Grayson Homes' supervisors use handhelds to manage defect resolution.

The management of Grayson Homes, based in Ellicott City, Md., knows what it takes to build quality homes -- and they can prove it. In 2004, Grayson developed an automated inspection process that allows field supervisors to improve their productivity by streamlining the operation of the construction process and by enhancing the effectiveness of its trade contracting partners through the use of a single device in the field that remotely communicates voice, email and other data to its main offices.

By concentrating on quality and creating the technologies needed to ensure that quality is incorporated throughout the construction process, Grayson is able to build better homes at lower costs. As a result, the company has won the highest industry awards and recognition. Grayson Homes is the recipient of the 2005 National Housing Quality (NHQ) Gold Award. In June 2004, Grayson Homes also became the first privately held homebuilder in the nation to earn certification from the NAHB Research Center's NHQ Program.

But Grayson won't rest on its awards. The company is taking advantage of the automated inspection system, known as the Construction Quality Manager (CQM), which is now available as an out-of-the-box solution for BlackBerry devices. It not only serves as a way to track, manage and resolve defects, but also provides a database and management reporting system that gives builders a comprehensive view of their businesses.

"We liked the Construction Quality Manager on our BlackBerry handhelds right away," says Ron Swecker, director of homebuilding at Grayson Homes. "It's customized for the construction industry, and it makes more sense to have one handheld than having someone carry a PDA [personal digital assistant] and a phone."

Staying on Track

When supervisors enter a home, they note any defects into their BlackBerry, and this notation stays until the defect is resolved. At the end of each day, CQM compiles a defect report by project and job, along with all corresponding trade contractor contact information. The application also produces a report that summarizes the number of defects through every phase of construction and how frequently the defects occur.

CQM also creates a report for each trade contracting partner, summarizing the defects listed for each trade contracting firm by phase of construction. Grayson's supervisors can use this report to review overall performance with trade contractors, and the trade contractors can use the information to enhance the effectiveness of their business practices as well.

The handheld application is useful because it keeps Grayson's field supervisors where they need to be to work the most productively -- in the field. The email and phone capability allows for instant access wherever the supervisor is on the jobsite. In addition, notes taken during meetings with clients can be automatically sent to stakeholders to ensure that everyone is "on the same page." Grayson credits the implementation of CQM for measurable results that include:

• Reduced paperwork and manual report writing
• Standardized work flow process
• Ability to evaluate trends
• Increased jobsite management productivity
• Improved reporting on trade contractor performance and their need to address recurring issues
• Greater customer satisfaction.

For more information on the CQM application, visit www.flowfinity.com.

Frank Alexander is program director for the National Housing Quality (NHQ) program with the NAHB Research Center in Upper Marlboro, Md.