Our client, a leading manufacturer in Slovakia, manages a large maintenance department with hundreds of employees overseeing various construction and repair projects. The process of building supporting structures for repairs—both planned and urgent—was outsourced, resulting in monthly costs reaching up to €0.5 million.
Problem
The client’s ERP order management system allowed for basic contractor oversight, but it wasn’t feasible for employees to personally inspect each construction project. To improve visibility and accountability, the client needed a solution where contractors could not only receive and confirm construction requests but also capture real-time proof of completion.
Solution
We developed a dedicated Android mobile application to address these challenges, featuring the following key functionalities:
- Interactive Request Management: Contractors can easily search and filter approved construction requests within the app.
- Real-Time Photo and Data Upload: Once a construction is completed, contractors can take a photo, which is automatically uploaded along with GPS and user data to provide accurate documentation of the completed work.
- Secure Authentication: Users authenticate via the company’s Active Directory, ensuring only authorized personnel can access the app.
- Encrypted Data and Secure Communication: All data and communications are encrypted, with the app designed to operate in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environment, allowing contractors to use their personal devices securely.
- Integration with Existing Systems: A RESTful API, built with Java and Spring Boot, was implemented as an integration layer with the client’s existing ERP system, following a microservices architecture for scalability and flexibility.
Results
- Enhanced Oversight and Accuracy: The mobile app enabled the client to monitor construction projects more closely and accurately, improving the transparency of the building process.
- Reduced Fraud and Misuse: By requiring photo documentation with GPS data, the solution helped prevent fraud and misuse within the ERP system, ensuring that only verified work was recorded.
- Cost Savings: The implementation of the mobile app led to a reduction in outsourcing costs by approximately 20% per month, thanks to improved oversight and operational efficiency.
Technologies
- Backend: Java/J2EE, Spring Core, Spring Security
- Mobile Development: Android
Integrations
By providing a secure, efficient, and easily manageable system, this solution transformed how the client manages outsourced construction projects, ultimately leading to significant cost savings and improved operational control.
