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Estimation Techniques and Updated Job Estimator App for Fast Estimations in the Field

One of the most important parts of the project

Estimation is an extremely important part of dealing with any project. Poor estimation can blow a project budget and extend timelines, frustrating clients and the team. Therefore, due attention should be paid to this process.

There are the following estimation techniques:

– Top-Down Estimation. Businesses usually use this technique early in a project. The essence of top-down estimation is in determining the project budget first and then dividing it up between different stages or tasks. This is a quite suitable estimation technique for small projects that allows project managers to let a client know whether their budget will work for the project and specific tasks. However, it is not accurate and it is mostly based on the assumption. The top-down estimation technique also doesn’t account for possible changes in the project and the budget.

– Bottom-Up Estimation. In the bottom-up estimation technique, each part is estimated individually and then summed up to determine the total cost of the project. It is the most accurate estimation due to a lot more information about the project on hand and a full understanding of the requirements. This technique is suitable when the scope and components of a project are clear. Among its disadvantages are the time-consuming and requirement of a quite huge effort and resources to get such amount of information.

– Analogous Estimation. With this technique, the budget of the new project is based on the previous one. However, it works if the previous and new projects are similar. It is a great approach when all the manager need is a rough number. Analogous estimation is fast and doesn’t require a ton of information. However, it is worth remembering about the risks and a large share of inaccuracy.

– Three Point Estimation. This technique involves taking an average of three scenarios of estimation: best case, worst case, and most likely. Managers can adjust a special formula for such an estimation process. This technique takes more time and some specific knowledge but delivers a more accurate estimate.

A solution to optimize estimations in the field

Snappii understands that accurate estimations set the stage for a thriving business. Therefore, we have created the Job Estimator app to generate professional estimates in minutes without paperwork. The app provides the pre-made mobile estimation form, automatically makes all calculations, allows users to generate and send reports, and more. You can find more detailed information about the Job Estimator app here. Moreover, there is a short video demonstrating how it works. Recently we have updated the app with some new features.

1. All the jobs, tasks, items, and equipment are now automatically saved from all the forms for future usage

2. Users can choose between hourly rate and sq ft rate

3. The time spent and items costs on a project are summed up when generating an invoice

4. Increased number of lines for the equipment table

5. Currency selection

Hurry up to download the Job Estimator app in App Store or Google Play and try these updates. Also, feel free to send us your feedback.

New Requirements of Cleaning in Hotels during the Pandemic and How to Control Their Observance

New Requirements of Cleaning in Hotels during the Pandemic and How to Control Their ObservanceThe measures to save our health

COVID-19 has posed new challenges by the hospitality industry, requiring to take new precautions to keep both guests and staff safe. Nowadays, hotels around the world actively implement new safety programs. Among the major measures are the increased frequency of cleaning public areas, restrictions on public events, constant availability of hand sanitizers, wearing face masks, regular disinfection of all premises, staff training in new protective protocols and measures, etc. All the major hotel brands have released special guidance, laying out their new cleaning protocols and brand standards.

The best way to control the cleaning process

Increased requirements for cleaning and disinfection entail the need for increased control of these processes. The best modern way to do this is to use mobile inspection apps. They eliminate time-wasting, hassle, errors, inaccuracies, and delays that accompany the use of paper forms. Mobile inspection forms contain pre-made fields that can be filled out in a couple of minutes. The completed forms are always at hand and can be instantly shared. Such inspection apps improve the quality of cleaning several times.

Cleaning Inspection Checklist app

Snappii offers an app that can be a perfect pocket tool for hotel cleaning staff. The Cleaning Inspection Checklist app provides a pre-made mobile checklist for instant inspection of any specified area. Users can add evaluations, notes, and photos about the quality of cleaning. The completed forms can be generated into PDF reports. Users can share these reports with managers. The Cleaning Inspection Checklist app is available in Apple App Store and Google Play.

Disinfection Checklist app

Speaking of the new measures to keep safety in the hospitality field, it is worth mentioning the disinfection process separately. This is an additional mandatory procedure for all hotels. You can read more about disinfection and how does it differ from cleaning here. Snappii also offers a special ready-made app for this process. The Disinfection Checklist app is based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Prevention guidelines and contains a comprehensive checklist with 38 checks. Moreover, there is a list of products that have been pre-approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Disinfection Checklist app can be downloaded in both Apple App Store and Google Play.

In addition to ready-made solutions, Snappii offers the opportunity to create your personal inspection app. We are able to use the existing forms and convert them to the app. Send your requirements here and we will discuss them.

The Highlights of Custom App Development

The Highlights of Custom App DevelopmentAs the demand for mobile business apps continues to grow, so does the market of companies developing them. The apps engineered to provide a highly-tailored experience and containing specific functionality to meet the unique needs of businesses are the most popular nowadays.

What to look for

Choosing the right custom app development company is a key decision that will significantly influence its success. Besides a stable performance, the app users should get an adequate, user-friendly, and intuitive UI. Moreover, the development process itself and clear interaction between customers and developers are extremely important.

Snappii is a powerful custom app development company that has been operating in this field for 10 years and meets all the most demanded requests. We are a high-performing, talented team to bring the most ideas to life. “Snappii has moved mountains to bring my vision to reality. I have never heard from the Snappii team that “we can’t do that”.  Regardless of what I asked of Snappii they always tried,” says Robert Gulino, from Modern Niagara Toronto about the work with Snappii. What main features help us to be at our best and provide high-quality solutions?

– Lightning-fast custom app development process. Thanks to the codeless system of app creation, Snappii makes apps in weeks, not months.

– Great practice and development of unique skills. Snappii works with plenty of industries and this way, we have excellent experience in developing specific functionality.

– Affordability. This advantage follows the above. The speed and excellent skill base allow the custom app development by Snappii to be extremely affordable and not require huge financial investments.

– Excellent support. It is important for us to be in touch with customers throughout the development process and clearly follow all requirements.

If the above interests you and you would like to discuss the development of your custom business app, contact us here. We are glad to answer all your questions.

3 Tools for Safe and Efficient Roof Inspections

3 Tools for Safe and Efficient Roof InspectionsA roof inspection is one of the most important parts of home inspection. Inspectors need the right tools in order to get their job done quickly, safely, and efficiently. Here are the main ones.

Ladder

The first thing you need for roof inspection is a ladder. Ladder safety is a priority since most accidents involve them. The ladder must provide enough grip so that inspectors don’t worry about balancing while climbing. Placing the ladder it is important to make sure there are at least two rungs above the gutter. It’s always a good idea to strap the ladder to the gutter with a safety strap. The load capacity of the ladder must be up to 300 lbs (136 kg). And of course, it must satisfy all OSHA and ANSI standards.

Roofing shoes

While climbing on the roof, inspectors must wear special roofing shoes. Such shoes must provide the required stability to not slip off and fall. The highlights to look out for are:

– thick and slip-resistant outsole,

– lightweight,

– shock-absorption,

– strong and solid outer material,

– good ankle support.

Hiking shoes can be a good choice for roof inspections.

Inspection software

The main purpose of roof inspections is to collect data for further decisions based on it. This way, inspectors need a tool to work with such data. The best way is the usage of special roof inspection apps. Inspectors don’t need to make any notes, they can easily and quickly fill in a pre-made mobile form with necessary fields. All data can be conveniently stored on any mobile device and it is always at hand.

Roof Inspection app from Snappii

Snappii offers the Roof Inspection app, designed for roofing industry professionals and any layman. The app allows users to collect all required details and instantly add them to the pre-made consolidated mobile form. Also, users can take and upload pictures, make notes, and add a digital signature. The completed form can be converted to the report. The report can be saved and shared as a PDF file. Watch this video to see the Roof Inspection app in action. The app is available in Apple App Store and Google Play. If you are not fully satisfied with the ready-made version of the app, the Snappii team is ready to convert it for you. For example, we can add your own forms to this app. Contact us here to discuss any app customization.

Why Reports Are Important and the Best Way of Effective Reporting

Why Reports Are Important and the Best Way of Effective ReportingThe purpose and importance of reporting

Reports are a valuable and essential document for any enterprise regardless of size or industry. First of all, it is a means for monitoring and analyzing performance as well as identifying areas and opportunities for improvement and growth. Some business reporting is a regulatory requirement. Also, different reports will provide distinct value for each area of an enterprise.

The ingredients for effective reporting

Regularity and timeliness are 2 key ingredients for successful and effective reporting. It influences directly the opportunity to instantly investigate and solve any identified issues and tasks. In addition, the accuracy, and reliability of this kind of data are also important. Therefore, any business strives to establish a stable, smooth, and efficient reporting process, especially if the staff has a large number of field workers.

Mobile reports come forward

The vast majority of businesses use mobile technologies when it comes to effective reporting. Mobile forms allow workers to replace paperwork and can significantly reduce the time for generating a report. Pre-made mobile forms are a very flexible tool that is always at hand. They can be filled in in a few clicks anywhere and convert to a PDF report. The next core advantage of this kind of reporting is the ability to submit such reports remotely. Field workers do not need to waste time visiting the office or meeting with the manager. Moreover, mobile reports are more accurate and contain fewer errors and inaccuracies.

Snappii’s unique opportunities

Snappii is a successful provider of quality mobile solutions for any industry. We can help companies switch to mobile forms and mobile reports in record time. It is extremely important that they can keep the familiar forms they already use. The Snappii team will just convert them to their mobile analog. “The company has gone from many paper items to 0 paper needed for our purpose,” says Edwin Smutt from Elevation Transport. Get rid of a paper-based reporting system and go mobile without a huge investment of time and money. Send us your forms to get started.

The Main Reasons to Perform Regular Heavy Equipment Inspections

The Main Reasons to Perform Regular Heavy Equipment InspectionsKeeping up with the condition of your heavy equipment is as important a task as using it properly. Regular inspections are the main component of a heavy equipment maintenance plan. And here’s why.

Prevention of costly repair and replacement

By conducting thorough heavy equipment inspections, you are ensuring that all components are in working order. It is the best way to detect potential issues before they turn into serious breakdowns. The repair and especially replacement of heavy equipment is an expensive task. This way, regular heavy equipment inspections can help you be prudent and keep the budget.

Prevention of downtime and time shifts

Equipment breakdowns negatively affect not only the budget but also productivity. If your heavy equipment isn’t working properly or is out of order, delays and time shifts occur. This jeopardizes the entire project and your reliability in the face of customers.

Avoidance of safety issues

And last but not least point is that regular heavy equipment inspections can limit safety issues. Properly operating equipment is less likely to contribute to an accident. Human resources are the most valuable part of any project. Therefore, it is extremely important to protect them by all possible measures.

Heavy Equipment Inspection app from Snappii

Snappii has been a successful provider of powerful mobile apps for various industries for 10 years. Heavy equipment inspection is among the fields of activity that we try to optimize and simplify. So, the Snappii team has developed the Heavy Equipment Inspection app. This app allows users to conduct detailed inspections covering each major system and component of heavy equipment with just a smartphone or a tablet. No need to manually fill in uncomfortable and unreliable paper forms. The pre-made mobile inspection form is always in your pocket and ready to be filled in in a few clicks. Moreover, as soon as the inspection form is completed, it can be instantly submitted as a PDF and an Excel file. Indicate problems, disrepairs, malfunctions in the equipment performance, and instantly notify mechanics about maintenance issues or repair services required. Here is the demo video to show the Heavy Equipment Inspection app in action. You can find and download the ready-made app in Apple App Store and Google Play. Also, the Snappii team is always available to discuss app customization. Send us your specific requirements and we will come back with a free quote.

