How to Use Built Simple Mobile App On-Site: Field Worker’s Complete Guide

The Built Simple mobile app is designed for the realities of construction sites: dirty hands, poor internet, time pressure, and the need for instant documentation. This guide walks field workers through the app’s essential features to boost productivity, improve safety, and streamline communication on-site.

For full project management control from the office, see [How to Use Built Simple Web Dashboard: Complete Guide].

Getting Started

App Installation

Download and Setup

• iOS: App Store → Search “Built Simple”
• Android: Google Play → Search “Built Simple”
• Install and open the app
• Login with your credentials
• Allow permissions:
  • Camera (photos)
  • Microphone (voice updates)
  • Location (site tracking)
  • Notifications (alerts)

First-Time Setup

Essential Settings

1. Tap Settings (gear icon)
2. Configure:
   • Offline Mode: Enable for poor signal areas
   • Photo Quality: High
   • Auto-Sync: WiFi only
   • Battery Saver: Enable for long shifts
3. Download offline project data
4. Test key features before leaving the office

Home Screen Overview

Quick Access Dashboard

• Today’s Tasks: What’s assigned for the day
• Active Projects: Quick jump to your assignments
• Recent Photos: Last uploads and evidence
• Weather Alert: Current conditions and warnings
• Quick Actions: Frequently used tasks

Navigation

• Bottom tabs: Access main sections
• Swipe gestures: Switch screens quickly
• Long press: Access quick actions
• Pull down: Refresh data

Daily Site Workflow

Morning Routine

1. Check Today’s Schedule

• Review assigned tasks before leaving the office
• Check weather alerts for site-specific risks
• Note material deliveries or pending inspections
• Plan site movement and crew allocation

For advanced scheduling features and task dependencies, see [How to Use Schedule Management in Built Simple: Complete Guide for Web and Mobile].

2. Sync for Offline Use

• Connect to WiFi before heading out
• Pull down to refresh and sync
• Wait for the sync icon ✓ confirmation
• Offline mode ready for on-site work

On-Site Features

Site Check-In

• App detects your location automatically
• Auto-checks you in and starts time tracking
• Displays site-specific tasks immediately

Today View

• Swipe between tasks
• Tap for details
• Color coding:
  • Green: On track
  • Orange: Needs attention
  • Red: Urgent
  • Blue: In progress

Task Management

Viewing Tasks

List View

• See all assigned tasks
• Filter by: Today, Week, Project, Status
• Sort by priority

Task Details

• Full task description
• Requirements and attached documents
• Previous updates and photos
• Photo requirements or instructions

Updating Tasks

Quick Status Update

1. Swipe right on a task
2. Choose status:
   • Not Started
   • In Progress (25/50/75%)
   • Completed
   • Blocked
3. Auto-saves locally

Detailed Update

1. Tap task to open full details
2. Update options:
   • Progress slider
   • Add notes or comments
   • Attach photos
   • Flag issues
   • Request help from supervisor

1-Tap Photo Proof 

Taking Photos

• Large camera button available on task screen
• Tap once to open camera
• Photo auto-attaches to task with:
  • Timestamp
  • GPS location
  • Task reference
  • Weather data

Photo Best Practices

• Capture before & after for progress
• Include scale: tape measure or person
• Use good lighting and multiple angles
• Clean the lens before shooting
• Landscape mode preferred for wider coverage

Voice Features 

Voice Updates

• Ideal for dirty hands or quick updates

Quick Voice Note

1. Tap microphone icon
2. Speak clearly, e.g., “Installed bathroom fixtures, ready for inspection”
3. Auto-transcribes and attaches to task
4. Syncs automatically when online

Voice Commands

• “Show today’s tasks”
• “Mark plumbing complete”
• “Add note about crack in slab”
• “Schedule inspection for tomorrow”
• “Take photo of damage”

Voice Tips

• Speak clearly in short sentences
• Use standard trade terms
• Review transcription before saving

Offline Capabilities

What Works Offline

• View schedules
• Update task status
• Take and attach photos
• Add notes/comments
• View documents
• Track time
• Create new tasks
• Voice notes

What Needs Internet

• Sync with office
• Download new documents
• Send messages
• Weather updates
• Video calls
• Large file uploads

Offline Best Practices

1. Sync each morning before leaving
2. Confirm offline readiness
3. Work normally without worrying about connection
4. Sync when back online

Documentation

Daily Logs

Creating Site Diary

• Tap Daily Log
  
• Auto-fills: Date/time, weather, location, workers
• Add work completed, issues, visitors, deliveries, incidents

Quick Entries

• Use pre-set phrases
• Voice input supported
• Attach photos to log
• Sign-off required by supervisor

