Software should make it easier, not harder.

My new blog post includes a list of great ipad apps that can be leveraged for efficient data collection and reporting. Below is an excerpt. You can read the full post here:  Apps for Home Performance: Software Should Make it Easier, Not Harder

The big question, which I'd love your input on, is why utility program software tools aren't leading the way in making it easier for contractors to build trust and sell jobs??  By supporting contractor conversion rates, programs can be more cost-effective.

• Use an iPad PDF form tool (see#2) to collect data on site. Simply create a PDF form on your desktop with Adobe Acrobat and collect and export data right from the tablet. FormConnect is another alternative approach for building tablet forms that can be exported to CSV or PDF. Collect BPI test-in data on site, and within an instant it's ready for the crew when they do test-out.
• Use a tablet PDF annotation tool to mark-up PDFs and have clients sign documents digitally.Capture photos in the field and mark-em-up right away.   GoodReader and PDF Expert are great inexpensive apps.
• Smart phone PDF scan tools, such as GeniusScan can snap PDFs of client documents or house plans on-site and easily save to a client Dropbox folder or similar. 
• Sketch floor plans on site: A simple tool is GraphPad Pro  . A crazy 'too good to be true' option: MagicPlan