New research indicates that surveyors have a growing appetite for technology but barriers remain in place for its adoption. Over the last 18 months GoReport undertook an in-depth exploration with surveyors to better comprehend their usage and adoption of technology in the property sector, as well as barriers faced. Going onsite and into the work places of both large and small surveying practices helped gain a detailed understanding of working practices, habits and frustrations. GoReport shadowed surveyors who carry out residential and commercial surveys, as well as specialist surveyors covering areas such as health and safety, fire and asbestos. This included surveys on single properties through to extensive property portfolios. The findings, outlined below, have led to the launch of a new generation of mobile surveying software from GoReport.
The study found the main hesitation with technology was “fear of change” with many surveyors staying with traditional methods to capture and record survey data on site rather than switching to an iPad, believing an iPad would be slower or inaccurate. Commenting on this finding, Mike Llewellyn, CEO of GoReport said “Changing from manual surveying to using modern technology takes a certain ‘leap of faith’. However, as more and more surveyors embrace technology, confidence grows. Technology is a journey” he went on to explain “change should be introduced in manageable bites. It’s a ‘crawl-walk-run’ process with confidence and speed growing over time. It highlights the importance of choosing a technology provider who partners with you and delivers proper training and implementation”.
Another finding from the analysis of the test group showed that while most surveyors can appreciate the benefits delivered by technology, there is perhaps an understandable resistance to changing proven working methods. Llewellyn reacted to the finding stating “It’s clear that surveyors spend substantial time and effort to qualify and continually undergo professional development. They know best how they want to work. New technology needs to work the way surveyors want not try to dictate that everyone work in the same set way”.
Underpinning the desire for the benefits of modern surveying technology, the results showed surveyors see a clear opportunity for adding competitive advantage and delivering improved services to their customers. At its simplest level, surveying technology will save both time and money but can assist customers by delivering high quality survey reports, rich with quality informative content, whilst still being commercially viable.
Technology is viewed as a way surveyors can play an active role in contributing additional services and advice for their clients. For example, analysing and aggregating survey data across a property portfolio, advising on trends, areas for optimising savings, etc. Responding, Mike Llewellyn said “We all appreciate that getting a new customer is hard, so retaining them by delivering added value is an exciting prospect. This is an area where carefully chosen technology can really earn it’s keep”.
The research was carried out by GoReport, a technology partner, who exclusively develop mobile surveying solutions. GoReport continually look to develop and improve a comprehensive suite of solutions for the built environment with an extensive range of built – for purpose surveying software.
This research is part of their ongoing programme of working closely with surveyors, recognising software is not created in isolation and as such they openly welcome and encourage input from stakeholders. Commenting on the process they undertook in partnership with GoReport Shaun Cosy, Operations Manager at Cosey Homes said “GoReport not only listened to what we had to say, they acted on it. We have experienced a high level of efficiency and competence in all aspects of RICS Homebuyer surveys carried out using GoReport and we are really happy with the service which we receive”.
The findings drove the emergence of the new generation GoReport, which offers streamlined rapid on-site data capture, designed to allow surveyors to concentrate on surveying. Improved editing and review features as well as extensive report personalisation and outputs, help surveyors meet the demands of their customers.
GoReport worked with customers to improve speed and accuracy stating saving of up to 80% on the end to end process. Richard Hoskins from Byrne Looby endorsed this, saying “What we like most about GoReport is the speed of which we can produce a report once back in the office. It is simple to use onsite and the reports produced are just brilliant”.
Robert Hopps, Director at The Hopps Partnership welcomed the findings and the progress made by GoReport stating: “Having worked with GoReport, we have found the document that it produces is superior to the schedules we created in the past. The incorporation of our branding and the overall look is very professional and I would recommend the system. The transcription is very accurate and the system highlights inaccuracies for ease of review and amendment”.
Furthermore, the new GoReport has been designed to integrate with everyday software such as Excel as well as leading data analytics and dashboarding packages, allowing surveyors to view and analyse data across multiple properties and portfolios. This helps them add value to their client relationships by supporting informed business decisions. GoReport offer a range of solutions to meet customers surveying needs and budget.
To find out more about this research and the new generation GoReport please visit: