Face-to-face
With technology continuing to advance at such a rapid pace, we anticipate the arrival of a number of new tools, online services and gadgets in 2010 that will deliver great benefits to the surveying community
Here are my thoughts as to what we believe will be making the headlines over the coming year:
Mobile tools
The plethora of handheld devices and smart-phones now means we can access any information, at any time or place making mobile working even more convenient.
The iPhone is leading the way in smart-phone innovation with many manufacturers creating competing handsets, including the most recent from Google, the Nexus One. The range of tasks that can be carried out on these devices appears to be almost endless.
As we moved into 2010, it was announced that over 100,000 apps were now available for iPhone users to access, which when you consider the app store was only launched in mid 2008, it’s pretty impressive to see the rate in which these have been produced.
We anticipate that productivity apps will support surveyors in their daily roles, from helping them locate properties using 3D mapping and ‘augmented reality’ (which provides the user with information based on what is being shown through the device’s camera), through to accessing comparable pricing data and other useful property data.
And, not to forget the greatly anticipated Apple Tablet PC. Speculation is still out there regarding the launch timings of this handheld device and what the ‘killer’ features will be, so we wait with bated breath for more news regarding the go-to-market plans.
Cloud-based or remote security measures
Security is always a high priority for any business dealing with sensitive data. In fact, it has recently been announced that the Information Commissioner’s Office will be able to issue fines of up to £500,000 for serious data security breaches, once a new rule comes into force on 6 April.
Therefore, with the increasing use of mobile devices, it is vital that any personal data collected as part of a surveyor’s work is not retained on a local device in order to reduce risks and potential fraud if it is lost or stolen.
Using secure remote working technologies via laptops, tablet or ultra-mobile PCs that have an internet connection enables valuers to access appointments, complete and electronically sign reports whilst on site, yet retains no data on the local device.
The increasing focus on risk management will ensure that security measures are high on the priority list for 2010.
Risk management
With the continued growth in reported fraudulent activity across the mortgage sector, surveyors will play an increasingly active role in Risk Management and the early detection of irregular transactions.
Whilst ever more sophisticated software tools will be introduced to help identify such potential exposure, only those solutions which include the additional audit of a surveying operation with local knowledge will provide the full picture.
Instructing Lenders will look to re-engage with their surveying partners particularly in this respect. AVMs will continue to be utilised as an auditing tool to support physical surveys, but the added value of an ‘eyes and ears’ approach to the process is unquestionable.
The vital supporting information gained by an inspecting surveyor is not limited to the assessment of market value alone.
Blending technology in this way will benefit all professional risk managers providing and using property valuations, demonstrating transparency in a platform with fully integrated audit procedures.
James Sherwood Rogers is managing director of Quest
