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Utilities - Water

Read Fulcrum blog posts for the water utilities industry, covering field data collection, inspections, and operational workflows.

Fulcrum Insider, Issue 26
June 14, 2023
<5 min read

Fulcrum Insider, Issue 26

Published June 2023

After 25 issues, we are proud to announce the rebranding of our newsletter as The Fulcrum Insider, giving readers the same great thought leadership content with a refreshed look. Check us out each month to get the inside scoop on all things Fulcrum!

Closeup of storm drain - Stormwater inspections made easier with digital data collection technology
June 1, 2023
4 min read

Stormwater inspections made easier with digital data collection technology

While vital for environmental health, conducting stormwater inspections can nonetheless be a slow, inefficient, and costly process.

May 16, 2023
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 25

Published May 2023

Did you know that May is National Barbecue, Biking, and Hamburger Month? We decided to jump on the bandwagon and designate May as “Month of Mapping” to celebrate the continued expansion of Fulcrum’s integration with Esri. Read on to learn more, check out some new thought leadership materials, and learn about two upcoming events. Happy May Month of Mapping!

April 14, 2023
< 1 min read

Toolbox Talks

The Simple Machine, Issue 24
April 12, 2023
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 24

Published April 2023

This month it’s all about working together! Read below to learn about our new partnership with American Society for Safety Professionals (ASSP), new features stemming from our Esri integration, plus thought leadership blogs, infographics, and webinars.

The Simple Machine, Issue 23
March 12, 2023
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 23

Published March 2023

Read on to learn what “spring cleaning” we’ve been up to, including an updated look for our website, new infographics, and more!

Worker performing a field inspection using a tablet using field data collection app- combating inspection fraud
March 9, 2023
8 min read

Best practices for creating mobile apps for data collection

Designing mobile data collection apps with intention helps teams capture cleaner, more valuable information in less time. When apps are focused and easy to navigate, data collectors work faster, and the results become easier to trust and analyze. Fulcrum’s platform combines a drag-and-drop interface and powerful form builder with geolocation capabilities, including GPS coordinates, custom maps, and geotagged photos. It works in a web browser or in offline data collection mode, so teams capture real-time data even without connectivity. These flexible tools support clarity, scalability, and stronger outcomes across every project.

Engineer or technician using tablet showing challenges when digitizing field inspections and how they may be overcome with a field inspection app for Gps Field Testing App Gis Data Management
February 20, 2023
<2 min read

Common problems when digitizing field inspections (and how to overcome them)

Are you considering the transition to digital field inspections but apprehensive about the challenges that lie ahead? Don’t let uncertainties hold you back from embracing the future. Our comprehensive infographic dives into the world of digitizing field inspections, addressing common obstacles and offering actionable strategies to ensure a seamless transition for your team.

The Simple Machine, Issue 22
February 12, 2023
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 22

Published February 2023

Check out our updates about Esri, our client TREKK, and more. Thanks for reading!

January 31, 2023
60 min

Fulcrum Update: Integration with Esri™

Watch a demonstration of Fulcrum’s integration with Esri’s ArcGIS Online!

Two Brown and Caldwell employees performing sewer inspection through manhole - GIS integration
January 13, 2023
9 min read

Brown and Caldwell: From legacy methods to digital transformation

The Challenges

Legacy paper-based processes that included time-consuming – and error-creating – transcription tasks

Workflow coordination and connectivity challenges are encountered when coordinating multiple crews, especially in areas with limited connectivity

Inability to easily incorporate national standards and client requirements into inspection processes

Preserving institutional knowledge

Key Outcomes

Fulcrum provides a simple, mobile interface that replaces paper forms, streamlining data collection and reducing errors

Fulcrum’s geospatial integration mapping and offline data collection capabilities allows for smoother workflow coordination, ensuring that inspection crews can work efficiently without being hindered by connectivity issues or location discrepancies

Fulcrum’s customization features enable the rapid creation and deployment of inspection applications, utilizing standardized forms as a starting point to provide guidance and minimize setup time

Fulcrum serves as a repository for critical data, facilitating knowledge transfer and ensuring operational continuity

Background

Brown and Caldwell is 100% employee owned, with 50 offices and over 2,100 professionals across North America and the Pacific. Senior Principal Engineer Sean Kilpatrick has been with Brown and Caldwell for over 25 years and was one of the early champions of adopting a SaaS field data collection and process management solution.

