Serving some of the nation's fastest-growing areas where speed in completing projects is crucial, Charlotte-based MobileHWY uses the Internet and mobile technology to deliver what developers note is a simple, seamless solution for the often-tedious building inspection process. Founded in 1999, MobileHWY has implemented the integrated inspection management system in North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Texas, linking local government building services departments, field inspectors and contractors. Unlike other automated inspection tools that require proprietary hardware and high levels of maintenance, the MobileHWY system works with existing hardware, infrastructure and permitting systems.

“The workload on inspectors and clerks has been greatly reduced,” says Jean Kennedy, ITS director for Cabarrus County, N.C. “The clerks no longer have to key in inspection results from paper, and the inspectors spend very little time in the office.”

MobileHWY's mSpector Mobile Inspection System allows contractors to use WAP-compatible cell phones to access and schedule inspections for a local jurisdiction. An affordable alternative or complement to IVR and Web services, mSpector includes easy account administration and advanced PC/Internet interfaces for high-volume inspection request contractors. Additionally, MobileHWY provides instant messaging capability, transmitting inspection results to the cell phone or a contractor's e-mail account.

Suitable for local applications, mSpector is customized to a particular jurisdiction's information system to provide real-time inspection results and updates. It offers building, health, and fire inspectors an affordable, highly portable inspection solution through a WAP or J2ME cell phone.