Why All Field Workers Should Use Smart Phones in Their Daily Work

Working in construction means multitasking, constantly being on the go, and providing answers to questions on the spot. Where office workers can be on the phone, sitting at their desk, looking at their computer with the answers and plans in front of them, often in construction, we are relying on our memory or existing knowledge to make executive decisions and to provide answers to clients and stakeholders. Although it may seem obvious, since smartphones are so integrated into our everyday life outside of work, it is essential for construction workers to be using their Smartphones on the job, as they provide a host of convenient solutions to make life easier.

Here are 5 ways that Smartphones can help field workers perform better on the job…

#1. Taking images and sketching plans

Communicating ideas and concepts that will be put into physical form requires a level of clarity that cannot be taken lightly. With a camera in your pocket and infinite apps to render digital images, a Smartphone will help you communicate to your team and clients because of the ability to show physical examples, reference areas on the site, communicate issues, and look at visual versions of the plans that you can save to your device. Plus, if you go out to pick up materials or a part, you can take pictures of the area you are fixing as a reference to ensure you pick up the right size, color, and type.

#2. Sharing pictures, documents, and ideas

When working across a team that may be split over several sites or working with an architect or specialist at a singular phase of the build, smartphones make it easy to share images, documents, and files on the go so that plans can advance, and decisions can be made without workers being at a computer. Rather than waiting a full day to get an answer on a crucial step, answers can be achieved at the moment that will speed along the build and prevent delays.

#3. Ease of payments and expense tracking

Smartphones provide the opportunity to send and receive payments in real-time so that projects are not held up at any stage. Payments can be automated so that workers don’t even have to remember to make them, and invoices can be sent out immediately so that a backlog of paperwork doesn’t develop and create hours and hours of work for the team lead. Plus, when connected to credit cards, Smartphones make it easy to link an expense tracking app that categorizes spending types to make expenses easier to file in the long run.

#4. Finding answers when you hit a challenge

Perhaps the greatest benefit to the Smartphone is indeed the ‘smart’ aspect. For any issue you encounter, you can be sure someone has been there before and has posted their solution online. For construction workers, it is such an asset to be able to look up the answer to any work-related question you may have on the spot. Performing calculations, converting units, or finding answers about techniques, tools, and materials allow the decision-making process to happen faster and more efficiently.

#5. Overall time-saving benefits

Smartphones allow teams to integrate apps and project management software programs to organize tasks, assignments, and schedules in one centralized location. These productivity methods can make the process of executing a job more efficient. Without a need to do immense quantities of paperwork, field workers who optimize the use of their Smartphones on the job are able to save time in the overall process and take on more meaningful work when they are not bogged down by administrative tasks.