Connells Survey & Valuation, a leading provider of panel management and surveying services to the UK financial and property markets, has announced that it has embedded Quest’s Q-Mobile software and tablet technology across its business nationwide.  The technology, an intelligent property data capture solution, is the latest development in Connells’ strategy to extend its report validation, efficiency and quality.

Discussing the benefits that the tablet solution brings, Ross Bowen, Managing Director of Connells Survey & Valuation, says: “Adopting Q-Mobile and Panasonic Toughbook is part of our planned next generation service delivery and moves to dramatically reduce paper-based, manual reporting.  This technology is becoming increasingly important as we continue to improve the overall efficiency and quality of the reporting process, and provide enhanced data validation and security for our customers.”

Ross continues: “Connells has reviewed such technology in the past and found that it fell short of meeting the needs of the business and customers.  However, as a result of technological advancements, Connells has been working in partnership with Quest, Panasonic and other suppliers over the last 18 months to develop a tailored end to end technology solution that is fit for purpose.

“Let’s be clear, this is a major change for any business, and only as a result of comprehensive development, training and proving the systems through extensive live field testing, did we embark on full scale adoption,” Ross adds. “We are continuing to develop the technology to deliver more innovative benefits that will meet our customers’ evolving needs.”

The combination of Q-Mobile, Panasonic’s Toughbook devices and the development work driven by Connells improves workflow, standardises site notes and enables surveyors to access on-line comparable property data whilst on the move.  In addition, bespoke electronic site notes remove the need for hardcopy storage and archiving.  This technology provides a seamless process from the receipt of a valuation instruction, scheduling the appointment, undertaking the inspection and research and finally to the transmission of the valuation to the client.

Jeff Smith, Connells’ Technical Director, has led the field trials and subsequent training across the surveying team.  “Feedback from our surveyors has been great,” says Jeff. “Through the tablet they now have everything they need in one place, from being able to access evidential data, through to the built-in camera.  Plus, at the end of each day, their desk is now free of paper.

“Initially, some of our more experienced surveyors were hesitant regarding the change to tablets, however now they love it and wouldn’t be without it,” Jeff continues. “We have been very pleased with the positive way our surveying team has embraced this new technology.”

The Panasonic Toughbook H2 devices are designed for active mobile workers and incorporate a number of advantages for Connells’ team, including functional customisation, weather-proof screens, 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and hot-swappable twin batteries for continued power throughout the working day.

Liam Parker, Product Development Director of Landmark Quest, says: “The industry is shifting towards electronic reporting for a number of reasons; not only does it standardise the way reports and site notes are completed, providing greater control on what is submitted from an auditing perspective, but significant time savings are also achievable.  We are therefore proud to have been working in partnership with Connells to develop their own cutting-edge Q-Mobile solution.”

“This is another great example of how Panasonic Toughbook, working in conjunction with innovative companies such as Connells and Landmark Quest, are helping businesses to transform the quality of service through mobile workers,” adds Chris Turner, Corporate Sales Manager for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions.