IronPlanet, an online marketplace for used heavy equipment, recently released a new iPad app for its field inspectors designed to improve its equipment inspection reports. IronPlanet offers guaranteed inspection reports, backed by IronClad Assurance, developed to help buyers bid on equipment with a high degree of confidence. The app improves the quality of these reports by allowing inspectors to complete reports in the field using an iPad app that provides step-by-step instructions for gathering key data based on the type of equipment being inspected.
“Since our online buyers don’t have physical contact with the equipment they’re bidding on, they rely on the data and images in our guaranteed inspection reports,” said Randy Berry, senior vice president of operations and services, IronPlanet. “Our IronClad Assurance guarantees the accuracy of these reports, and we want buyers to have access to the most detailed reports possible. This app improves the quality of our inspection reports while also reducing complexity for our field workers.”
The app enhances the integrity of the information in the inspection reports through a standardized process. Field workers choose from 120 different checklists based on the type of equipment being inspected. The app then walks the inspector through each step and requests pictures to supplement ratings and text. The app provides an alert if an inspector has missed any necessary information, which eliminates incomplete reports and the need for return trips.
The app improves service and creates a faster sales cycle because inspection data and images are being reported together electronically. Since additional data entry is not required, items and their inspection reports can be listed for IronPlanet buyers more quickly. In addition, the app allows inspectors to take better quality pictures using the iPad camera. The checklists ensure inspectors have images of every aspect of the equipment.
IronPlanet is backed by Accel Partners, Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, Caterpillar, Komatsu and Volvo. For more information, visit www.ironplanet.com.
