Logging App gets a Makeover

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You may not have heard from us for a while as we’ve been busy updating the look and feel on the Android Logging App. Our workhorse App hasn’t changed much since it was launched 8 years ago and as we’ve added features to the system over the years, it’s starting to struggle, especially on smaller devices, so we’ve concentrated on improving the experience on this type of form factor.

You should see near the top of the new App on the right that we have replaced the form buttons with nice scrollable tabs showing the logging form names unobscured. Also, user details are now on the top bar, leaving much more room for the logging forms themselves

Under the covers, we’ve streamlined the code and hopefully fixed a few of the more obscure bugs. You should see it updating on your device in the next few days and we hope you enjoy the new look. As always, comments and suggestions are welcome so we’d love to know when you use it what you think.

The Multimethod update – for when one just isn’t enough

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This week sees the release of our Multi Method update. If you’re using the Android App, get the latest version to make sure you already have it. For the web app, its coming shortly.

You can now add more than one method to a single log, useful for those instances where the first thing you tried didn’t quite work. If you’ve sounded a distress call and  you find you need a blank pistol shot to finish the dispersal, you can add both methods to your log where previously you’d have to either miss a method or log multiple actions, maybe splitting the bird count between them.

This new function also allows you to track ammo against each control method. If you check the main report on the portal, you should see our new extended ammo table, splitting out the ammo counts across the columns.

Photo Logging Success

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The new photo capture function in our logging Apps is working really well with lots of good captures appearing. There are some lovely snowy ones from last week, although it looks like it was pretty chilly out there. Great job, guys.

Now with Pictures!

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We’re pleased to announce that you can now take photos from your logging device and include them in any wildlife log. The latest version of the App has a new photo button so things like visual evidence of wildlife strikes can be attached to logs quickly and easily. This work was a direct result of customer requests and we’re thrilled to be able to add this functionality to the system.

Stay Connected

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The days of closed systems are done. Any product that gathers data should be able to communicate that data to anywhere it might be needed, now or in the future, and preferably without any manual intervention. As we move forward, products being able to swap data in this way will be able to contribute to the provision of high level insights across the business. If you’re looking for a new system, or you’re seeing limitations with ones you’re currently using, this is worth consideration.

Airside Wildlife Logging is built from the ground up as a secure connected data system and uses standard data protocols to export collected data. As well as that, our team of data experts are happy to work with you to get your data to wherever you need it, whenever you need it. From a simple data export in a predefined format for direct import into another system to a customised REST/API, Airside Wildlife Logging will always be the best choice for the future.

Custom Form Delivery

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One of our customers recently requested a change to how they logged Swans. There were areas of the airfield where Mute and Whooper Swans were occasionally seen but as taking any control action was not permitted, they still wanted to log that the Swans were there. Also and more importantly, they wanted to ensure that was the only logging option so it was clear for the wildlife team.

To this end, we built a new “Observed” form containing just the 3 areas covered and the 2 species. We updated our system so we were able to push it remotely to their logging devices and so they didn’t have to do anything at their end. This worked beautifully and they’ve submitted over 100 observed logs to the system so far since receiving it.

This is such a useful function for us that we’ve now made it a mainstream feature of the system. We’re pleased to announce that the latest version of the Android App (v1.6) adds support for this. As every airport is different, we think this ability is a huge benefit. If you discover you have any custom logging requirements while using the system, just let us know.

 

Flexible Area Reporting

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Every airport is different, so when it comes to log position, we’ve had to work pretty hard to make Airside Logging work for everyone.

Some airfields already have predefined areas which makes it easy for us. Operators can pick an area from a list or we can show an overhead map and allow a tap on the log location.

If there are no areas however, what we will do is define a grid across the whole area covered. The overhead map is shown as before and tapping on it will add in a grid square as well as the map co-ordinates to the log. Having a defined area against each log allows us to add a couple of useful area based graphs to our standard report as well as allowing you to generate your own custom graphs and reports from this information when required.

And of course, a co-ordinate in the log allows us to generate those useful annotated maps, showing log types, direction of flypasts, etc. all overlaid on your airfield.

Online or Offline, seamless brings savings

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Good wifi coverage is rare on an aerodrome. Any managed system developed for one ideally needs to work both online and offline.

Our logging app doesn’t require a constant connection to the internet to operate normally. Logs will be stored automatically on the device and sent later, when you’re back in range of Wifi, at the end of shift for instance.

In our work with many of the UK wildlife management service providers, we hear that one of the reasons they choose to use our system is the seamless offline logging that it offers. When you’re working with multiple airfields, this can bring huge benefits, saving extra initial outlay on 3G enabled tablets and avoiding the ongoing headache of monthly SIM contracts to pay for and monitor.

 

February – Our Best Month Ever

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February is upon us and Airside is off to a great year. We’re excited to announce that it’s our best month so far for new sign-ups. 6 new airfields have come on line, our monthly record so far, and we’re grateful to all of them for choosing our system.

Airside System Connectivity

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Airside Wildlife Logging is designed from the ground up as a connected, integrated system that can be easily adopted into an existing wildlife management strategy.

Logging Devices

Logs are entered from any number of low cost devices: tablets or smartphones, and are sent securely to our cloud datastore where they immediately become available for inspection and analysis.

If the devices are 3G-enabled or if there is good wifi across the airfield, logs will be sent in real time. If not, logs will be automatically queued until the device comes in range of wifi, at the end of shift or day perhaps, at which point they’ll be sent.

Airside Connectivity Diagram

Web Portal

The Web Portal is accessible from any internet connected computer and allows you to generate your reports, maps and downloads simply and easily from the logs stored in the cloud.  If you work with other parties, you can choose to allow them portal access too. If they may log as part of the services they provide, perhaps 13km work, this can also be done straight into the system and you’re then able to inspect and analyse the data.

Integration

The system is flexible by design and our expertise in the data arena means we can integrate well with existing or legacy systems you may have. Every case is different so please ask our experts.

Conclusion

If your logs are being stored or moved around on memory sticks or you’re logging on paper, please get in touch and see how much easier and more flexible, reliable and managable your wildlife logging could be.