Electronic Data Collection Tools Comparison

One of our most frequent question is which electronic data collection device is best for your situation.

Both AUDIT Tools and the Budini Survey PDA with the Pneulogic Bluetooth probe can be successfully used to collect data with different Budini applications (see below).  Since both the Audit Tools and the Budini survey PDA applications were designed by Budini they are very similar in the way the operate and integrate with the various Budini applications.

The most important difference that should be a deciding factor on which one to adopt is, if you plan to automatically correct and document air pressure readings while doing the tire inspection.  If the answer is Yes, than only the AUDIT Tools will automatically correct air pressure.

If you're still unsure, generally, the best tool for FLEETS are the AUDIT Tools, because fleets usually inspect tires while vehicles are in the terminal and air pressure lines are available either inside the bay our from service vehicles.  Also, the AUDIT Tools operate faster when part of the inspection data is downloaded directly from the Budini TMS, as the process designed in the tool's application is a an extension of the Budini Tire Management System; it will greatly reduce tire inspection time and provide useful information on each screen during the tire inspection.

The Budini Survey PDA also works with Budini TMS in the same way, but it won't automatically correct air pressure.  The Budini Survey PDA is more often used by tire manufacturers, tire dealers and consultants with the BTSS program.  Normally in the nature of operation air pressure correction is not necessary or not required by the fleet.  Another reason the Budini Survey PDA may be preferred is when you often visit new fleets and may not know the different tire sizes, makes and models you'll encounter.  The Budini Survey PDA application is designed to provide more flexibility to register new types of tires and vehicles during the inspection process.

Some customers use both the Audit Tools and the Budini Survey PDA, each in the functions where they are more applicable.


AUDIT TOOLS

Pros

  • Rugged design built for the tire environment
  • Works in very low temperature conditions
  • Possible to change batteries and continue working
  • Integrates with 4 Budini applications (Budini TMS, BTSS, R.DA.CO and BAUM)
  • Corrects air pressure if connected to compressor

Cons

  • Slower operation when used with BTSS program to inspect new fleets. (Still much faster than manual)
  • Single language (English)



PDA & BLUETOOTH PROBE

Pros

  • The Budini Survey PDA application provides more flexibility in the program operation.
  • Faster inspection time (except when used with Budini TMS) due to the use of touch screen for faster menu selections and no air pressure correction.
  • Color display makes it easier to visually manage inspections.
  • Multi language allows tire inspectors to operate in their own language regardless of what language the main application uses.
  • Multi uses of the same tool for future applications
  • PDA, Case, and Bluetooth Probe are cheaper
  • Universal Bluetooth is unrestricted across countries
  • Integrates with 3 Budini applications (Budini TMS, BTSS and R.DA.CO )

Cons

  • PDA battery usually wears faster and usually cannot be replaced to continue uninterrupted operation.
  • Regular PDAs are fragile in the environmental conditions of tire inspections and could break.  Highly suggested to be used with a protective case such as the Otterbox or use a rugged PDA device.
  • Slightly less accuracy in tread depth and air pressure readings.
  • Bluetooth probe does not correct air pressure, only inspects