Punchlister
How do I set up my projects and master punchlists?
Once you sign up, we will give you access to a password protected punchlister website dedicated to only your company. This website can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet, at any time 24/7. Using the administrator account, you can create any number of accounts for your staff members so that they can create and manage master punchlists and generate reports simultaneously. Using this website, you can create a new project with in seconds just by entering the name of the project. You can then create master punchlists for the different types of units in your project, and assign the individual punchlist items to the appropriate subcontractors. Add the units, and assign them to the right master punchlist, and you are ready to start punchlisting!
Once we set up our project, how do we do the punchlisting?
You will need an iPhone to do the punchlisting. Using iPhone, go to the password protected website using the Internet Browser on your iPhone (we will provide the address), and enter your password. Within the project, the system will lead you to the right unit, and display the right punchlist items for the unit sections in this unit (e.g. kitchen, living room, etc.). Once you select the section you want to punchlist, the system will display all the items to be checked in this section. All you need to do for each item is to check "good" or "no good". If necessary, you can also add notes for individual items.
Once the punchlist is finished, how soon can we start creating reports?
Immediately. In fact, the data you collect on the site using your iPhone will be transferred to the server over the Internet each time you finish the punchlisting of a unit section. From that time on, you can create the report for this section at any time.
How do we create the reports?
The reports are created using the same password-protected website that is used to create your projects and master punchlists. This website can be reached at any time, from any computer connected to the Internet. You can create different types of reports and filter the data by trades.
Can we email the reports directly to our subcontractors?
Yes. The reports are created in a printer- and email-friendly format. They not only look professional on paper, but they also can easily be emailed.
Do we need to purchase any servers for Punchlister?
Absolutely not. The website servers are already located in our data center, and protected by firewalls, so that they are absolutely secure. The data on the servers is backed up on a regular basis, several times a day. EK Solutions uses one of the most sophisticated and cutting-edge data centers available. Connections ensuring adequate power and availability of the data are redundant many times over. Additionally, all of our servers have dual power cores, which are fed power from at least two different circuits. All of the hard drives are also "mirrored," meaning the data on them is stored twice, and it is all backed up every twenty minutes.
Do we have to install any software on our iPhone?
No. All you need is a standard iPhone which you will use to go to the web-based Punchlister application. We provide you with a username and password.
What if we lose an iPhone? Will we lose the data that we collected on site?
Absolutely not. iPhone does not store any punchlist data, it sends the data directly to the server over the Internet. If you lose an iPhone, or if an iPhone stops working, you will not lose any data.
Can we use more than one iPhones on the site to expedite the punchlisting process?
Yes, you can use as many iPhones as you want. You can use them also at the same time.
Can we use any other handheld other than iPhone?
Since iPhone offers a very advanced user-interface (high-resolution and sensitive touch screen, stable operating system, and reliable Internet connection), Punchlister is designed specifically for iPhone in order to maximize the benefits. However, the part of Punchlister that is accessed via the iPhone is a web-based application, and is designed also to work with any handheld with similar or the same features as iPhone. Still, iPhone is currently the best handheld on the market for running Punchlister.
Can we use other features of iPhone while we punchlist a site?
Yes. Punchlister does not create any interference with other applications on the iPhone. For instance, you can make and receive phone calls while you punchlist your site, and continue punchlisting after your call finishes. You can use also other features of iPhone such as email, Google Maps and many others while punchlisting.
Do we have to register the iPhone with EK Solutions before we start using it for punchlisting?
No. You can start using your iPhone for punchlisting anytime after you purchase it.
Which Internet browser do we have to use to create the punchlist reports on the server?
The Punchlister server is compatible with all major Internet browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari.
Do you provide the necessary training and technical support for Punchlister?
Yes. We provide training for up to 5 users. After the training, our technical support team members will be available to all users on an unlimited basis via email and toll-free numbers, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (EST).
How long does it typically take to learn how to use the Punchlister?
It usually takes about 2 hours to learn to use Punchlister's server software. Users that will collect the data on the field usually learn the software in less than 30 minutes.
What's the cost of Punchlister?
Punchlister is available for an annual fee, and an additional fee per project based on the size of the project (sft).
How long will it take to set up Punchlister for our company?
Once you order the system, we can get Punchlister up and running for your company within one business day. You can start creating your projects, unit lists, and master punchlists immediately. However, you will have to purchase (or already own) at least one iPhone in order to start punch listing.