Gain Solutions has created handheld inspection software for auction house Brightwells that aims to improve the accuracy and quality of inspections for their auction items.

Moving away from traditional pen and paper records, the software designed for WIFI enabled handheld devices allow inspectors to input data, capture images - via the in-app camera - and link digital images to information, to further support and enhance the accuracy of assessments.

Gain Solutions, which offers fleet and dealer solutions covering all aspects of the fleet management, vehicle appraisals, refurbishment technologies and logistics, has developed a bespoke solution for Brightwells range of mechanical auction items.

Brightwells, a leading provider of auction services, estate agency and chartered surveying, serves customers principally in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Its principal auction activities include the sale of fine art, vehicles, horses, machinery, agricultural livestock and land. Annually it serves more than 50,000 businesses and members of the general public.

Created by an in-house team of developers, the digital inspection system can be simply configured to inspect any auction item and perfectly fits Brightwells’ business needs.

Additionally, it reduces administration as inspections automatically sync to a central server. The system also increases the accuracy and consistency of information collated as inspections are guided through pre-set questions.

Marcus Blakemore, commercial director at Gain Solutions, said: “Currently, Brightwells are using a white label version of our handheld inspection software for inspecting vehicles for their car auctions. However, because they are involved in remarketing items from fine wine to earthmovers and heavy plant, they needed a separate solution that would allow them to capture key data and descriptions with images, for condition reports and determine guide prices prior to auction.

“As a result of our new software solution, they can now create their own criteria, questions - like ‘Amount of hours’, ‘Year of Manufacture’, etc., and answers that can help them accurately assess items that are put through auction."

James Thomas, shareholder and auctioneer, at Brightwells, added: “The new app developed by Gain Solutions will considerably improve the accuracy of the information collected. It also reduces the time needed for an inspection as the inspector can record the information with a few clicks rather than writing the information down and then passing it to administration to enter into our systems.”

“Additionally, the in-app camera means that images are automatically linked to items recorded in condition reports, so avoiding potential confusion relating to items identified during inspections. This then allows the creation of PDF or data file which can be transferred to the auction sales online platform and catalogues.”