Automating State Health Inspections

by | Mar 15, 2017

RizePoint Quality Management

4 Reasons Why Health Departments Need to Move to Cloud-Based Reporting

Consistent health inspections are like airbags, taken for granted but essential for a safe life. Not long ago, nine people died, and hundreds nationwide fell ill because a peanut butter facility was not monitored closely.  It is imperative that states conduct consistent, accurate inspections to protect people. Today, many state-level governments struggle with backlogs and incomplete records because they do not have the tools to keep up with the growing workload that comes with healthy economies. State health departments need to transition away from outdated inspection processes to cloud-based solutions to improve workflows, reduce paperwork inefficiencies, and bring visibility to public safety information.

A cloud-based inspection tool eliminates the chaos of scattered, inaccessible information by organizing it into an online system that unifies and uniquely equips every level of a department with what it needs in four major ways:

1. Ensures Every Audit is Efficient and Complete

Federal audits consistently cite turnover of state inspectors and field managers as a key reason for backlog and errors in recordkeeping.  Each resignation costs states years of investment and experience.  However, the confusion of abundant documents and changing regulations make their job understandably exhausting. Transitioning from pen and paper to a mobile app streamlines the inspection process, eliminating the frustration that drives auditors away. Inspectors arrive at the site with the latest regulations pre-loaded and can respond to follow-up questions appropriate to that location. A mobile app eliminates the time-intensive process of uploading information and annotating each photo. Inspectors also save time by marking images, attaching files, and uploading short videos to highlight important non-compliant issues. This streamlined, automated format gives field inspectors the tools they need to report and communicate with their managers easily.

2. Spend More Time on Training and Supporting Auditors

Managers need time to oversee inspections on the ground. However, some states still use handwritten paper logs alongside a host of un-integrated systems that create redundancy. When health departments switch to cloud-based inspection systems, they eliminate paperwork duplications and labor-intensive reporting. Managers can regularly import a list of county-issued permits to ensure every new location is caught for a timely first inspection. They can schedule inspections and track when the auditors arrive, how long the audit takes, and instantly see the results as they are uploaded online. Automating the inspection calendar and process means managers have more time to spend coaching and training auditors on best practices and corrective action oversight.

3. Provide Department Leaders with the Information They Need to Make Informed Decisions

Clear, smooth communication between levels of an organization is imperative for operational excellence. The RizePoint end-to-end solution enables seamless communication across departments, locations, and management levels. The moment an inspection is complete the data is transformed into digestible, relevant information for every member of the department. Role-based reporting allows different members of the organization to view information that is applicable to them. For instance, when a director logs into the system they are greeted with an active homepage that tracks trends, assesses risk, shows the latest administrative messages and more.  With added visibility into statewide inspection results, large organizations are equipped to address problems before they have a chance to sicken hundreds. Plus, business intelligence reports eliminate the need to hire outside analysts to compile data and identify trends.

Health departments that use RizePoint show current, statewide, inspection reports that are readily available to the public.

4. Provide Citizens with Information to Assure Them That They Are Being Protected

Keeping citizens informed is critical to creating public confidence. Transferring inspection data to a cloud-based system makes transparency simple. Health departments that use RizePoint show current, statewide, inspection reports that are readily available to the public. People can see that location inspections are current and transparent.  Food grades and non-compliant issues are visible to any consumer at any time. This level of transparency leads to more accountability for the organizations and ultimately protects consumers against unsafe conditions.

An end-to-end software solution, like RizePoint, helps field managers ensure their inspectors are efficient and precise and empowers stakeholders with the information they need to make their state thrive.

(Image credit: Screenshot from South Carolina Food Grades and Eat Safe Louisiana)

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