Tyler Technologies Drives Digitally Enabled Fire Inspections With NFPA Code Data Packs

In recent years, Tyler Technologies, the largest and most established provider of integrated software and technology services focused on the public sector, has been laser-focused on driving better outcomes for the fire service.

In 2018, the company acquired MobileEyes, a SaaS company that improved public safety by supporting fire prevention, suppression, and response. MobileEyes, now known as Fire Prevention Mobile, is primarily used by state and local fire prevention agencies and fire departments as job-enabling technology for inspectors to use in the field.

Integrate NFPA Code Data Packs

Inspectors have always referenced NFPA® codes and standards as the backbone of their work, but critical code content was often accessed via hardcopy documents or disparate PDFs, thus slowing down the inspection process and leaving room for error. 

Tyler Technologies saw an opportunity to integrate NFPA Code Data Packs into its Fire Prevention Mobile product to enable fire marshals and inspectors to quickly incorporate precise code citations into their inspection reports as violations are identified during the inspection process. Consequently, prevention agencies are completing more inspections while producing inspection reports that are more accurate, more complete, and less prone to legal challenges.   

By understanding the needs of its customers and applying technology to integrate authorized NFPA data packs, Tyler Technologies has been able to foster digital transformation, increase efficiency, and promote a higher level of effectiveness among inspectors, ultimately pioneering to safer communities.

Customer-centric approach

Fire Prevention Mobile became first in the industry to pioneer a product that digitized NFPA code 

At the inception of Fire Prevention Mobile, the team hosted several focus groups with chiefs, fire marshals, and inspectors. At the time, the prevailing approach to conducting fire inspections was a slow, labor-intensive paper process.

When the focus groups concluded, two things became immediately clear: (1) inspectors needed an easy-to-use, mobile software solution to perform and complete inspections in the field, and (2) final inspection reports needed to incorporate precise, published code and standard citations that would withstand scrutiny. 

Armed with this input, Fire Prevention Mobile became one of the first in the industry to pioneer a product that integrated digitized NFPA code packs. This digitization of code information aimed to increase efficiency and accuracy while reducing costs and providing better service to state and local governments.

Authoritative NFPA code content

With NFPA Code Data Packs serving up critical code content for delivery through Fire Prevention Mobile, inspectors no longer need to copy and paste information from PDFs.

The app instead allows them to instantly access the authoritative NFPA code content at the click of a button with both online and offline search capabilities. This allows fire personnel to reference the correct code content at the point of use, serving as a major selling point for Tyler Technologies’ customers. 

Increased Inspections, Increased Prevention And Safety

Inspectors improve their inspection effectiveness while completing 20 to 50% inspections per year

Speed and thoroughness are paramount when it comes to fire inspections.  At the same time, fire departments are often overwhelmed by the volume of inspections that must be completed by under-resourced prevention units.

This challenge has resulted in a significant opportunity for Tyler Technologies. Using Fire Prevention Mobile with integrated NFPA content, inspectors have been able to improve their inspection effectiveness while completing 20 to 50 percent more inspections per year.

Author's quote

“The NFPA relationship has been hugely important, enabling us to provide the fire service a game-changing solution,” said Joe Krehel, General Manager of Fire Prevention Mobile, Tyler Technologies. 

 “Integrated NFPA content has enabled faster, better inspections that benefit the fire service and the public. The next chapter will be even more exciting as Fire Chiefs and IT Directors increasingly demand integrated solutions that leverage data within and across departments—a requirement that plays directly into the strengths of Tyler. We have only just begun seeing the power of integration and shared data as cities, counties, and states leverage their data across their organizations to transform the way decisions are made and public services are delivered.”