Quality & Safety

Safety Observations

• Tap Safety button
• Categories: Hazard, Near miss, Good practice, Toolbox talk
• Add photos and submit for immediate notification

Quality Issues

• Tap Quality Issue
  
• Select category: Defect, Damage, Non-conformance, Variation
• Document with photos and assign responsibility

Communication

Team Messages

Quick Messages

• @mention team members
• Use templates: “Running 30 min late”, “Need materials”, “Inspection passed”
• Voice messages supported
• Read receipts available

Urgent Communication

• Red Urgent button triggers:
  • Call supervisor
  • Emergency alert
  • Site evacuation
  • Incident reporting

Client Updates

• Upload progress photos
• Milestone completion notifications
• Variation requests
• Quality confirmations

Time Tracking

Automatic Tracking

• Starts on site check-in
• Pauses automatically on exit
• Resumes on return
• Ends at check-out

Manual Adjustments

• Edit start/end times, breaks, and travel time
• Add notes for accuracy

Crew Time

• Log entire team
• Bulk entries
• Different rates and overtime flagged

Materials & Deliveries

Delivery Tracking

• Scan packing slips
• Check against orders
• Photo evidence and digital sign-off
• Note discrepancies

Material Requests

• On-site shortage reporting
• Select from list or voice describe
• Flag urgent requests
• Notifications sent to supervisor

Tool Tracking

• Check out/in tools
• Document condition
• Report damage
• Service due alerts

Weather Integration

Daily Weather

• Current conditions and hourly forecasts
• Task-specific warnings
• Weather alerts for concrete, painting, or excavation

Weather Decisions

• Review affected tasks
• Decide: Continue, modify, postpone, or shift indoors
• Document decision in-app

For handling weather-related risks on-site, refer to [How to Use Weather Alerts in Built Simple: Protect Your Schedule].

Quick Actions Menu

Long Press App Icon

• Take site photo
• Check in/out
• View today’s tasks
• Emergency contact
• Quick timesheet

Swipe Gestures

• Right: Complete task
• Left: More options
• Down: Refresh
• Up: Details
• Pinch: Zoom photos

Battery & Data Saving

Battery Tips

1. Lower screen brightness
2. Close unused apps
3. Reduce photo quality if needed
4. Turn off GPS when not required
5. Use battery pack

Data Saving

1. Sync on WiFi only
2. Compress photos
3. Limit video uploads
4. Download documents ahead
5. Use offline maps

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

App Crashes

• Force close
• Restart phone
• Clear cache
• Update or reinstall app

Sync Problems

• Check internet and login
• Manual sync
• Clear queue
• Contact support if needed

Photos Not Saving

• Check storage
• Verify permissions
• Try lower quality
• Clear photo cache

Safety Features

Emergency Button

• Hold 3 seconds
• Sends location
• Calls emergency contact
• Notifies office
• Records incident

Working Alone

• Check-in required
• Periodic check-ins
• No-response alerts
• GPS tracking
• Emergency escalation

Pro Tips

Speed Tricks

• Widgets for quick view
• Shortcuts for most used features
• Templates for repeated updates
• Favorites for important items
• Voice faster than typing

Quality Photos

• Clean lens, steady hands
• Multiple angles, good lighting
• Include context
• Check photos before leaving

Staying Organised

• Update tasks as you go
• Avoid batching updates
• Flag issues early
• Communicate frequently

End of Day

Closeout Routine

• Complete updates
• Upload photos
• Submit timesheet
• Check next day’s tasks
• Sync all data

Before Leaving Site

• Tasks updated
• Photos uploaded
• Tools returned
• Site secured
• Time logged

Advanced Features

AR Measuring

• Measure distances with camera
• Save measurements in notes
• No tape needed

Document Markup

• Draw on plans
• Highlight issues
• Add measurements
• Share markups
• Cloud backup

Barcode Scanning

• Track materials and tools
• Verify deliveries
• Count stock
• Manage assets

Getting Help

In-App Support

• Tap ? icon
• Search help topics or videos
• Contact support or report bugs

Offline Help

• Downloaded guides
• Emergency contacts
• Basic troubleshooting

Next Steps

Master these features:

1. Photo documentation guide
   
2. Voice commands complete guide
   
3. Offline mode advanced guide
   
4. Safety features guide
   

Quick Reference

Daily Checklist

☐ Sync before leaving
☐ Check today’s tasks
☐ Review weather
☐ Document arrivals
☐ Update progress
☐ Take photos
☐ Log issues
☐ Track time
☐ Sync before leaving

Need Help?

• App support: Tap help in app
• Emergency: Hold red button
• Training videos: builtsimple.com/mobile
• Tech support: 1800-BSIMPLE