Challenges
Merced County’s existing application lacked the necessary functions to manage its fire prevention and operational permit inspections. The county needed a more robust and user- friendly solution to improve its fire prevention and inspection processes with a new system that could replace their outdated manual and paper processes. To build on their existing efforts, the county sought to implement a new system that would enhance their inspection capabilities, increase efficiency, and enable inspectors to complete more inspections in less time.
Partner & Solutions
Merced County partnered with Sidwell, a leading GIS solutions provider, to develop two ArcGIS-based mobile applications tailored to their specific needs: the Weed Abatement App and the Operational Permitting App. The Weed Abatement App uses GIS technology to identify, log, and photograph potential fire hazards, track inspections, and notify property owners of necessary abatement actions. The Operational Permitting App gives inspectors comprehensive checklists and guidelines to conduct thorough assessments of businesses and facilities, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. The app provides inspectors with a range of digital permitting forms to choose from, categorized by premise type, such as commercial, industrial, educational, or residential, enhancing the efficiency of the inspection process by reducing manual entry and paperwork and streamlining the data collection process.
Both applications were designed to help inspectors collect and analyze data, prioritize areas of high risk, and take corrective actions. They also enabled the department to transition from paper to GIS and from other more cumbersome applications to something that was customized to their needs while easy to use.
Results
These mobile applications have transformed Merced County’s fire prevention and inspection processes by enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Inspectors can now quickly identify potential hazards and take proactive measures using digital checklists and guidelines, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The county has also experienced faster inspections, freeing up time for other critical tasks, as well as cost savings from automated systems that minimize administrative burdens and reduce the need for manual data entry. Additionally, improved data insights allow for better decision-making by identifying hazard patterns and optimizing fire prevention strategies.
Conclusions
By partnering with Sidwell’s GIS experts, Merced County upgraded from paper-based inspections to a modern, mobile solution. The Weed Abatement App and the Operational Permitting App provide a streamlined, user-friendly approach to fire prevention and permit inspections, ensuring the county can continue to deliver excellent public safety measures.