eTech, the market leading provider of handheld PDA survey software launched SMART Single Survey to RICS Scotland members at the RICS Scotland Single Survey Training events in February 2010.

SMART Single Survey combines SMART EPC, eTech’s existing PDA based Energy Survey tool with a new application to deliver the Single Survey component of the Home Report. SMART EPC is currently used by over 1500 Domestic Energy Assessors and Chartered Surveyors in Scotland, England and Wales to produce Energy Surveys and EPCs. SMART Single Survey has been developed on the same platform with the assistance of Scottish RICS practitioners who are undertaking the Single Survey. SMART Single Survey will also integrate with systems provided by Quest Associates.

SMART Single Survey will enables Surveyors to generate both the Energy Survey and the Single Survey required for a Home Report from data gathered on the eTech PDA during an inspection. The PDA software has been developed to enable the composition of report text in the form prescribed for the Single Survey. In addition to the description of building elements, the nature, extent and location of defects can be easily recorded along with their condition ratings.

Critically, SMART Single Survey also enables the Surveyor to capture additional supporting observations, limitations to inspection and site photos which are automatically compiled into a comprehensive and consistent electronic Record of Inspection. This document assists the Surveyor in the key step of reflective thought, in addition to fulfilling the quality assurance and Professional Indemnity requirements for both the Single Survey and the Energy Report.

The flexible architecture of the software is designed to accommodate the different techniques and approaches adopted by Surveyors. The Surveyors has the option of working with both the PDA and modified paper site notes on site, with a bespoke clip board that holds both the PDA and A4 paper notes. To ensure that the electronic Record of Inspection generated by the software incorporates any notes or floor plans produced during the inspection, the software prompts the Surveyor for photographs of these , taken with the PDA.

SMART Single Survey runs on the latest handheld PDA hardware, the HTC P6500 with mobile phone GPRS connectivity and a 3 Mega Pixel camera. When the Surveyor has finished on site, surveys are uploaded remotely via GRPS from the PDA to eTech’s online report generation software for review and sign off. SMART Single Survey will also integrate with systems provided by Quest Associates.