General

Fulcrum Audio FastFill is transforming how field teams collect data, offering faster, hands-free workflows through AI-powered voice input. Before this feature became widely available, early adopters were already putting it to the test on their custom Fulcrum apps. Their feedback has given us valuable insights into how organizations can optimize their forms and workflows for this game-changing tool.

Fulcrum Audio FastFill is a voice-powered AI feature that replaces manual typing with real-time, structured voice dictation for field data capture. It solves common problems in the field by turning spoken input into accurate records, helping teams move faster and stay focused on their work.

Grid modernization sounds like a dream come true: smart meters, renewable energy, real-time data flowing seamlessly through a network that can anticipate problems before they even happen. It’s a future everyone’s racing toward, and telecommunications is the driving force behind it.

Environmental conservation faces massive challenges, from deforestation to climate change, but technology is transforming how organizations tackle these issues. Location intelligence tools, including geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and spatial analytics, help organizations track, analyze, and respond to environmental threats in real time. These tools provide conservationists with accurate data to monitor forests, map wildlife habitats, and optimize strategies with precision.

Energy keeps the world running, but keeping energy systems running has never been more complex. Demand is rising, infrastructure is aging, and the push for lower emissions is reshaping how power is generated and delivered. At the same time, supply chains are strained, regulations are tightening, and skilled labor shortages make efficiency more critical than ever. The energy industry is in the middle of a digital transformation for fieldwork, with new technologies reshaping how field teams operate and respond to these challenges.

Digital transformation promises to revolutionize field operations, unlocking unprecedented efficiency, precision, and insight. But as exciting as this future sounds, the path to get there can be fraught with challenges. From unclear goals to resistance among team members, even the most promising field technology initiatives can falter. The good news? By anticipating these pitfalls, your organization can sidestep them and pave the way for meaningful, lasting change.

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry faces unique challenges: complex projects, tight deadlines, and ever-increasing client demands. But a digital revolution is underway, offering solutions to these challenges and reshaping how we design, build, and manage the world around us. This transformation is leading to a fundamental rethinking of workflows, collaboration, and the very nature of construction itself. To understand why, let’s explore the forces driving this digital revolution and how it’s changing the AEC landscape.

The landscape of utility field inspections is rapidly evolving. AI-powered UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicle), aka drones, are taking center stage, offering a safer, faster, and more efficient alternative to traditional ground-based methods. 

The utility industry is at a crossroads. Energy demand is rising, but the skilled workforce needed to maintain the grid is shrinking. Much of the infrastructure is decades old and increasingly prone to issues, while extreme weather and tighter regulations add even more pressure. Transmission and distribution (T&D) field teams, tasked with keeping everything running, are being stretched thin. Artificial intelligence (AI) is providing a path forward. Advances in AI in utilities are modernizing how utilities handle inspections, maintenance, and field operations, AI is helping teams work smarter, faster, and safer. This blog dives into how AI is transforming T&D field strategies to boost grid reliability, streamline tasks, and even reshape the future of fieldwork.

Infrastructure inspections have always been essential to maintaining the structures that connect and sustain modern society. These field inspections are critical for bridges, pipelines, power grids, and roadways, but they have traditionally been slow, expensive, and risky. Teams conducting inspections often rely on labor-intensive processes that involve scaling dangerous heights or working in hazardous environments. These methods are not only inefficient but often fail to capture the full picture needed for accurate maintenance planning.

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) consulting firms face growing challenges, from managing complex projects to maintaining compliance and delivering on increasingly tight deadlines. Manual workflows and disconnected tools can often exacerbate these pressures, creating inefficiencies that slow progress and increase costs.

Modern cities face mounting challenges. Populations continue to grow, infrastructure ages, and the demand for sustainability rises. For construction managers, field operations teams, and project leaders, this creates a clear need for smarter, more efficient ways to manage resources and infrastructure. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and asset management provide the tools to meet these demands head-on.

