Standardizing site surveys across a franchise network
Site Assessment
5 min read
Challenge
Moving from hand-drawn plans to a professional, consistent system
When Alex first joined Prokil, all plans were drawn by hand on grid paper. While these drawings were functional, they were not easy to share, store, or standardize across the business.
Prokil needed a way to produce professional-looking plans that could be annotated clearly and used consistently by surveyors, technicians, administrators, and franchise offices. The company also needed drawings that could clearly show where remedial work was required and how it should be carried out.
“We wanted a software program that could produce the plans.”
Solution
Using magicplan to document site survey findings
Prokil surveyors use magicplan during site surveys to diagnose damp problems, timber-related issues, and waterproofing requirements. The most basic inspection may involve drawing a single room and identifying one small area where work is required.
Surveyors use different approaches to create drawings. Some sketch with pen and paper first and later recreate the drawing in magicplan along with their notes. Others create drawings directly on their mobile devices. Alex personally uses an iPad with an Apple Pencil.
Not all drawings require full dimensional accuracy. When surveyors are documenting entire walls, precise measurements are not always necessary. However, when work needs to be carried out on specific sections of a wall, surveyors use a laser measure and annotate the drawing to show exact dimensions. This ensures technicians know exactly where to begin and end the remedial work.
Surveyors also use colors, annotations, objects, and photos to identify affected areas. Different wall sections may be highlighted in different colors, and a key is added to explain what each color represents and what type of treatment is required.
“That’s where magicplan excels.”
Results
Clear communication across teams and with clients
magicplan drawings are used throughout the company. Surveyors create the plans during inspections. Technicians use them to tally where remedial work will be carried out. Administrators review plans to understand the scope of work and determine how long jobs should be scheduled.
Most surveys are completed within a one-hour appointment window. Surveyors are required to arrive on site, complete the inspection and documentation, and then move on to their next scheduled appointment.
magicplan drawings are included in Prokil’s reports, which are sent to clients. Alex explains that when clients see a detailed and professional-looking plan in the report, it helps build confidence in Prokil as a supplier.
Outlook
A uniform system across a franchise network
Prokil operates a franchise network across England and Wales, with approximately 100 staff members in total. About half of the company uses magicplan in some capacity, including surveyors, technicians, and administrators.
Alex explains that magicplan remains a preferred solution because it is easy to use, cloud-based, and consistent across branches. Plans can be accessed from multiple locations, edited easily, and shared across work groups without the risks associated with paper-based drawings.
magicplan is also valued for its pricing, which fits within the company’s economic requirements.
