Digitized construction site inspections at Allco with PowerApp

Allco handles construction site inspections digitally with the cloud solution from Online

The Allco Group has used the cloud solution to automate the entire construction site inspection process in terms of occupational health and safety. Previously, inspections were carried out manually using Word and File Explorer, which was time-consuming and error-prone. With the introduction of SharePoint Online, PowerAutomate and PowerApps together with an interface to the CMS for the Allco website, construction site inspections are organized completely digitally.

The Allco Group has been active since 1997 with a broad range of services as a general and total contractor, in construction management and in development/consulting. For more than two decades, it has realized new buildings as well as conversion projects and renovations of medium-sized to large residential buildings, hotels and industrial, commercial and office complexes. With a 50-strong team and state-of-the-art digital working methods, Allco focuses on German-speaking Switzerland, in particular the extended economic area of Zurich.

The project implemented with Online provided Allco with a customized app for construction site inspections. With an agile approach and a short conception phase, the solution was iteratively implemented, tested and expanded together with Allco. By using the latest cloud technologies from Microsoft, Allco can now access the data from anywhere. This simplifies the organization of construction site inspections and ensures a seamless flow of information.

The solution

• The PowerApp, based on SharePoint Online lists, provides the safety officer with an overview of all site inspections, including defects and follow-up inspections.
• The safety officer records new inspections and defects directly in the app.
• Construction and project managers receive notifications about responsible construction sites and defects for inspection and follow-up. They can record and process these directly in the PowerApp.
• SharePoint Online serves as a central storage location for all data and documents related to the site inspection.
• Standardized checklists for various inspections are provided in a PCF component to ensure a uniform approach.
• Defects and follow-up inspections can be visualized and documented with images.
• The PowerApp can be used to complete the inspections. The document generation function clearly summarizes all content (checklist, defects, follow-up inspection, image log) and makes it available for dispatch.

How Allco benefits from the cloud solution

• Efficient implementation: The tedious paper process is a thing of the past. The digital solution speeds up and simplifies site inspections. Employees record data directly on site, which reduces manual effort and increases productivity.
• Immediate data availability: Data is recorded and updated in real time in the app, which facilitates quick reactions to changes and well-founded decisions.
• Centralized information storage: This makes it easier to organize, access and share information.
• Improved communication and collaboration: Relevant information can be accessed at any time and from anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. This promotes interaction and cooperation between team members at different locations.
• Standardized processes: A uniform digital platform enforces standards for site inspections, which contributes to the consistency and quality of the data collected.
• Security and access management: SharePoint Online provides security features and access controls that ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data. This is particularly important for sensitive information in the construction sector and for compliance with legal regulations.
• Effective data analysis and reporting: Thanks to digitalization, information can be easily evaluated and reports created. This enables project and site managers to monitor the progress of site inspections, identify trends and keep an eye on performance indicators.