Regular Reporting as Key to Keeping Safety at Construction Sites

Regular Reporting as Key to Keeping Safety at Construction SitesConstruction is one of the most dangerous fields to work

According to the stats of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, out of every 5,000 private-industry worker fatalities, 20 percent are in construction. This field is also related to many non-fatal injuries that cost companies millions of dollars per year. This way, construction site safety is one of the most considerable things during a construction project.

Managers must mitigate safety hazards to construction workers through some actions. Among them are awareness of all possible hazards, regular training, and testing of safety knowledge, provision of personal protective equipment, accounting for weather conditions, keeping construction equipment in proper safe order, constant communication, and regular reporting.

Constant awareness is a way to ensure safety

Snappii can help with two points: communication and reporting. Snappii construction apps allow users to establish a steady flow of timely and accurate data. This is extremely important for constant control of the issue of safety on the construction site and other important points of the construction project.

The Construction Daily Log app is the #1 reporting tool. The app includes a one-page collapsed mobile form with the fields for contractor details, site information, work performed, subcontractor progress, issues and punch lists, reasons for delays, additional work or change requests, materials purchased and received, labor, and travel hours, and more. The form can be filled in with the voice-to-text feature. Users can attach pictures and make any drawing right on them to highlight progress or show problem areas. After filling out the form, it can be instantly generated into the PDF report. All workers can instantly submit the reports in various ways and safely store them in the app. Managers, in turn, can track who has not turned their report in. The Construction Daily Log app is a small but powerful solution to keep everything under control and avoid incidents and any safety issues on the construction sites.

Here is a short demo video that can give a better idea of the Construction Daily Log app. Also, the Snappii support team is always ready to answer any of your questions. Download and try the app in Apple App Store or Google Play and contact us at support@snappii.com.

How to Help Remote Employees Work with Data More Efficiently

How to Help Remote Employees Work with Data More EfficientlyWhat worries remote employees

Today many employees are adjusting to working from home amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. They are being faced with an entirely new situation and try not to lose productivity outside the office.

One of the pain points of remote working is communication between remote employees and between employees and their managers. The most common and related problems are:

– lack of opportunity to reach each other quickly enough,

– lack of timely and reliable data,

– poor reporting,

– poor decision-making process,

– excess amount of emails and their confusion,

– etc.

This way, remote employees need a solution that will link the entire data collection, management, and exchange process as well as make it simple and fast. Mobile apps are the best tool for this task.

How mobile solutions can improve work with data

Mobile apps offer pre-made mobile forms that simplify, accelerate and optimize work with various data. Employees have an established format and fields. All they need is just add necessary data. Mobile forms significantly reduce the likelihood of errors and inaccuracies. Also, employees can instantly generate professional reports based on the completed forms and submit them to managers. Managers, in their turn, receive accurate data in a timely manner that is easy to store and to which they can have constant access.

Why Snappii is #1 provider of mobile solutions

Snappii is a proven expert in advanced mobile solutions for businesses. We offer the easiest way to switch to mobile apps and forms. Most businesses already have their own, familiar forms and they do not want to part with them. Snappii took this into account and developed a unique Optical Field Recognition system to convert any existing forms to their mobile analog in a snap. This way, anyone can go mobile without a huge investment of time and money. Learn more about how it works here. Empower remote employees with efficient mobile solutions and keep building up your business.

4 Tips to Increase Employee Productivity in Any Business

4 Tips to Increase Employee Productivity in Any BusinessA whole host of issues can follow low productivity and ultimately the business may stop developing and profits won’t be able to exceed costs. Therefore, businesses often face the question of how to increase employee productivity. Here are some tips that will be useful in this matter.

– Limit distractions

To achieve a stable workflow and keep employees focused throughout the working hours, managers need to understand where main distractions come from and limit their exposure. Such restrictions must be adequate and spelled out clearly. For example, allow personal phone calls only during formal breaks.