Reinforced concrete inspections are tough work. Inspectors squint at cracks, measure with gauges, jot down notes, and hope their instincts hit the mark. It’s slow, inconsistent, and overdue for an upgrade. With aging infrastructure presenting growing challenges, traditional visual assessments alone don’t cut it.

Preventive maintenance is a cornerstone of asset management, and for many organizations, integrating AI into their maintenance programs seems like a no-brainer. Yet, while businesses race to harness AI’s analytical power, they’re often overlooking a critical factor: their data. In fact, many teams are falling into a common trap—focusing on AI’s potential without addressing the data quality issues that undermine its effectiveness.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become indispensable in engineering and consulting, offering a unique combination of spatial analysis, data visualization, and decision-making tools. Platforms like Esri’s ArcGIS provide engineers and consultants with robust tools for spatial analysis and decision-making, making GIS an integral part of modern workflows. Whether it’s improving project planning, enhancing design accuracy, or advancing sustainability, GIS empowers professionals to work smarter and deliver better outcomes. Here are five key ways GIS is driving transformation across the industry.

Greetings, everyone. Today, I’m thrilled to share an important step forward for Fulcrum, one that brings to life our vision of enabling field efficiency and unifying the field with the office. 

AI-driven field data collection makes fieldwork smoother, faster, and error-free. With modern tools at their fingertips, field teams now capture real-time insights and act on data directly in the field. Industries like utilities, engineering, telecom, and environmental management are getting actionable information on the spot, cutting out delays and transforming raw data into instant solutions.

Field engineers work under constant pressure to provide accurate, up-to-date insights from the field. Delays or outdated information can lead to costly mistakes, stalled projects, and missed deadlines. Real-time data syncing has evolved into an essential tool that keeps projects moving, enhances accuracy, and supports seamless decision-making across teams. In this blog, we’ll explore how real-time syncing elevates the role of field engineers, helping them deliver results with speed and precision.

From soil quality to wildlife habitats, survey data is only as good as the system that collects it. GIS-enabled mobile apps cut out transcription errors, streamline collaboration, and deliver the accurate insights projects demand.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, western North Carolina faces monumental challenges—and opportunities—in rebuilding. Flooding, landslides, deforestation, and contaminated waterways are just some of the issues communities now confront. The impact goes beyond physical infrastructure; it reaches into the heart of local ecosystems, leaving scars that will take years to heal. However, with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry working together, the region has a path to rebuild stronger and smarter, creating resilient landscapes prepared for future disasters.

Urban infrastructure is in serious trouble. Decades-old bridges, pipes, roads, and grids are buckling under the weight of growing populations and years of neglect. Potholes that swallow cars, bridges hanging on by a thread, water mains bursting—this isn’t the future anyone had in mind. For the engineers, city planners, and field ops teams on the front lines, aging infrastructure is like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole with crises popping up faster than they can handle.

When it comes to managing your GIS systems, control is everything. Esri ArcGIS Enterprise gives you full command over your GIS infrastructure, and now with Fulcrum’s integration, that control extends seamlessly to your field data collection. Whether it’s GIS, IT, or field operations, Fulcrum ensures that your data stays secure and fully within your grasp—just the way you need it. 

Geospatial data solutions are transforming modern urban planning by giving cities a clearer understanding of land use, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental impact. With these tools, planners can design more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable communities that are ready for future growth. 

For GIS professionals, managing geospatial data can be a complex, multi-step process. Fulcrum’s seamless integration with ArcGIS simplifies this by allowing teams to collect and sync data directly into the ArcGIS platform. This eliminates manual data transfers, reduces errors, and speeds up data management for faster decision-making. With Fulcrum, field teams and GIS analysts collaborate easily, ensuring accurate, consistent data across both platforms.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are giving architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals clearer insights that drive smarter decisions. GIS transforms complex spatial data into a usable format, helping teams visualize site conditions, understand risks, and plan with greater precision. By adding location-based information to project workflows, GIS makes it easier to avoid costly mistakes, manage environmental factors, and optimize resources. As the complexity of projects increases, GIS is becoming a crucial tool for navigating site challenges, urban planning, infrastructure management, and disaster preparation.