The Simple Machine, Issue 21
December 12, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 21

Published December 2022.

Read below for some of our hot takes to keep you warm as the weather grows colder (or, in the case of our mates Down Under, getting hotter!). Happy holidays and a prosperous 2023 to all our Fulcrum friends!

October 12, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 20

Published October 2022.

It’s officially Spooky Season! If your safety, quality, field ops, or data collection processes give you nightmares, we’ve got the treats to help in the way of some informational resources. Happy Halloween, all!

September 12, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 19

Published September 2022

It’s September, and for millions of kids, school is back in session. In the spirit of the new school year, we have some fresh new thought leadership and learning resources to share. Happy Autumn!

August 24, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 18

Closing the loop for safety, quality, and maintenance inspections. Published August 2022.

August 8, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 17

A data-driven field inspection program. Published July 2022.

Two constructrion workers wearing safety gear consult a tablet to do a safety inspection - Developing A Data Driven Field Safety Program Feature
July 7, 2022
<2 min read

Developing a data-driven field safety program

How digital safety field inspections allow for constant learning, rethinking, and upgrading of the process in each iteration

June 23, 2022
< 1 min read

Mobile Data Collection App

June 22, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 16

ASSP Safety 2022. Published June 22, 2022.

Construction workers consulting a tablet to perform work at a construction site - The Simple Machine Issue 15 - field inspection process
May 22, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 15

Getting started with Fulcrum Academy online learning platform. Published May 25, 2022.

Blue collar man doing software training using a laptop - Step Up Your Game With Fulcrum Academy Feature
April 26, 2022
<3 min read

Step up your game with Fulcrum Academy

Explore the Fulcrum Academy user-friendly tutorial platform

The Simple Machine Issue 14 featuring launch of Intelligent Team Automation
April 22, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 14

Fulcrum introduces Intelligent Team Automation. Published April 20, 2022.

April 6, 2022
60 min

Improving utility field ops with location-based data

You’ve got to keep track of your people, your equipment, and their statuses. The question is, how?

Worker using tablet to perform inspection at tall utility tower - Simple Machine Issue 13
March 20, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 13

Introducing new capabilities to make field inspections a team sport. Published March 23, 2022.

February 20, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 12

Combating burnout in the construction industry. Published December 8, 2021.

January 20, 2022
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 11

Using technology to make safety inspections less painful (and more powerful). Published January 18, 2022.

Treated and untreated lead pipes - New hope for lead pipe abatement efforts
January 13, 2022
2 min read

New hope for lead pipe abatement efforts

Although the use of lead in public water systems was banned in 1986 by the EPA, an estimated 15 to 22 million Americans’ drinking water supply still comes from lead service lines. Now, after 35 years of waffling, grandfathering, and stopgap measures, it looks as though a comprehensive lead pipe abatement initiative is imminent. The recently announced Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan seeks to finally replace lead pipes throughout the country by utilizing funds from the bipartisan infrastructure package as well as the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

Female industrial worker performing digital safety checks on machines in a large industrial factory
January 5, 2022
<13 min read

Using technology to make safety inspections less painful (and more powerful)

Move beyond the perception of safety inspections as OSHA busywork: how inspections keep your workers safe and protect your bottom line.

December 20, 2021
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 10

Worker safer, working smarter. Published December 8, 2021.

June 19, 2021
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 9

Four approaches to creating location-aware apps. Published June 17, 2021.

