1.0 Field Tools

Field Tools are able to run "offline," without a network connection unlike logging in through a website with a network connection. It is recommended to synchronize daily to upload new information to server, download new information from server, & backup your local database information on your device. Synchronizing helps with the risk of data loss & users from doing duplicate work on a project.

How to Choose the Right Field Tool

Using the Building Start platform is intuitive and easy -- you just need to make sure you choose the right Field Tool.

You'll want to choose your Field Tool based on the operating system you're using: Android, iOS, or Windows. You can define your own criteria for selecting your smart device Field Tool based on your needs, but here are some things you'll want to consider:

• Ease of Usability / User interface

• Battery Life

• Portability

• Readability

• Weight

• Durability

• Speed

• Memory space

• Price

• Integrated camera

• Touch screen or Mouse interface

• Full keyboard, attached keyboard or pop up keyboard

All Field Tools support:

• Quick data completion in the field

• Use quick pick libraries

• Use quick pick buttons: Pass/Fail/NA or Yes/No/NA

• Equipment Status completion & Deficiency/Issue Statues

• Collect signatures

Apple iOS iPad/iPhone

The Building Start iOS application was designed specifically for the iPad's larger size and intuitive touch screen.

Some things to consider with the Building Start iOS app:

• The large screen provides a nice, clean user interface

• Easier to learn

• Bigger keyboard for bigger fingers

• View the equipment list and test plans at the same time

• Supports photo capture of equipment and issues

Instructions to install and view user manual; please click here: Apple iOS iPad/iPhone

Android

The Building Start Android application is designed for the smaller screen size of a smart phone, but can be used on Android tablets as well.

Here are some things to consider with the Building Start Android app:

• User interfaces are optimized to fit the small screen size

• User must learn where to touch & hold to get menus

• Smaller keyboard

• Run the build on a smart phone or a tablet

• Separate screens for equipment list and test plans

• Supports photo capture of equipment and issues

Instructions to install and view user manual; please click here: Android

Windows

The Building Start Windows application was was our first field tool designed to work with our first application AiRNAB.

Some things to consider with the Building Start Windows app:

• One device

• Full physical keyboard & screen

• Application is more of mouse click & data entry interface

• Unable to photo capture but can link and upload photos

• Can use other programs/applications on PC

Instructions to install and view user manual; please click here: Windows

We are currently support Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 & Windows 10. Windows Application even runs on the Windows Touch screens like the Surface Pro (excluding RT version).

Whether you use Android, iOS, or Windows, there is a Building Start application for you. Just consider the above criteria, choose the best Field Tool for you, and you're ready to go!

Additional help for each type of field device can be found on the Training tab.