Fulcrumapp.com - Avis

I love that everything is right at my fingertips in one place. No need to make sure I've printed off enough datasheets and safety forms, or brought enough pencils! Especially since I've been working from home and don't have easy access to a printer.

I like that you can flag your favourite/most-used apps for ease of navigation, and I really like the auto-fill feature where things like project names, numbers, survey station pre-fixes, etc. are auto-filled once you've filled out the first one and need to repeat many times throughout the day/week. We've found so many different ways to capture our data in ways that make it easier to fill out the forms, from drop-down menus, to +/- tally counters, to signature fields and data form 'sections'. I also like that you can use formulas and links to fill out other fields (e.g. We've set it up so that when we select a species name during a bird survey, it automatically links the latin name, and federal and provincial status of each species). Another handy feature is to make certain fields mandatory, so that nothing important gets missed while the survey is being conducted.

I've found it quite easy and intuitive to use for the most part. It takes a bit of practice to be able to fill out the forms quickly, but it's worth it for me. Being able to hit the sync button at the end of the field day (or during a break in between) is really satisfying, because I know that everything is safely backed up, and that I don't need to scan anything!

One thing I feel could be improved would be the format of the output data. Data can be downloaded and opened in Microsoft Excel, but depending on how many 'levels' of data you have, you'll have multiple tabs in your spreadsheet, which may be difficult to interpret at times, as they are linked by a long string of letters/numbers based on a parent-child relationship. You can get around this by including some hidden fields that link more useful information (e.g. survey station ID), but it would be nice to be able to go through a menu, similar to the initial app set-up, to determine how the data will be presented.

I found that some staff members are reluctant to switch to digital data entry, because they are used to taking field notes manually, and may not trust the safety of the data. I think this is just a personal preference though, as I personally would trust a cloud-based, digital product more than I would trust my own ability to keep track of many pieces of paper!

One challenge I've noticed is that during timed surveys (e.g. breeding bird surveys), if you have a lot of fields to fill out, and multiple levels of menus, it can be tricky to fill out each data point quickly when you have a limited time to conduct the survey. We typically do surveys in pairs, so I find it's easiest to have one person conducting the actual survey, and one person filling out the form, so that I can spend more time looking through my binoculars than at the tablet.

In combination with a GPS receiver, the Fulcrum software allows me to capture data in the field using unique data point identifiers, including latitude and longitude. I have thirty or so separate apps within the software that I use for collecting natural history data at client and county levels. The available data fields allow me tremendous flexibility in choosing the types of categories (single-choice, multiple-choice), organization into sections, creation and import of choice lists (in some cases, of several thousand plant species or several hundred county street names), and data export into multiple GIS-friendly database files. I am impressed with it. There are some functions I have not used, such as multiple-member apps and sharing levels.

Unlike competitor software, it does not allow use of paths or polygons. Usually, I use discrete data points or paths; for the latter, it is necessary to have direction-of-travel and side-of-road fields that require extra time in the field. In the fields that use choice lists, I often use an "Other" field that allows input that does not exist in the list, but modification of the data field - especially unchecking another list element - results in loss of any entry in the Other field. There should be a means for retaining this information despite other changes in the field, and "Other" should open for additional information without deleting existing contents.

Addable for general use ...........................................

Not been able to set up short cut menus to repopulate areas that are consistently being used

e.g clean patch paint all previously painted area when doing a condition assessment of room with a building

- Collates record contents into one PDF (including image) for archiving.
- Can import and export to a variety of useful formats, which serve my various needs. Ex. PDF of records for dissemination of results, CSV of app record contents for easy backup.
- Output as KML for others in org who may want to see progress, but need not have a license.
- Works out of cell range
- Version management issue no longer exists.
- Allows geographically dispersed staff to work together without need for increased direct communication (emails/calls).

User management. For our purposes, we need to add users and remove users on a regular basis as the instruments the project tracks migrates around our country. Not a massive issue, but for our application, it would be simpler for us to have space for 10 users at a time, regardless of who they are.

What I like the most about Fulcrum is the ease of use while navigating around the app on mobile devices, no matter the OS of the device (i.e. iOS or Android) the Fulcrum application works great. I love having the ability to only have to use my tablet or my phone while completing field work and filling out field reports and then uploading them to the cloud. It's much better than having to keep track of everything with pen and paper.

I do not like Fulcrum when it comes to uploading media (i.e. Photos, etc.) to reports. Only limiting the user to select and upload one (1) photo at a time to the reports is beyond mildly frustrating. If I could select multiple photos at once from my mobile device's photo gallery and upload them all at the same time in one swoop, that would be FANTASTIC. But until that happens, I'm just going to have to get over it and deal with my frustrations. Otherwise, great experience using the mobile version of Fulcrum.

Offline capabilities, Easy to design forms

Reporting platform is not mature yet. Need Analytics

The app and website are both easy to use. It was easy to set up the data capture templates using the website tools. The templates were then uploaded onto the user's phones by simply refreshing their app. The users require minimal training to use the app.
Uploading the users data to a common cloud-based database by simply refreshing their app is probably the best feature of Fulcrum. No data loss and no duplication of data with multiple users.
We also like the licensing. We are seasonal users. So during the off-season we just keep one account active in order to save our templates and access our database online.

No real cons. Probably could be advertised more with some real-world examples on how to utilize the software. We learned about Fulcrum word of mouth.
Uploading background images could be easier. We currently create maptiles using TileMill which can be tricky.