May 20, 2021
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 8

Turning everyday actions into actionable insights with location-based data. Published May 20, 2021.

Telecom worker performing inspection of telecom tower using a tablet - How Biden’s infrastructure bill will shake up utility and telecom companies feature
May 3, 2021
3 min read

How Biden’s infrastructure bill will shake up utility and telecom companies

h President Biden’s infrastructure bill, also known as the American Jobs Plan (AJP), aims to create millions of jobs and modernize the country’s crumbling infrastructure. The federal government touts this bill as the biggest public investment since the 1960s. It aims to kickstart the economy post-pandemic, akin to the era of interstate highways and the Space Race. Utility and telecom companies show keen interest in the $400 billion allocated for infrastructure in the $2 trillion plan.

A vehicle maintenance log is a simple yet essential tool to document and track all maintenance activities
April 16, 2021
<3 min read

Vehicle maintenance log

Download this free vehicle maintenance log to track fleet service history to avoid vehicle downtime.

Man doing work on a building - feature image for Simple Machine Issue 7
April 16, 2021
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 7

Preventing incidents, protecting workers, and preserving your bottom line. Published April 15, 2021.

March 26, 2021
<3 min read

Root cause analysis report template

Use this form to analyze and determine the exact cause of a problem or accident on the job site.

March 25, 2021
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 6

Harnessing the power of location-based data, published March 18, 2021.

Woman looking at GIS map in Fulcrumapp - Boost efficiency & profit with GIS location intelligence
March 16, 2021
3 min read

Location leverage: Improving operational efficiency and profit margins with geospatial data

In a recent study conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), 95% of executives across several industries in the United States, UK, Singapore and India said that mapping and GIS location intelligence are important to achieving desired business results.

February 25, 2021
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 5

Protecting your people and assets, published Feb. 18, 2021.

Simple Machine Volume 4 feature image
January 25, 2021
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 4

Leveraging the lessons of 2020 for success in 2021, published Jan. 21, 2021.

December 22, 2020
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 3

Improving process optimization, published Dec. 22, 2020.

Benefits of using a wash station inspection checklist app
December 21, 2020
<2 min read

Wash station inspection checklist

Ensure your wash station is accessible and fully functional to prevent permanent eye damage to your employees.

December 21, 2020
<2 min read

Portable restroom service checklist

Track the location and maintenance schedules of your portable restrooms with this free checklist.

November 30, 2020
<2 min read

Building Sanitary Sewer Inspection Form

Download this free PDF to conduct routine building sanitary sewer inspections or locate and remediate problems.

November 25, 2020
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 2

Minimizing human error and maximizing productivity, published Nov. 24, 2020.

rone pre-flight checklist is a vital checklist used to ensure legal and safe drone operations
November 25, 2020
<2 min read

Drone pre-flight Checklist

Download this free PDF checklist to conduct a thorough drone inspection before taking flight.

Mobile Vehicle Check-In Inspection App
November 24, 2020
<2 min read

Vehicle check-in inspection checklist

Download this checklist to document the condition of cars as they are dropped off at your business and document any prior damage.

November 24, 2020
<2 min read

Vehicle mileage tracker form

Download this mileage tracker to ensure accurate record-keeping for your vehicles and tax purposes.

November 24, 2020
<2 min read

Storm drain inspection checklist

Download this checklist to conduct a thorough visual inspection of a storm drainage system.

Equipment inventory form checklist app for use with asset and equipment tracking
November 24, 2020
<2 min read

Equipment inventory form

Track the wherabouts and condition of your company’s assets with this equipment inventory form.

The Simple Machine Volume 1
November 4, 2020
<5 min read

The Simple Machine, Issue 1

Ensuring safety and quality in the field, published Nov. 4, 2020.

African child drinks fresh water from an outside tap - water monitoring
August 19, 2020
<6 min read

Simplifying water monitoring data collection with Fulcrum

Providing expert advice and services to governments, development partners, and private sector organizations across Sierra Leone.