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White Paper #2 – Xpio/InSite
by Donald Neal McKay © Copyright 2002

 

The purpose of this paper is to provide a ‘general rationale’ for Xpio and its InSite System, the System components, requirements for implementing the System, and an overview of how the System works.

 

 

Presently, there’s a lot of re-engineering going on in Silicon Valley. Start-ups and established companies are receiving funding money, but not at a rate that has any similarity to what was going on before the dot.com crash. Only those technology companies with a solid product, good business plan, good technology, and good sense of purpose are being taken seriously by investors.

 

Xpio is one of those companies. The Xpio/InSite System and how it applies directly to public works planning, design, and construction makes good, solid business sense – not only for Xpio, but more so for Xpio’s customers. The Xpio/InSite System is based on the newest, proven, wireless technology. Simply stated, it is meant to keep all personnel on the job in continuous contact with any and all necessary data needed to do a specific job, to do it as quickly and cleanly as possible, and to do it by fully utilizing mobile wireless technology.

 

Xpio started from an idea to help automate and provide better communication between field staff, office staff, contractors, and owners involved with transportation construction projects. The owner of Xpio, Jeff LaCroix, is himself a civil engineer and Xpio/InSite is the data communications system developed specifically for engineers under Jeff’s direction. The concept of the program is collaboration, cooperation, and communication – the three ingredients vital to the success of precise public works projects.

 

How does the Xpio/InSite System work? To begin, the entire concept is based on the newest advances and innovations of a combination of technologies: WAP (Wireless Application Protocol); Bluetooth – the Internationally agreed upon standard of a broadcast frequency spectrum (2.4 GHz) that supports both a link layer and an application layer; and XML (eXtensible Mark-up Language) Web services providing for logical and quickly-accessible data via the web. This is Mobile Web Technology at its finest. Data can move freely out to the field and, likewise, vital on-site information can quickly and routinely be retrieved from the project sites. Field data transmission is possible using notebook computers, truck mounted computers, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

 

Xpio/InSite uses the Microsoft Windows ® operating system and utilizing XML, it links with Microsoft Excel ® which manages the system’s data. Xpio is in the process of developing exclusive custom-designed, innovative browser GUIs (Graphic User Interfaces) that will help make it easier to use the system.

 

System Components

The components of the Xpio/InSite System involve three data management tools: Xpio/InSite – Project Development System; Mobile Compliance System, and Command Center.

 

Xpio/InSite –Project Development System – ‘PDS’ gives the teams in charge of planning and estimating public works projects instant access to critical information. Xpio/InSite PDS automates the process of estimating project cost, thus freeing up critical time for other key areas of need. Some of the key features of PDS are:

           

·        A centralized data source for standardized proposal items.

 

·        Each standard item has a knowledge base of historic unit prices from previous projects.

 

Every time a project receives actual bids, this knowledge is     automatically updated.

 

·        User has the ability to choose from different data sources depending on the type of project they are estimating.

 

For example, users can choose between state and city

standard proposal items. The data lists are

virtually limitless.

 

Xpio/InSite – Mobile Compliance System – ‘MCS’ gives the time to field inspectors to complete inspection reporting. Finding the time to do this can be very difficult. Inspectors need to be constantly monitoring construction activities, interacting with key staff, and ensuring that projects meet quality standards. The added administrative task of completing the required paperwork is time consuming and burdensome.

 

The Xpio/InSite Mobile Compliance System consists of construction tools for project quality assurance. It enables field staff, using mobile devices, to track activities, materials, and workforce relating to a construction project without having to leave the site. Specifically, mobile computing devices can be laptop computers, industrial-strength handheld computers, truck-mounted computers, tablet PCs, or PDAs.

 

The Xpio/InSite System centers on and emphasizes mobile communications in the field. Once field data is collected, it can be synchronized to the central database where all team members have instant access via the web and their ‘Command Center’.

 

The Xpio/InSite Command Center – The Command Center is the central nervous system for the Xpio/InSite product suite. Project members use this interface to access project information utilizing the web. Some key features of the Command Center are:

·        ‘Real-time’ access to daily inspection reports from anywhere via    the web.

·        Create and track ‘Change Orders’.

·        Change order information automatically updates mobile users of the Xpio/InSite Mobile Compliance System.

·        Create and track ‘Request for Information’ submittals.

·        Project Scoreboard – A running total of quantities, labor, and schedule to date.

·        Post critical news and updates for team members.

·        Quickly search electronic project data. Eliminate searching through stacks of paper reports. This can be done from the field.

·        Since all project data is automatically updated and centrally stored, billing reports can be quickly created.

·        Easily create other project reports.

 

 

System Requirements

The Xpio/InSite System works seamlessly with Microsoft Excel®, allowing for the importation of files. The program needs the following system requirements:

 

·        A database server – MS SQL Server®;

·        A web server – MS IIS®;

·        An application server – MTS / Netscape® Application Server / Web-Logic / Dynamo Application Server® / Apache server, etc.

·        Handheld – Pocket PC with Win CE® 3.0.

 

Xpio is prepared to offer site-server hosting services and capabilities for those clients who do not have the necessary infrastructure to set up their own system. Xpio planners will work with a client to put into place the best and most reliable system configuration based on the client’s requirements.

 

Real World Advantages

 Many public works projects are forced to get underway while having to work around major, preexisting problems: DOT staff reductions; increased projects demand; old, inefficient methods of communication and documentation; not enough time to keep up with paperwork; inadequate data retrieval and updating.

 

Using existing, outdated methods (stand-alone computers and hand-written documentation) Project Inspectors literally spend more time filling out forms then actually inspecting sites. This, coupled with contract modifications, materiel and logistics changes, along with pay estimations, means that a project’s work flow scheduling can be put in jeopardy because of old technology data management.

 

Xpio’s InSite System provides a mobile tool that has a universal, common GUI and methodology for DOT personnel, local administrative agencies, in addition to consultants. Both non-technical novice users and expert technical personnel can use the Xpio/InSite Mobile Compliance System. Remember, this is a civil engineering tool developed by civil engineers for civil engineers. It is not an ‘off-the-shelf’ application that has been cosmetically changed to resemble an engineering tool.

 

Just the opposite: The Xpio/InSite Mobile Compliance System has been designed from the ground up to work specifically in engineering and construction theaters; to be GUI-conducive so that all involved personnel (planners, consultants, agencies, inspectors, and other vital functionaries) will want to work with the tool – and it is designed so that it is cost-effective.

 

The Xpio/InSite System provides for training classes for primary DOT field managers. There are tutorials available also, along with a user’s guide.

 

Public works projects can vary due to different State requirements, operational procedures, scope of undertaking, topographical/terrain considerations, logistics, and personnel limitations; Xpio treats every client as a ‘special case’ because no two DOTs are the same, nor are the projects incurred from state to state identical. Customer service is of paramount importance to Xpio, mainly because it is a case of engineers providing services and tools for other engineers.

 

In Conclusion

Knowledge and ‘change management’ are imperative for today’s public works project. The Xpio/InSite System is a tool designed for public works projects from their conception right through to completion. Xpio/InSite is designed to streamline planning and management of construction investment.

 

Xpio/InSite is the premier solution for an extremely sophisticated and involved industry. The return on investment from the Xpio/InSite solutions can be immediate and substantial, offering engineering and construction companies sustainable quality and cost assurance through business process innovation. Xpio offers true mobile data transfer and automatic updating not just for today’s but for tomorrow’s complex public works engineering projects.

 

For more information, go to: www.xpio.com/site