Voice-to-Text Mobile Reporting

More companies are beginning to realize the benefits that voice-to-text mobile device applications can have on the jobsite. The technology is helpful for a wide range of activities, including the necessary reporting duties that managers must perform on a daily basis.

The question remains of whether implementing such technology is worth the investment of time and money. The answer is yes for many reasons—listed below are just seven of the benefits you gain from implementing voice-to-text technology in your organization.

1. Reduce financial loss and protect against disputes.

One of the biggest advantages to voice-to-text mobile reporting is the ability to reduce the risk of financial loss and protect your company against potential disputes or legal action. Due to latent defects, contractors are responsible for projects for up to 10 years. It’s crucial to save accurate information about projects in the event that anything is disputed and precise details are required. Having accurate, contemporaneous time and location-stamped records that are held by a third party is imperative. When a dispute arises, the focus inevitably comes down to the events that occurred on a particular day. Often, it is several years after the fact and memories are not the most reliable, credible or convincing forms of evidence. Voice-to-text enables companies to protect their reputation and integrity and resolve issues quickly, fairly and equitably. Additionally, voice notes that are transcribed are difficult for anyone to refute.

2. Document project records faster.

An obvious bonus of voice-to-text mobile reporting is that speaking is faster than writing. Some studies show that voice input is 7 to 10 times faster than typing. In addition, companies can easily record essential details such as important visitors to the jobsite on a particular day, testing or sampling performed and important informal meetings that are often overlooked by the end of the day.

3. Save time for other vital tasks.

Because voice-to-text documentation occurs immediately, it eliminates the time needed at the end of the day for writing reports. This is particularly important with large-scale construction projects where it is vital to keep staff on the jobsite, rather than in the trailer doing paperwork. The reduction in time spent on daily reporting through voice-to-text applications can be as much as 12 percent.

4. Communicate information in real time.

Voice-to-text reporting solutions are extremely valuable because they are created in real time. Daily reports are typically, if at all, written at the end of the day when staff has to rely on memory of the daily events. However, there are solutions that allow everyone involved on the project to remain updated on any changes or notes as they’re recorded, like a newsfeed of events in real time. Notifications can be made as instances occur, which empowers managers to take action before the project 
gets delayed.

5. Protect your company with better data.

Much like no two fingerprints are the same, no two voiceprints are alike. The unique features of a person’s vocal characteristics and speaking patterns can identify individuals. Written reports can be changed and edited, but the original voice recording confirms who the person is, what they said and where they were at the time.

6. Benefit from simplicity.

Another noteworthy benefit of voice-to-text mobile reporting is the ease of use for all employees. Voice-to-text is a simple concept that everyone can grasp and enables them to work more efficiently.

7. Provide jobs and enhance the community.

Voice-to-text mobile reporting solutions also provide jobs. Some companies have human transcribers who review each note recorded. These people consist of injured construction workers, stay-at-home moms and others that seek employment opportunities. The number of people in construction is dropping, but the amount of work is increasing. Companies should increase the efficiency of the people they have on the jobsite.

It’s important to remember that individuals filling out daily reports on your jobsites serve as factual recorders. Companies should include as many facts as possible to ensure complete accuracy. Proper documentation via voice-to-text keeps everyone on the same page, reduces conflicts and claims, allows employees to be more efficient and can save companies money and resources.