The fieldwork landscape is changing fast, evolving from outdated manual processes into a domain driven by AI-powered solutions. What used to be a slow, error-filled, paper-based process has evolved into a system driven by digital precision, efficiency, and real-time decision-making. As the leap from paper to tech, and now to field AI, transforms how on-site operations are conducted, the result is not just faster processes, but smarter, more reliable workflows.

Modern agriculture relies heavily on data. Field data collection platforms like Fulcrum enable growers to collect, analyze, and act on critical field information that can improve everything from crop yields to resource management. Below are the essential data types that should be prioritized for any farm operation, with platforms like Fulcrum offering streamlined ways to collect and manage this information.

Field operations often suffer from inefficiencies and errors due to inconsistent processes. Standardizing your field processes is a powerful way to mitigate these challenges, ensuring smoother workflows, reduced mistakes, and faster project completion. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of standardizing field processes and how this approach can transform your operations.

If you’re not quite on board with the idea of practical AI, you’re not alone. Between generating nightmare images of uncanny valley mutants with too many (and too bendy) fingers and news stories of AI missteps and hallucinations, it’s easy to dismiss AI as another tech novelty. 

The geospatial industry is experiencing a profound shift, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving user expectations, and an unyielding demand for more intelligent workflows. The Trimble State of the Global Geospatial Industry 2024 report highlights several key trends shaping the future of this field—from the essential need for reliable field data collection to the decisive move towards Software as a Service (SaaS) models. 

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening lives, property, and ecosystems. Understanding the causes behind these fires is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. In this blog, we will explore the primary causes of wildfires and how real-time field data collection tools are transforming our approach to mitigating these risks and wildfire prevention.

At Fulcrum, we pride ourselves on enabling loose coupling in your workflows. But what does that mean? Loose coupling integration allows different systems and components to work together seamlessly, without heavy dependencies on each other. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate new features or replace components without disrupting the entire system.

Efficient data management is essential for success in field operations. Fulcrum, an industry-leading field data collection and process management platform, offers robust tools to automate data workflows, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy. This blog explores the benefits and processes of automating data exchanges between Fulcrum and other platforms, providing practical steps and real-world examples to guide users in implementing these integrations.

Connectivity shouldn’t curb your fieldwork capabilities. Engineered with advanced offline field data solutions, Fulcrum ensures uninterrupted productivity, even in the most remote locations. Here’s how our platform supports seamless field data collection and operations, no matter where your projects take you.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with remote sensing technologies is transforming groundwater monitoring, providing unparalleled insights into water quality across extensive geographical areas. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for water utility and field operations teams looking to enhance their monitoring and management capabilities.

Leaks in water distribution systems have long been a persistent problem for utilities. According to the EPA, leaks account for an average of 14 percent of treated water never reaching customers, with some systems experiencing water losses exceeding 60 percent. Traditional methods of leak detection can be inefficient and costly. To bridge the gap between these outdated practices and the need for more efficient and reliable water management, advanced solutions like acoustic monitoring are becoming crucial. Integrating this technology with comprehensive field data collection platforms like Fulcrum can significantly enhance leak detection and management capabilities for water utilities.

Urban areas are plagued by the eyesore and safety hazard of double utility poles. Addressing this issue requires a deeper understanding of why double poles exist, the scope of the problem, safety concerns, and effective solutions. Tools like Fulcrum can significantly streamline the management of this problem.

We just got back from the Esri User Conference and are still riding that post-conference high! Before we dive back into our daily routines, let’s recap some of the fantastic moments and insights from last week.

