Unfriendly App
Should have an auto reminder for permit extension.
Response from developer
Hi there, We are sorry to hear that you have had a difficult experience using SiteAssist. We would really appreciate it if you could contact us so that we can better understand the inconveniences you have faced when using SiteAssist which, in turn, will help us to improve our application ๐ If this sounds good to you, can you please contact us via the live chat function on the application or by emailing us directly at help@siteassist.co. We look forward to hearing back from you!
A genuine review
After the negative review was published the AP on that job was contacted by SA. The AP is a lovely fella but was a little annoyed that the negative review had been left! Suddenly all the positive ones appear from APs across the company ๐
Let me now give a genuine review about this app.
Positives
Although it does take a bit longer to get the permit in the morning, this is not necessarily the apps fault. It could be down to the individuals phones / tablets freezing or due to the poor mobile / WiFi signal. Normally switching the device on/off sorts the problem out. It is certainly quicker to sign off the permit than it was with a written permit as there is no need to have a signature from the AP. Just close the permit and put the keys in the Dropbox.
When the APs have had problems with the app and been in contact with SA the response has been very quick- they genuinely do try to help which is refreshing in this day and age.
Negatives
You do not get a choice. You must use the app - you cannot have a written permit. This is a big deal for 2 reasons.
In order to do your job in certain areas you must receive a Permit to Work - this is compulsory. Without it you cannot do your job. If you cannot do your job you lose it.
Some users have a legitimate concern regarding their privacy. The app requires access to the userโs contact info (email, phone number) search history (within the app I presume) and user content (photos videos).
Once the permit is issued any user can see the permit holderโs name and phone number, plus work location (room number)
There should be no need for this information to displayed in the app for all to see. This information is already held in the AP office in paper format. No one else needs to see it.
Also, this app only works on modern smartphones. Therefore, in order to use this app the user must buy a compatible device. With so many people suffering with the increased cost of living there should be no need to put the user under increased financial pressure. This is morally wrong.
A solution could be for the Main Contractor (not Sub Contractor) to supply compatible devices for all users. The sub-contractor wouldnโt want the additional expense and would just dismiss the employee (all are self employed). It should to be funded by the Main Contractor, which is only fair as they insist on the apps use. The device could be issued when the permit is opened and returned when the permit is closed. All users should be given a device so no stigma is attached to collecting one. Problem solved ๐
Response from developer
Hi TPascal2004, Let me start by saying that we apologise for any inconvenience that you may have experienced when using our App and that it has taken us so long to get back to you. We appreciate your concerns around device quality and privacy. With regards to the former, we are working with the main contractors to ensure that devices can be loaned out to workers. This will resolve any technical issues that you have alluded to. Regarding privacy, this has been raised elsewhere and we have moved the matter to the top of our priority development list. A new release is to come that will remove the information you are concerned about from the view of others. The user experience of our application is very important to us and with your feedback it will improve further. Please reach out to us directly if you have any more suggestions that would help improve the process. ๐
Game Changer
And it ticks the reduce Carbon Footprint Box whatโs not to love ๐
Say bye to paper permits
Digital Innovation
Best in Class
Easy to use for both issuer and receiver of permits, and from a compliance point can see real tangible evidence at any time on the dashboard
Well done and thanks Dag, Luke, Andrie and the wider team for all your efforts, and looking forward to even more improvements to come.
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Slow, very unreliable and crashes
Another poor aspect of this app is that if you wish to add another room or key on to the permit you have to cancel the original permit first. With a paper version you could have added it on. This of course takes time.
There are also privacy concerns - your contact details (phone number) is available for all to see. Letโs hope no one on site is into stalking. You have to give the app permission to access your photos, search history and other user contact info. There should be no reason employees to share this data just get a permit to do their job
Response from developer
Hi there, my name is Naeem and I am in charge of Customer Success at SiteAssist. I wish to personally reach out to let you know I sincerely apologise on behalf of the whole team. SiteAssist is designed to streamline and hasten the permit process on construction sites, so allow me to apologise again that this has not been your experience. Saying that, we would love to have a talk with you in order to discuss these issues in more detail. If you have the time, it would be good for us to discuss precisely what is making the permit process slower for you and what has made the app unreliable for you in the past as well as your privacy concerns. We would also like to gather more information on the device(s) that are being used as well as the limitation(s) you have come across that require you to start a new permit. Your feedback is invaluable and I would love to go over the things you have raised in order to understand how we can offer you the best possible experience going forward. If this sounds good, can you please contact us at help@siteassist.co.
