SmartNotes
What is SmartNotes and why how will it help me in Force5 report production ?
SmartNotes is an Android application that will allow you to transfer Force5 templates or Surveys to an Android device, phone, Chrome Book, or tablet and enter data while on the vessel surveying... (you do Not need an internet connection to enter your survey data on the Android device while on the vessel). After the on vessel survey is done just transfer that data from the Android device (over the internet) to the i5 cloud and back to the Force5 application where you can complete, the survey report, add photos, and do your summary valuation, then proofread and deliver your report.
Time is saved by the fact you don’t transcribe information from paper notes back into Force5 you quickly enter data using the familiar Force5 format that you are used to, yes use your custom templates and Item choices, enter it on the tablet during the survey and send it back your Force5 where you can complete it in the comfort of your office.
Most Android tablets and Chrome Books are much less expensive than a laptop especially the costly, hardened tough books. This makes them a lot less risky to take on a vessel and use to record your survey inspection. It is also true, that most Android devices get many hours of battery life per charge and if charged before the survey should last all day on one charge. If damaged or stolen while on your survey you risk losing only a couple of hundred dollars, not thousands.
The low cost of Android devises, tablets and chrome books, makes them affordable enough to keep a spare in your surveying gear, to use if you have trouble or lose your primary device.
The low cost of Android devises, tablets and chrome books, makes them affordable enough to keep a spare in your surveying gear, to use if you have trouble or lose your primary device.
Caution: I advise you to not rely solely on electronic devices for recording your survey inspection. if all goes bad with the electronic devices you should also carry a print out of the Force5 "Surveyors Notes" so you can complete your survey with the old school standby of paper and pencil.
Here is a short overview video of the procedure you can view on You Tube, or in Force5 in the SmartNotes sub menu of “Tools” > SmartNotes> “SmartNotes Overview.
| “I do love my SmartNotes now, it has saved me many hours of time. I have shaved an average of 2 hours a night in typing my report and it is getting better every day. Took a while to get used to it, I started out on small outboard center consoles before I started using if for the big stuff. Use it every day now and love it. Would say I have surveyed 50 boats now with it.” - SAMS AMS Surveyor |