Is Using Form Builders for Site Reporting Worth the Risk?

Let's face it: site reporting is a crucial aspect of any construction project. It helps project managers monitor progress, identify areas of improvement, and make data-driven decisions. However, creating a site report form from scratch can be time-consuming, and not everyone has the necessary coding skills to pull it off.

That's where form builders come in.

They promise a "grab-and-go" solution that is cost-effective and easy to use.

But is it worth the risk?

In this blog post, we'll explore the potential drawbacks of using form builders for site reporting and offer a better alternative that provides bespoke analytics, real-time notifications, and integrations with major cost management and planning software.

But before we get to that, let's examine the risks of using form builders for site reporting.

Forms Can Be Tricky to Build

If you've ever used a form builder before, you know that they're not always user-friendly. Creating an intuitive form isn't as easy as it sounds. It requires careful consideration of factors like logical grouping of form fields, correct labeling, and a clear order that follows throughout the shift.

You also need to ensure that the input method allows for enough detail and variation in responses, and that the buttons make sense. Getting these factors wrong results in poor UX, and ultimately, poor quality site data.

Generic Forms: One Size Fits None

It's no secret that most form builders are designed for general use, not tailored to specific industries or business needs. They offer basic templates and field options that might work for some, but certainly not for all. This is especially true for rail construction projects, where unique metrics and fields are required to ensure accurate data collection.

Using a generic form builder for site reporting is like wearing a one-size-fits-all shirt – it might fit some people okay, but it won't work for everyone. And in the case of rail construction, the consequences of using an ill-fitting form can be disastrous.

Let's say you're using a form builder that only allows you to input basic information like time, date, and project name. That might be enough for a consumer website, but it's not going to cut it for a rail construction project. You need to be able to capture specific data like the type and amount of materials used, equipment and machinery deployed, and progress made on each task. Without this detailed information, you won't be able to accurately analyse your site data and identify areas for improvement.

The limitations of generic form builders can also impact data quality. When you're forced to use a pre-set form, you might have to choose fields that aren't entirely relevant to your project, or skip important fields that aren't available. This leads to inconsistent and incomplete data, making it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions and make informed decisions.

In short, using a generic form builder for site reporting is like trying to build a skyscraper with only a hammer and nails. Sure, you might be able to build something, but it won't be the best or most efficient structure it could be.

Data May Not Be Secure

In an age where cyber-attacks are becoming more and more frequent, data security should be a top priority for any business. Unfortunately, some form builder software just don't seem to get the memo.

Sending your site data through non-encrypted emails is akin to sending it on a postcard through snail mail. Anyone who happens to intercept that email can easily access your data, putting your business at risk of losing sensitive information.

Now, I don't know about you, but I'd rather not have my confidential data floating around the internet for any old hacker to feast their eyes on. So, if you're using a basic form builder software that doesn't have proper data security measures in place, it might be time to consider a more secure option. Your business and clients will thank you for it.

No Built-in Analytics

What's the point of collecting data if you can't do anything with it? Unfortunately, that's the situation you'll find yourself in if you rely on a form builder for site reporting. These tools offer no built-in analytics or data visualisation capabilities. You're stuck with the raw information, which can be overwhelming and difficult to make sense of.

To make matters worse, the burden of isolating, formatting, and comparing key metrics falls squarely on the shoulders of office-based staff. This is like asking a fish to climb a tree; it's just not their area of expertise.

Calculating average outputs, comparing actual works against the plan, and other essential analyses can be incredibly time-consuming for skilled office teams.

No Long-term Learning

What's the point of collecting data if you can't do anything with it? Unfortunately, that's the situation you'll find yourself in if you rely on a form builder for site reporting. These tools offer no built-in analytics or data visualisation capabilities. You're stuck with the raw information, which can be overwhelming and difficult to make sense of.

To make matters worse, the burden of isolating, formatting, and comparing key metrics falls squarely on the shoulders of office-based staff. This is like asking a fish to climb a tree; it's just not their area of expertise. Calculating average outputs, comparing actual works against the plan, and other essential analyses can be incredibly time-consuming for skilled office teams.

May Not Be Suitable For the Construction Environment

Construction projects often require unique and specific data collection methods. For example, a construction site report may require the collection of data related to weather conditions, equipment usage, and material delivery schedules. However, many form builder software solutions may not have the necessary features to capture and report this data effectively.

While generic form builders may work for some construction reporting needs, they may not be suitable for more complex and specific requirements. It's essential to consider the industry's specific needs and the available software features before deciding on a form builder solution.

As they say in construction, "measure twice, cut once." The same applies when selecting a form builder for construction reporting. Take the time to evaluate the options, and consider your industry-specific needs, so you can choose a solution that can handle the job.

Burden of Training Falls on You

One of the most significant drawbacks of using form builders for site reporting is the burden of training that falls on you. Unlike specialised software built for site reporting, form builders do not have the same level of support and resources for training.

When you opt for form builders, you are on your own. It's up to you to navigate the software and create forms that meet your site reporting needs. The training burden is not just about learning how to use the software but also understanding the data you need to collect and how to structure it to generate the desired reports.

Furthermore, because form builders are not designed specifically for site reporting, you may encounter limitations that prevent you from collecting the data you need. This can lead to incomplete or inaccurate reports, which can have serious consequences for your site operations.

Not only does the burden of training fall on you, but it also falls on your team. You'll need to train everyone who needs to use the form builder, which can be time-consuming and difficult. This can take away valuable time from other important tasks and can cause a significant drain on resources.

The Solution: Tailored Site Reporting Software

If form builders can't provide the necessary analytics, data security, and customisation for your rail construction project, then what can? The answer is tailored site reporting software like Raildiary.

Raildiary offers a comprehensive site reporting solution that goes beyond simply collecting data. Our platform is built by rail experts who understand the unique requirements of rail construction projects. We provide bespoke analytics, real-time notifications, and integrations with major cost management and planning software.

But that's not all. Our team of product specialists provides training in a range of formats to ensure that your staff are fully equipped to use the software and get the most out of it. With Raildiary, you don't have to worry about the burden of training falling on you.

We understand the importance of data security, which is why Raildiary employs the latest encryption technologies to protect your infrastructure, cost, and personnel data. Our software is designed to be available offline, and it allows you to save your progress and leave midway through the form. Plus, you can assign forms to supervisors and control who has access to them.

With Raildiary, you get a site reporting solution that is tailored to your specific needs, with the added benefit of long-term learning and analysis. Our software stores your historic data for future analysis, allowing you to benchmark and estimate future works with ease.

Form builders may seem like a cost-effective and quick solution for collecting site data, but they come with many risks and limitations. Generic forms, lack of data security, and no built-in analytics are just some of the drawbacks of using form builders for site reporting.

Investing in tailored site reporting software like Raildiary may require an upfront cost, but it provides a long-term solution that is specifically designed for rail construction projects. With the ability to customise forms, access real-time notifications, and analyse data, Raildiary provides a comprehensive solution that can improve project delivery and save time and resources.

Don't settle for generic form builders that can compromise the quality and security of your site data.

Choose Raildiary for a tailored site reporting solution that provides long-term value for your rail construction project.