Field2Base: A Review

Print Version

Recently, BCG’s Mike Dow and Angus Frost traveled to Morrisville, North Carolina, to visit Field2Base at their headquarters. The two saw a demonstration of the company’s core product - innovative technology aimed at meeting the field/office communications needs of superintendents and foremen. Field2Base sells software, hardware and a Tablet PC-based communications service that automates the secure transfer of data between field personnel (project engineers, superintendents, inspectors, etc.) and office personnel (architects, engineers, project managers, owners, etc.). The tool has two main components, Forms2Base and Field2Base.

Forms2Base allows traditional paper-based forms, including information such as photographs, to be completed and digitized on the Tablet PC in the field. Then, the complete package is transmitted to a main office, either as an email or integrated into other applications via XML. Field2Base extends the capability of Forms2Base by allowing the inclusion of annotated CAD files, handwritten notes, and sketches, etc., into a package that can be emailed. Field2Base handles all the communication and, if transmitting over slower networks, collects the data and transmits over time.

Field2Base is an interesting option for basic data capture in the field. One benefit is that, because it allows paper forms to be rapidly converted and deployed, field personnel for whom English is a second language can use the tool in their native language without major programming or customization. However, its adoption should be planned as part of an overall application strategy rather than as a stand-alone approach to eliminate faxing and express mail. Field2Base’s tablet-based service offering is available on a monthly subscription basis, with prices varying according to the term. Financing options also allow customers to pay for new Tablet PCs over the subscription term. For more information, visit www.field2base.com.