– Improve time management

It is important to thoroughly study how employees spend their work time. After that managers can start prioritization. Elon Musk has the following secret to his effective time management – the method of time blocking. This is the method of committing a certain number of hours to just one priority task and blocking off time for other tasks. Such a way to organize the workday through time blocks is quite popular and efficient. To increase productivity, it is extremely important to identify a competent and effective distribution of work time for a particular business.

– Establish constant communication

Timely and reliable information goes a long way toward a greater decision-making process. And this contributes to the improvement of efficiency and productivity. Thanks to modern mobile technology, any business can easily establish smooth communication and has a constant flow of accurate data.

– Digitize all possible operations

Probably the largest productivity black hole is that some businesses continue to rely on paper-based processes. Productivity is about having an organized system of operation without unnecessary tedious actions. And modern digital solutions can offer all the necessary points for this. Mobile business apps are one of the most popular representatives of digital solutions among businesses of any size. They eliminate paperwork with ease and make any operation faster, more streamlined, and more efficient.

The loyal ally on the path to increased productivity

Snappii is a great provider of powerful business app nowadays. We cover plenty of industries and focus on various operations with data, for example, inspections, reporting, estimations, creation work orders, invoices, timesheets, and more. Thanks to Snappii apps all these operations become an action of several clicks. We help businesses get rid of paperwork forever, improve workflow, increase productivity as well as profit. Here is the gallery of our ready-made apps which are available to be downloaded and used. Moreover, most of Snappii’s business apps are customizable. Our team of professionals will modify the apps for your personal needs. Send your requirements here. App customization from Snappii is an extremely affordable and fast solution.

Disinfection: the Highlights and the Way to Control

Disinfection: the Highlights and the Way to ControlCompliance is the foundation of well-being

A lot of people are still finding discomfort and even panic during the Coronavirus outbreak. However, we gradually learn to live with these difficulties and take better care of ourselves. The Centers for Disease Control provide the recommendation and people try to follow them in order to maintain the possibility of their usual life and work without lockdowns. An important component of these measures is regular cleaning and disinfection of various surfaces on the premises.

What we should know about disinfection

When it comes to cleaning and disinfection, the first thing we should know is that these are two very different things. Cleaning is about removing contaminants, germs, and pathogens and disinfection is about killing them. Let’s focus on the disinfection process.

Disinfection should follow after cleaning. Here are some high-touch surfaces that should be disinfected regularly:

– doorknobs,

– toilets and bathrooms,

– light switches,

– remote controls,

– countertops and chairs.

The EPA has a full list of disinfectants that you can use. Some are used alone or in combinations. Most disinfectants should have a label that lists the viruses they’re effective against. It is important to follow the recommended concentrations and precautionary measures. It is better to resort to the help of specialized services for more intensive disinfection.

The best app to control the disinfection process

Snappii offers an app to keep the disinfection process under strong control. The Disinfection Checklist app is based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Prevention guidelines and helps individuals and businesses perform 38 checks. The app also contains a list of products that have been pre-approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens and can be used during the 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Users can instantly fill in a pre-made mobile form, add photos, dates, and signatures. Moreover, they can generate the report based on the completed form and submit it. The Disinfection Checklist app is the best pocket tool to monitor the regularity and quality of disinfection. Learn more about the app from this video. If the Disinfection Checklist app does not fully meet your needs, contact the Snappii team to discuss app customization.

4 Tips to Keep Warehouse at Its Best

4 Tips to Keep Warehouse at Its BestManaging a warehouse also includes keeping it in good condition at all times. A clean and tidy work environment contributes to better working conditions, higher productivity, and lesser safety issues or accidents. This way, warehouse maintenance activities should be given as much priority as other daily operations. Here are some tips to keep the warehouse at its best.

