For years appraisers have been searching for the perfect combination of hardware and software to make their "Field Data Collection" more efficient. You've tried a Windows CE HPC (clamshell) device, moved on to a Pocket PC, a laptop, and may now be considering a Tablet PC or Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC). You've probably also got a long history of trial-and-error experiences with data collection and sketching software!
As I talk with appraisers that have used data collection devices in the field, I hear the the full spectrum of experiences. Some have been very successful in incorporating mobile technology into their work flow while others have had false-start after false-start.
I believe that the reason that we have not seen mobile technology become part of the "Appraiser's DNA" is that we haven't achieved that sweet spot blend of hardware and software. That point where appraisers adopt mobile data collection devices in large numbers (like we saw with digital photography).
What I'm discovering is that mobile appraisers that have successfully adopted the Pocket PC technology are somewhat reluctant to switch platforms, and I can understand that. After all, the PDA's BIG advantage is that it's SMALL! It also has data collection software designed specifically for it, that integrates back into the desktop appraisal form filling software. That's a great combination of hardware and software for an appraiser!
On the other hand, newer UMPCs run Windows XP for Tablets, have larger screens (for sketching), and are capable of using full "desktop" style programs that we're used to.
What if I told you that you could have the BEST of BOTH worlds? Read on . . .
That's right! It's possible to incorporate ALL of your devices into a workflow that works best for your individual needs.
Virtually ALL of our devices have one or more ways of connecting with other mobile devices to keep them in sync: Internet WiFi, Bluetooth, a memory card, a thumbbdrive, or even the lowly "old fashion" sync-cable!
Let's walk through just one possible scenario where I can "mix and match" devices, using the tools that work best for me.
To begin with, I'm using WinTOTAL and Pocket TOTAL from a la mode that integrate with Apex Software's sketching software.
Starting On The Desktop: All of my orders are tracked through my XSite on-line ordering system which can be accessed by WiFi from either my PDA or UMPC. I start the appraisal report on the desktop from a template and then synchronize that report with Pocket TOTAL on my PDA through ActiveSync via it's USB cradle.
In "UMPC Part 3 - Keeping In Synch" I explained how I installed Folder Share on both my eo and my desktop computers. (FolderShareTM is a service that allows me to securely keep files synchronized between devices.) Any new file that I create in WinTOTAL on my desktop will automatically be synced to my UMPC. I now have duplicate copies of my new report on both my desktop computer and my UMPC. Pocket TOTAL also has the data.
In The Field: I arrive at the property armed with BOTH my PDA and UMPC. However, because my devices have been sync'd together, I now have the ability to pick which data collection device will work best for me.
Maybe I want to collect the property data on my PDA but want to sketch in Apex on the UMPC? No problem! Maybe I want to collect all of my data on one device or the other? Again, No Problem!
Why? Because, once the data has been collected (either in WinTOTAL or Pocket TOTAL) ActiveSync will link the two devices (PDA/UMPC) back up, via Bluetooth or cable, and my data will be transferred.
Back At The Office: When I get back to the office Folder Share and my WiFi network automatically transfer my updated WinTOTAL report and Apex MSTT v3 sketch back to the desktop computer.
CONCLUSION: Best of both worlds: The PDA gives us a lightweight option for data collection and the UMPC gives us a larger display for sketching and the full-featured Windows XP applications to complete full reports. Today we have a wide variety of software and hardware options that allow us to mix-and-match or "customize" for our individual workflows. With a little know-how and creativity appraisers can use a combination of existing hardware and applications to maximize their strenghts and minimize their weaknesses.
Additional Resources:
- Mobile Appraiser Technology - Part 1: UMPC First Impressions
- Mobile Appraiser Technology - Part 2: Getting It Set Up
- Mobile Appraiser Technology - Part 3: Keeping In Sync
Author: Brian J. Davis, RAA - Brian Davis & Associates - Brian has over 22 years of appraisal experience in Central, IL and hosts the Appraisal Scoop blog and the WinTOTAL Users Group an email forum for appraisers.
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