Ease of building Apps, Lot of FAQs and answers, Quick response on issues but would like more!!, Very effieicent data collector, API keys are of great help, Can be integrated with other tools.

I dont see any to be frank. But to fill the words , would like to see the google maps connection to be there on I phone as well and now I see that only on android phones, it shd be easier to upload pictures as it takes more time to synch pictures now, may be a technology to down size and resize the pictures during upload and download time. There has to be option to upload our own road networks as well. There has to be a go to option (without google maps ) to help us route to the pre designated GPS point......

The real-time data access, ease of distribution and updating makes this invaluable to us.

I need to be able to manage my users - create logins, manage passwords and cannot.

Up and running in no time. Good bouquet of features

Cannot add custom features easilty and white labeling not offered

-Ease of use
-Quality of UI
-Scalability
-Data Security/integrity/accessibility
-Versatility

-Honestly Fulcrum has fulfilled a large part of our data collection and management requirements. The one thing I can see that may draw me away is the fact that we have access to more complete GIS software packages that are able to perform many of the same functions and don't have subscription fees. That being said I would still be reluctant to stop using Fulcrum as it integrates with other software and is just so easy to teach my volunteer staff to use.

Designing the program to reflect contract KPIs has been instrumental in streamlining our contractor communication and compliance activities that drive monthly reporting. The fulcrum platform works on all our mobile devices without problem in the year we've worked with the product.

This spatial software uses 'pin drop' GIS points for recording data. Though there's a layer option to represent areas / polygons above the map, the pixel / resolution of our file was insufficient.

Fulcrum's capability for working off line is critical for our work in remote areas. The ease of adding and tweaking fields in the designer view makes the development stage of an app very cost-effective. The overall ease of use and robustness of the platform are a big plus for our organisation.

It would be great to have a dedicated GPS track option and be able to record a GPS track without using the audio recording option.

Solid performance coupled with flexibility, features, and low cost

Enterprise integration was a long time coming

Fulcrum is such a great platform for field data collection. The ease of creating a data collection form (with no code) learning from the tutorials and examples of more advanced integrations to really push the bounds of collecting quality field data collection have been a huge boost.

The tiered level of advanced features for an app. These features should be made available to all users or an organisation.

The possibility to customize the apps to inlcude diferent wys to capture data, and the posibility to link multiple apps between each other to work as a database the propoplate records and ease coordination works.

Nothing remarkable. Things can always be better I guess but you also need to consider the limits of technology that are always expanding ,allowing thing to slowly improve. The rate of enhancemnets and improvements I have seen in the last year are Ok and I feel content with that.

Perhaps cost might be a deterrant if there are any cheaper/free alternatives avaailable depending on the needs for each project.

Small areas where I had problems: trying to load GIS layers was a bit dificultu due to the requirements of the platform to use diferent formats depening on the GIS layer being required online or offline as well. It was very clear and explained in the instructions but it required me to rework my data that was already in Shp or Kml. Also, the GIS funcitons were a bit limited but again, i undertand this is not the original prupose of the tool.

Great product from beginner till now i am expert. A good API & data events make this product very effective , this product is a complete package. This products is also interesting for developers . In Short this is a complete soloution for any kind of business.

If there are any option for using fulcrum database locally without syncing, then this product will hit edges. Fulcrum must start professional certification programs for individuals like other products.
Making API query writable also is a plus point.
Custom pdf design must be client base or atleast make API for custom PDF.

The setup up was easy but most impressive was the help I received from tech support. Quick to respond and precise. After dissecting a few of their sample templates it became like a first language.

I found the reporting was a little rigid but was able to deal with the work arounds. I understand they have a pay service to customize reporting, but I tend to be a do it yourselfer and determined.

We have found fulcrum to be the most adaptable and useable tool for team project management yet. We love the adaptability and functional use for everything from drone operations to wetland delineation. We use it across our whole team and love the real time updates and collaboration that is made possible using the app.

There is a little bit of a learning curve to successful use but once you've got it it's golden.

The generalized field forms are very convenient, and they are also slightly customizable which makes creating multiples for one event easy. I also like the ease of transferring from fulcrum to use in the office space.

I don't like that when the program syncs it has to sync all apps even if I don't use them. I think having the option to select if you want a specific field to carry over the data input would be nice.

Scalability and ease in customizing based on need

Unable to incorporate PDF uploads

The Simplicity of the App and User interface.
Offline storage of data during survey.
Enhanced user support i.e. first time users.
Inclusion of mbtiles.

1. The Github issues are not taken seriously.
2. Less contribution by open source develpers.
3. Api should be provided in more languages like Scheme, Haskell.

This is a good product to use and error free.It is simple to understand and use.We Can achieve the good business by using this product.

As of my experience with this product I couldn't found any issues and it is very smooth to use and looking good with latest update where record can refresh and adding required fields on the columns.

For someone who does not have a coding background and was apprehensive about building an app, fulcrum was incredibly user friendly and i was able to produce an app that had all the functionality i required.

there were data protection issues with it with regards to my companies data strategy.

We as a team in company drafted spreadsheets to be included into the software to help us work on a new project piloted. It could be customised and adjust as we moved along in the exercise.

Lacks technical adaptation to engineering work and data would be captured then lost. We could not get our work back. Has to be able to realise that when data is the same no need to repeat, maybe get programmers with a background in engineering in order to understand customisation in engineering projects.