program design
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Pros: Homeowners are really impressed with the iPads and printers
The Home Energy Report is comprehensive, polished and professional Adds value to the visit
Messaging is consistent Can still customize as needed in notes sections
Recommendations are determined without calculations
Cons: Connectivity issues
Location in home can interfere with connection
Stucco homes more prone to issues
Printing iPads and printers not designed to work together
+ May take a few attempts Regular updates and providing trouble-shooting guide has helped
Staff Feedback
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Dropbox
Manuals and protocols
Field staff reference materials
Videos and pics
“Life line” – same time visuals
Future reference and training
Additional Benefits
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Conclusion: We’ve Come a Long Way!
Vs.
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Questions?
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Two person team
Energy counseling/house walk-through
Diagnostics and inspections
Attic and wall insulation inspections and estimate, blower door test, combustion safety tests
Product installations
Door weather-stripping, programmable thermostat, water heater blanket, CFLs, shower heads and faucet aerators
Final review of recommendations and printed Home Energy Report
Two hour time limit
A lot to accomplish in a limited time frame
Efficiency is crucial!
Home Energy Visits
![Page 35: Using Tablets to Collect Data in the Field](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022042716/55a853271a28abac4f8b4837/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
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CeeTrack Database
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Counselor
?
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Counselor – Cont.
Tallies bulbs as they’re
entered
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Diagnostics – Initial Program Design
3 pages
7 pages
8 pages
2 pages
4 pages
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Technician – Initial Program Design
Front Back
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Inventory
Methods for verification were put in place but consistent errors remained
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Insulation
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Reports – Then vs. Now
vs.
Current program design:
All reports are generated using data
inputs from the counselor, technician,
and insulation tabs
Initial program design
![Page 43: Using Tablets to Collect Data in the Field](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022042716/55a853271a28abac4f8b4837/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
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Pros: Homeowners are really impressed with the iPads and printers
The Home Energy Report is comprehensive, polished and professional Adds value to the visit
Messaging is consistent Can still customize as needed in notes sections
Recommendations are determined without calculations
Cons: Connectivity issues
Location in home can interfere with connection
Stucco homes more prone to issues
Printing iPads and printers not designed to work together
+ May take a few attempts Regular updates and providing trouble-shooting guide has helped
Staff Feedback
![Page 44: Using Tablets to Collect Data in the Field](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022042716/55a853271a28abac4f8b4837/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
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Additional Benefits
Dropbox Manuals and protocols
Field staff reference materials
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Dropbox (cont.)
Videos and pics
“Life line” – same time visuals
Future reference and training
Additional Benefits
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Conclusion: We’ve Come a Long Way!
Vs.
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Questions?