 

1. Cleaning and pest control

After unloading the goods, the warehouse can be quite dirty and messy. Keep the warehouse clean and do regular cleaning so that staff can comfortably and safely carry out their duties. Also, warehouses often become an easy target for various pests. If left unchecked, they can destroy stored goods, spread infections, and hamper proper daily activities. So, this is also an important reason for a thorough cleaning as well as carrying out regular site inspections. Hire a pest control professional if you need more protection.

2. Barriers and floor labeling

A disorganized warehouse also degrades workflow. Use some tools to make the workspace organized. Floor labels and markings are a simple and efficient way of organizing a warehouse. Mark flow of traffic and forklift routes, designate positions of various warehouse equipment and inventory, and more. Also, use barriers to cordon off certain parts of a warehouse and make moving easier, faster, and safer.

3. Recycling

More and more people nowadays think about environmental concerns and about their contribution to maintaining ecology. Running a “green” warehouse is quite popular nowadays. It is based on the 3R – reduce, reuse, and recycle. This principle is simple to implement and ensures better warehouse condition and maintenance as well as the image of an entire business.

4. Special mobile apps

Warehouse maintenance is an extensive task. Usage of special mobile apps helps keep all aspects under control. Also, it is the best way to organize all documentation.

Snappii offers some feature-rich apps that can be extremely helpful in warehouse maintenance.

– Cleaning Inspection Checklist app. This app makes cleaning inspections paperless and agile and increases the quality of cleaning procedures.

– Pest Control app. This app helps keep any warehouse under strong control and ensure safety.

– Warehouse Inventory & Shipment app. This is the best solution to automate warehouse inventory and perform it in minutes right on a mobile device.

Find more Snappii’s ready-made apps for plenty of industries and fields of activity. Most of these apps are customizable. We will meet your specific requirements and modify the app for you. Contact us to discuss app customization.

Tips to Use While Performing Workplace Safety Measures

Tips to Use While Performing Workplace Safety MeasuresSafety always comes first

Regardless of industry or field of activity, workplace safety should always be a priority. It’s about keeping employees healthy and workable as well as avoidance of legal risks. Many business owners and safety managers are looking for new and updated ideas and tips to keep daily workplace safety. Here are some of them.

– First-aid training with visual demonstration. Do not limit employees to one theory. Let them see with their own eyes and try basic first-aid activities. Also, remember to check and restock the first-aid kit regularly.

– Keeping tidiness and cleanliness. It is not only a matter of convenience and pleasantness of work but also a part of safety. For example, littering and cluttering a space can restrict access to emergency exits or firefighting equipment. Also, slippery, dirty, or sticky floors can contribute to injuries.

– Special attention to storage and labeling of hazardous materials. This goes for various combustible and volatile materials, chemicals, solvents, products, paints, and more. This is often overlooked. However, even a small leak can cause a serious problem.

– Use of appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment). Each hazardous activity must be performed exclusively in equipment designed specifically for it. Moreover, the PPE should be checked regularly for signs of wear or damage and instantly replaced if necessary.

– Use of special safety inspection apps. Such apps simplify and accelerate inspections of firefighting equipment and safety precautions’ compliance. Also, this is a great opportunity to get rid of paperwork in this task.

Add Fire Inspection app to your safety tools

The ready-made Fire Inspection app from Snappii is an excellent tool to perform instant inspections and capture required data using a mobile device. Ensure that the premises have all fire safety and fire suppression equipment in place and in good working order. No more time-consuming paperwork and unreliable inspection paper-based forms. Fill in the pre-made mobile form in a few clicks. Also, users can capture handwritten signatures and attach photos. The completed inspection form can be generated to the PDF or Excel report, shared, and stored on the device. Watch this video to learn more about the Fire Inspection app. Download the app in Apple App Store or Google Play.

Never settle for less! If you are not completely satisfied with the Fire Inspection app’s functionality, Snappii is ready to customize it for you. Send us your requirements here and let’s discuss them.


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