Efficient and accurate data collection is the backbone of many businesses, especially those with teams in the field. Integrating your field data collection platform with other systems can significantly enhance your operations. This integration not only boosts efficiency and accuracy but also provides numerous other benefits that can transform how your business functions. Here, we explore these benefits and outline steps for a successful integration.

Water utilities are facing unprecedented challenges today, including aging infrastructure, population growth, climate change, and regulatory pressures. To address these issues, many utilities are turning to cloud-based solutions which provide numerous advantages, including enhanced flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Read on to learn how cloud-based software can revolutionize field operations, streamline data management, and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for water utilities.

With changing climate patterns and increasing urbanization, proactive stormwater management has become essential for cities worldwide. The intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and hurricanes, are on the rise, posing significant threats to urban infrastructure and public safety. As cities expand, impervious surfaces like roads and buildings prevent water from naturally soaking into the ground, exacerbating the risk of flooding. 

Subsidence is the gradual sinking or settling of the Earth’s surface, driven by both natural forces like soil compaction and human activities such as groundwater extraction and mining. Threatening more than two billion people globally, The effects of subsidence include cracked building foundations, reduced aquifer capacity, damaged infrastructure, increased coastal flooding, and habitat deterioration. With urban expansion leading to increased groundwater extraction and climate change intensifying drought conditions, the need to monitor and mitigate subsidence has never been more critical.

Achieving a balance between customization and standardization in field processes is essential to maintain flexibility while ensuring consistency and efficiency. Here’s how to strike that balance effectively.

Implementing new field software can significantly enhance operational efficiency and data accuracy, but it requires careful planning and execution. To ensure a successful implementation, here are five best practice tips to guide you through the process!

As the world continues to grapple with the pressing challenges of climate change and energy sustainability, the importance of renewable energy has never been more pronounced. Solar panels and wind turbines are at the forefront of this movement, providing clean, sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. However, the successful deployment of these technologies depends heavily on precise planning and strategic placement. This is where Esri GIS and field data collection platforms such as Fulcrum come into play, offering unparalleled tools for identifying optimal locations and ensuring the success of renewable energy projects.

The electric grid is a complex and dynamic network that requires continuous monitoring and management to ensure stability and reliability. In this context, high-quality data collection is not just beneficial but essential. Esri’s GIS technologies transform how electricity utilities manage their infrastructures. By integrating Esri with Fulcrum for data collection, utilities can enhance their operations across various facets such as grid management, asset management, and outage response. This blog post explores the impact of this integration on ensuring grid stability.

In our day-to-day lives, whether we’re brewing morning coffee or binge-watching our favorite series, we’re dependent on seamless utility field operations.

Utility partnerships are playing a crucial role in the modernization and sustainability of energy systems worldwide. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and leveraging shared resources and expertise, these collaborations are enhancing service delivery, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth, while also addressing some of the critical challenges of energy transition and environmental sustainability.

The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” takes on new meaning for field technicians documenting maintenance and restoration needs of electrical equipment. Multimedia has revolutionized the way we document electrical equipment in the field. Now, using high-resolution photos, videos, and audio, we’re capturing details like never before. These tools bring the intricate details of maintenance and restoration to life, from spotting a tiny crack on a transformer to hearing the subtle sounds indicating a potential issue. 

AI is transforming utility maintenance by predicting failures before they happen, slashing downtime and unnecessary costs. With smart integration of IoT sensors and real-time analytics, utilities can now catch issues early and plan targeted fixes. This blog unpacks how AI-driven predictive maintenance reshapes grid reliability, energy efficiency, and long-term infrastructure health.

Wind energy stands at the forefront of sustainable power generation strategies. As interest in renewable energy grows, the wind sector is evolving through technology and data analytics. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data is central to this change, optimizing turbine performance and sustainability. Mapping wind with GIS data goes beyond knowing wind patterns. It involves using precise insights for efficiency and reliability in wind power. This blog discusses how field data, combined with geospatial technology, drone inspections, and sensor monitoring, is transforming wind energy use, making it a cornerstone of sustainability.