Digitalising work processes saves time and ensures complete traceability of soil samples, from the first measurement in the field to the final processing of the data.
For more than thirty years, Ginger BURGEAP has been France’s largest consultancy specialising in the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites and soils. With more than 350 engineers and its own R&D department, the firm works worldwide to protect the environment, create sustainable cities, support environmentally responsible businesses and promote the energy transition.
Soil remediation depends on collecting reliable data. Engineers take samples of soil, groundwater and soil gas, recording essential information from barcodes and origin to depth and possible signs of contamination. Accuracy and traceability are crucial.
Until recently, measurements were often recorded with pen and paper, sometimes in difficult conditions: rain, mud, wind or bright sunshine. This made data vulnerable to errors or loss, and manually transferring it to computer systems also took a lot of time.
From paper to digital
To make this process more reliable and efficient, Ginger BURGEAP decided to switch to a fully digital workflow. It chose TerraIndex, software supporting the entire soil investigation process, from field data collection to generating borehole logs, project reports and laboratory orders.
The field teams use rugged Panasonic Toughbook tablets running TerraIndex. These devices withstand rain, cold, heat and shocks and remain readable in sunlight. Engineers can enter data, take photos, scan barcodes and synchronise information directly on site. Project managers have access to the data almost immediately, enabling faster, better decisions.
A winning combination: hardware and software
“We had previously tried to develop our own digital solution internally, but it proved complex,” says Marc-Eric Pautet, Director of Quality, Safety, Environment and Methods at Ginger BURGEAP. “We quickly realised we needed a specialist who could provide a ready-to-use, proven solution. TerraIndex convinced us, particularly in combination with Panasonic Toughbook tablets, which are perfectly suited to our working conditions.”
Field engineer Léo Pryfer also recognises the benefits: “Some colleagues were initially reluctant and wanted to keep using paper. But once they used the tablets themselves, they immediately saw the value: work is faster, documentation is more reliable and we no longer have to worry about illegible notes.”
Designed for soil remediation
TerraIndex was developed in close cooperation with industry experts and is closely aligned with practical soil investigation work. The software is flexible and can be adapted to each customer’s specific processes. Toughbook tablets can also be fitted with accessories such as integrated barcode scanners, so every user gets exactly what they need.
Because moving from paper to digital can be challenging for some employees, TerraIndex offers extensive guidance and training. Users learn not only how to use the software, but also how to make the most of their tablet in the field.
Looking ahead
Ginger BURGEAP’s initial experiences are very positive. “With TerraIndex and the Toughbook tablets, our teams save a great deal of time and reduce errors to a minimum. We are convinced this is the future and look forward to equipping all our field engineers with this solution soon,” concludes Marc-Eric Pautet.
Paper and pencil are making way for a more efficient, safer and more sustainable workflow, a step forward in the digitalisation of soil investigation.