Read Fulcrum blog posts for the water utilities industry, covering field data collection, inspections, and operational workflows.
GIS software serves as a powerful tool, capturing, storing, and interpreting geographic data. GIS technology bridges the gap between locations, boundaries, and intricate details within a geospatial framework. Yet, the question arises – what’s the next step? Enter Fulcrum, industry-leading field data collection software that gives context to the geospatial content, expanding the use case of GIS data.
In the realm of modern water management, there are two unsung heroes that deserve the spotlight: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications and data collection platforms. They might not have flashy costumes, but the impact of data collection platforms and GIS applications for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems is nothing short of transformative. Read on to learn how this dynamic duo is rewriting the playbook for efficient water management.
It’s not easy overseeing the #2 necessity of life, just after air. In addition to managing the intricate water network and maintaining essential services, water utilities must comply with a dizzying number of regulations from federal agency regulations all the way down to small town local ordinances. Oh, and somehow at the end of the day, they must also make enough money to stay (ahem) afloat in a world where expenses from materials to workforce continue to climb. The Fulcrum data collection platform is utilities’ go-to for water infrastructure solutions, helping to navigate these challenges. Let’s explore how Fulcrum empowers water utilities to streamline operations, make informed decisions, and ensure optimal service delivery.
Access to safe drinking water and clean sanitation has long been considered a basic human right. But over two billion people lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, a staggering figure on the rise. The need for robust, efficient, and sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure is clear, especially in an era of resource scarcity and extreme climate events. Water utilities infrastructure planning ensures public health and protects our environment.
Published August 2023
Say goodbye to summer and say hello to the Fulcrum Insider August newsletter! Discover thought-provoking content, updates, and more. From the advantages of SaaS data collection to in-depth IT insights and our Summer G2 awards update (hint: it’s impressive 😉), we’ve got your summer wrap-up covered. Don’t miss out on these enlightening highlights – download below!
The 2023 Outlook for Water Utilities by the American Water Works Associate reports that water utility leaders generally view the industry favorably, giving it a 5 out of a possible 7 “optimism rating.” However, this positive outlook doesn’t imply that everything is smooth sailing. From resource allocation to environmental impact to sustainability to retaining appropriate technical and field staff, water utilities still face stiff headwinds (undertows?). In this blog we’ll look at environmental and operational challenges, and how water utility data management software can make a difference in providing long-term, sustainable solutions.
Published July 2023
Hello Fulcrum Family! As summer heats up, we’re thrilled to bring you our July newsletter packed with the coolest thought leadership and exciting success stories from two of our incredible clients. Get ready to be inspired in this sizzling July edition – and see you next month!
The smart water meter market is slated to grow globally at about 27 percent per year[i] – not surprising considering the many advantages of smart water meters such as reducing water waste, improving water quality, and increasing system efficiency[ii]. There’s only one problem: the meters don’t upgrade themselves.
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!
While vital for environmental health, conducting stormwater inspections can nonetheless be a slow, inefficient, and costly process.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Published February 2023
Check out our updates about Esri, our client TREKK, and more. Thanks for reading!
Watch a demonstration of Fulcrum’s integration with Esri’s ArcGIS Online!
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.
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!
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!
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!
Closing the loop for safety, quality, and maintenance inspections. Published August 2022.
How digital safety field inspections allow for constant learning, rethinking, and upgrading of the process in each iteration
Getting started with Fulcrum Academy online learning platform. Published May 25, 2022.
Fulcrum introduces Intelligent Team Automation. Published April 20, 2022.
You’ve got to keep track of your people, your equipment, and their statuses. The question is, how?
Introducing new capabilities to make field inspections a team sport. Published March 23, 2022.
Combating burnout in the construction industry. Published December 8, 2021.
Using technology to make safety inspections less painful (and more powerful). Published January 18, 2022.
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.
Move beyond the perception of safety inspections as OSHA busywork: how inspections keep your workers safe and protect your bottom line.
Four approaches to creating location-aware apps. Published June 17, 2021.
Turning everyday actions into actionable insights with location-based data. Published May 20, 2021.
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.
Download this free vehicle maintenance log to track fleet service history to avoid vehicle downtime.
Preventing incidents, protecting workers, and preserving your bottom line. Published April 15, 2021.
Use this form to analyze and determine the exact cause of a problem or accident on the job site.
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.
Leveraging the lessons of 2020 for success in 2021, published Jan. 21, 2021.
Ensure your wash station is accessible and fully functional to prevent permanent eye damage to your employees.
Track the location and maintenance schedules of your portable restrooms with this free checklist.
Download this free PDF to conduct routine building sanitary sewer inspections or locate and remediate problems.
