Mobile Platform Development

LGICT Presentation

Ben SinnottSpatial Systems Team LeaderBen.Sinnott@wyndham.vic.gov.au

Background Wyndham

542km2 on western fringe of Melbourne(part Metro part Rural)

One of the fastest growing in municipalities in Australia. Its estimated residential population set to exceed 245,000 people by 2021

Growing pains… increased requirements on the same resources

Get smarter about processes, utilize newer technologies to improve productivity

Background

• Some mobile device solutions existed but were isolated, single function based solutions

• Many field tasks paper based

• Plethora of Issues• Double handling of data• Security of Information• Audit compliance• Cumbersome data entry• Difficult to retrieve information

• Simular processes across Council to same core functionality

• A platform to deliver solutions to multiple business functions (lower cost)• Flexibility to conform to different scenarios

• Internally developed (lower cost, customizability, multiple device, support)

• iOS app but with the deep level integration of an internal system (flow of data/automation key part of the solution)• Minimize manual data handling

• Utilise the latest in mobile, web and spatial technologies

• Connectivity (3G/4G)• Live environment with ability to work offline where lacking coverage

Solution

Solution Framework

Form submitted on iOS device (information, photos, location)

serverData is sent to a central server using 3G/4G technology and spatially processed, acknowledgement sent back to devices

Internal Systems

Information is then accessible to internal systems such as GIS and other web technologies to view/manage incoming data.

Web Interface

• First attempt at new solution platform.

• A mobile system to conduct mandatory road assets inspections across multiple categories

• Note defects and generate work orders to resolve issues.

• Heavy usage (~3000 inspections per month)

Starting Point – FieldInspect

Background – FieldInspect

PDA/Handheld

• Slow• Connectivity• Battery life• Support• Poor camera

Pideon/Toughbook

• Slow• $$$• Battery life• Limited functionality• Support

WebMapping / Citrix (iPad)

• Difficult/Slow to use• Connectivity• iPad only• Lack of device features

(GPS,Camera)• Integrated• Showed potential of

device/iOS solution

• iOS app capable of running on iPhone, iPad and iPad mini (# of devices)

• A series of web services to pull data to and from devices back to a central server

• Server side spatial processing to associate inspections to assets (link to other systems)

• Web interface to view/manage incoming inspections and generate work orders

FieldInspect Solution

An end to end solution

Database

Inspection is created on apple device, defect is recorded

The inspection is sent to server where it is associated to an asset

This inspection is then pushed back to other fleet devices running the FieldInspect app

Once on the server, the inspection can be viewed by other integrated systems such as the corporate GIS Wynmap

The inspection can also be viewed in the works order management system to generate a work order

The work order is issued, handed to contractor and the issue is resolved

Integration-FieldInspect

• Relatively live integration• (10min delay)

• Inspections appear automatically

• Real time issue management and analysis

• Hotspot analysis• Find trouble areas

• New opportunities

• Data transfer more sophisticated

• Connectivity

• Data display limitations

• Apple Maps (Accuracy/Completeness)

• Fragility

• Security of Data/Device

Obstacles/Challenges- Field Inspect

• Significant time savings were possible • Fluid UI/Very quick data entry• Automation of data flow between device and server.• Utilisation of device features (GPS, images)• Longer battery life (i.e. no downtime/return to office)• Ability to retrieve information

• Simple but powerful, Apple gestures intuitive (training)• Users have innate understanding of technology

• Updates/Installs easily deployable over the air AirWatch

• Offline submissions were important feature

• Solution can be adapted to develop other simular solutions.

What we learnt - Field Inspect

TransferabilityOther Applications

• Further 4 applications developed with more in production

• Consistent benefits (productivity etc.)

• Further developed knowledge across the unit

• Enhancements from new applications fed back to FieldInspect (photos)

• New ideas/applications of the technology

VacantLand

PoolBarrier Audit

PetInspect

TreeInspect

RatesFinder

TransferabilitySummary

• Highly Successful outcome across multiple applications so far

• Simpler, faster, more robust and user-friendly solution

• Collected information more complete, correct and accessible

• Number of obstacles along the way that were overcome.

• Streamline mobile business processes

• Penetration of spatial /mapping technology to new departments (uptake of GIS)

• Planning, scoping and consultation were important• Engaging/educating users increases benefit/use

• Possibilities…new technology & opportunities

Ben SinnottSpatial Systems Team LeaderBen.Sinnott@wyndham.vic.gov.au

TransferabilitySummary

Adam MowlamCoordinator

System Development & Analysis

Cameron DouglasTeam Leader

Application Development

Ben SinnottTeam Leader

Spatial Systems

Paul LoweryData Management Officer

John BenkoMobile Development Officer

Michelle HanslowSenior Spatial Information Officer

Preethi BalanMobile Development Officer

Kumica TruongApplication Development Officer

Graeme BernardSpatial Information Officer

Contact Information