Smart Use of Smartphones Speeds Up and Improves Port of Entry Inspection Process

CHANGE

The Motor Carrier Division provided Motorola Moto G Power cell phones for inspectors to use during their shift. These inexpensive devices are set up to work like tablets by connecting over the entry port’s Wi-Fi. Inspectors log in with their state credentials and can take notes, check information, and take pictures of violations.

These smaller devices replaced bulky tablets that were hard to read in sunlight and lacked quality cameras. Inspectors carry them in their pockets.

RESULT

Switching to devices with better cameras has improved the quality of the inspection process. Besides documenting violations, cameras can be used to easily record inspection data such as VINs, license plates, bills of lading, etc. The pictures are automatically geotagged and date/time stamped. If questioned, this metadata allows photos to be matched up with the inspection time and location.

Wireless connectivity to state resources speeds up the inspection process. Photos are automatically backed over Wi-Fi instead of needing manual transfer to a computer. Inspectors can work at the truck instead of making multiple trips to a computer to verify items not on the driver’s paperwork. They can also quickly check email for missing documents, or review databases for a company’s authorization to do business or for any operating restrictions. These time savings are passed on to the driver and company who benefit because less inspection time is counted against the working time allotted by the federal government.

Setting up inexpensive cell phones (under $200 each) to function as tablets using Wi-Fi connection instead of cell plans saves money.

Inspectors have responded positively to the change and appreciate fewer trips back and forth to computers. And they do not waste time looking for a misplaced tablet because their new devices can be carried in a pocket.

Echo Port of Entry