Just stay the hell ouit of the Cloud!
This was rarely ever an issue until everyone began doing on-site reporting with Mobile software!
When I did on-site ‘Reporting’ back in 2007-2008-ish, it was performed on my Palm Pilot and downloaded to my Desktop for finalizing and sent off by email.
When I did on-site ‘Data Gathering’, it was on my Laptop and completed back at my office… OFF THE WEB! Reports were/still are sent by email.
I have never connected to the ‘Cloud’ to perform any Reporting activities, and intend to keep it that way!
If you’ve ever read privacy policies from a company, most of them say they have the right to change their privacy policies. IMO, nobody’s data is 100% safe forever.
I trialed an online reporting software for my mock inspections when I was just getting my CPI, but I’ve been using my own Word template ever since. Looks just as professional as the “big dogs” without the fee(other than maintaining a 365 account).
Curious, do any of the software providers require a client to create an account to view their report?
The software I use, 3D, doesn’t.
I bought the software, I own it. I don’t rent it and I don’t store or share any inspection related information with them.
I do upload templates to the MS cloud, then download into my phone, I report defects onsite, add pictures onsite, and can add or change any narrative I want onsite, I then download from the cloud to my desktop, add any pertinent information that I want to add for clarity, then print my reports directly from the software into a PDF and email to client.
As I stated in an earlier post, I have every inspection picture I’ve ever taken and every report I’ve ever created stored on my hard drive and available to me at the tips of my fingers if ever needed for any reason. My state requires that I keep reports for a minimum of 5 years.
But…
Your Data belongs to you. Spectora's Stance on Your Data - The Official Spectora Blog
HIP Reports can look fantastic as well, which is why the largest franchises and companies worldwide use it. It’s flexible, though so it depends on what you put in. Here’s an example https://hip-user-files.s3.amazonaws.com/scottosko/SampleResidentialNick-Report-1266040/index.html?page=1 .
The other big benefit is that your data is stored on your machine at all times, as well as what’s in the cloud. This means that no matter what, you have a fully functional copy of the report, with video embedded that you can’t lose access to.
We can import HG templates and have a special deal going on for HG users as well.
That’s an impressive looking report Dom!!
I hope all is well with you & yours.
Thanks Kevin! All is going great. I have 3 sons now to chase around and drive me crazy but I love every minute of it (don’t tell them that) 
While I appreciate that they say this since I’m a Spectian, there are two issues. One, it’s a blog post and not legally binding. The case could be made in a court that they were misrepresenting themselves and be open to damages, but it’s not in their user TOS.
The other item is this is a 6 year old blog post. Heck they could have sold the keys the kingdom in the interim and not even told us.
Again, I appreciate that their public stance is as stated. After the latest reporthost debacle, I’m considering options. I was probably targeting HG until their weasel words on “we don’t sell your data”, when they don’t need to. They just use it 
Makes me want to create a new system. I was a programmer for 30+ years, I just wasn’t a web programmer. I created a DB system for Doctor’s offices in the early 90s that got used regionally in Ohio. Right up until the web took over then that got swept away and I moved to a manufacturing programmer analyst role.
I just got comfortable with Spectora too and my realtors love it. UGH, I hate re-inventing the wheel.
I’m sure many would appreciate that…
You could convert it to Google Docs and ditch the Microsoft fees as well!
I’m seriously thinking of going this route. I have done some of my commercial reports this way and have been happy with the results. Using the “Dictate” feature on Word definitely helps.
Ditto!
I have been using multiple softwares for years, including ‘Word’.
Anyone with ‘real’ Commercial experience knows that most Report Softwares are useless for Commercial/Industrial reporting. I have yet to discover any quality software built specifically with Commercial and Industrial in mind. I have tried many templates provided by other inspectors to the various softwares (ie. HIP) but found them very lacking as well.
There was someone experienced in this industry working on such a project a handfull of years ago, but I understand that he passed away before it could be completed.
https://www.nachi.org/keithswift.htm
I find I am looking to Word for more and more these reports. I have also been using Word for most all Asbestos, Mold, Moisture Intrusion, and other Ancillary inspections for many years.
JJ - I’m curious to hear some of the reasons for this? What would a dedicated commercial inspection software need to be appropriate?