A Digital Audit, Inspection and Field Data Management
Estabman is a flexible system for recording, managing and analysing audits, inspections and other structured field data.
Originally developed for establishment inspections, Estabman allows inspectors and auditors to collect information directly on tablets, hand-held devices or laptop computers while carrying out an inspection or audit.
The system combines field data collection with centralised data management, reporting and analysis.
From Inspection to Report
Estabman consists of two integrated components:
- Estabman Client – used on a tablet, hand-held device or laptop to collect and validate information in the field.
- Estabman Web – the cloud-based management system used to configure data collection, manage information and produce reports.
Inspectors can therefore record findings directly during an audit or inspection rather than completing paper forms and subsequently transferring the information into another system.
Works Without an Internet Connection
An important advantage of Estabman is that continuous internet access is not required during an inspection.
The field device can collect, validate and store information locally while offline. When Wi-Fi or mobile broadband subsequently becomes available, the collected information is securely transferred to the central cloud-based system.
This makes Estabman particularly suitable for inspections and field activities in locations where internet connectivity is limited or unreliable.
Flexible Data Templates
At the heart of Estabman are configurable Data Templates.
Templates determine:
- the information to be collected;
- questions and inspection criteria;
- checks to be performed;
- data-validation requirements;
- notifications and follow-up actions.
Templates are created through the Estabman Web management system and can be adapted to the specific requirements of an inspection programme, audit system or data-collection exercise.
Updated templates are automatically made available to field devices, helping ensure that inspectors are always working with the current version.
Notifications and Follow-up
Notifications can be incorporated into the inspection templates.
For example, particular findings can trigger an email or SMS notification to an inspector, manager, quality manager or other designated person.
This allows important findings or non-compliances to be brought rapidly to the attention of those responsible for corrective action.
Reporting and Analysis
Once field data have been transferred to the central system, Estabman can support:
- immediate production of inspection or audit reports;
- standard and exception reporting;
- comparison with previous inspection results;
- identification of trends;
- monitoring of corrective actions;
- statistical analysis of collected information.
Reports can be generated centrally and returned electronically to the inspection location or other designated recipients.
Applications
Although originally designed for food establishment inspections, Estabman can be adapted to many types of structured audit, inspection and verification activity.
Potential applications include:
- food establishment inspections;
- HACCP and hygiene audits;
- veterinary and animal-health inspections;
- official-control activities;
- laboratory assessments;
- border-control inspections;
- certification and compliance audits;
- monitoring and evaluation;
- field surveys;
- quality-management inspections;
- project data collection and verification.
The system can therefore be configured around the requirements of a particular authority, organisation, project or audit programme.
User-Controlled and Adaptable
Traditional information systems can require substantial programming whenever forms, inspection criteria or reporting requirements change.
Estabman is designed to give users greater control over their own data-collection system. Templates can be created and adapted through the management interface, reducing dependence on specialist programming for routine changes.
FCC can also provide technical assistance with the development of templates and adaptation of Estabman to particular inspection, audit or project requirements.
Implementing Estabman
Estabman can be configured and made operational quickly. The precise implementation depends on the intended application, inspection procedures, reporting requirements and number of users.
Food Control Consultants Ltd can assist clients with:
- defining inspection and audit requirements;
- developing data templates;
- adapting existing inspection forms and checklists;
- establishing reporting requirements;
- testing the system;
- training users;
- integrating Estabman into wider inspection or control programmes.
Contact FCC
Contact Food Control Consultants Ltd to discuss using Estabman for digital inspections, audits or field data collection, or to arrange a demonstration of the system.