Technology continues to creep into every aspect of our professional and personal lives. Could anyone have imagined the functionality of a handheld device, such as a Blackberry, 10 years ago? Twitter? Or the massive scale and influence of the Internet? Yet, technology is only as good as it is useful. The best technology applications address and solve problems or enhance human productivity in a significant way.

In many ways, boiler-inspection methods are no different than they were a generation ago. Potentially dangerous equipment still is inspected to ensure public safety and protect property. The core competency requirements for modern boiler inspectors and authorized inspection agencies (AIA) remain virtually unchanged. However, technology has come to play a growing role in improving inspections of potentially dangerous equipment, making occupants safer.

Technology has had a direct impact on the boiler industry's heavy reliance on accurate data collection and tracking. Municipalities and jurisdictions from coast to coast are turning to software applications to better record, store, and track data. What once was the domain of pens and paper quickly has turned to computers, databases, personal digital assistants, and the Internet.

Some organizations have invested in off-the-shelf software applications, while others have developed and implemented their own applications for boiler inspection. The accuracy of information and the ability to track historical data are vital to ensuring a vessel’s safe operation. Additionally, software applications and other forms of technology can help reduce the number of staff members and/or hours required to process inspection information. Lastly, automated data collection and storage can enhance a customer's experience if inspection reports and other data can be accessed easily.

Mobile Equipment
Technology can be used to create a single, centralized source of data, making it easier and less costly to locate, share, communicate, and utilize information. The complement to automated "back-end" data management is front-end field software and equipment. Though still in their infancy, mobile software applications are poised to change inspectors' data-collection and reporting methods significantly. An inspector armed with a mobile device is empowered to provide a comprehensive and accurate inspection because the predefined fields of most inspection software cover every aspect of the process and piece of necessary data. Built-in error-checking functions monitor the inspector's findings and sound an alert for any inconsistencies, contradictions, or neglected fields.

"Checks and balances" are built into a mobile application when an inspector is allowed to access data collected during previous inspections. For example, an inspector may be required to collect boilerplate information on each visit. Once the inspector's report is submitted, a mobile application can compare the boilerplate data for each inspection, ensuring consistency and verifying that an inspection actually was performed, thus reducing the incidence of "drive-by" inspections.

Mobile applications also can attach digital images to an inspection. Images serve as a complement to noted deficiencies, offering new ways to review a vessel after the inspector has left the facility. Showing the images to a client also can be a powerful educational tool, give additional assurance that the inspection took place, and communicate that the inspector is using innovative technology and best practices to perform the job. Additionally, digital images can be shared easily with repair technicians in preparation for service work.

Electronic Audit Trails
Should liability questions arise, electronic records enable audit trails and accountability, proving that all of the required inspections were performed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, legal requirements, and schedule. Because inspection-related documents and information are stored electronically in one location, they can be archived, located, and retrieved easily, significantly reducing incidents of misfiled or lost documents. Insurance companies, property owners, and real-estate managers benefit from this comprehensive electronic record of safety-inspection and maintenance activities.