Newest Features & Updates

August 31, 2023

Check out the new Work Order Dashboard in CityReporter

We are thrilled to introduce our new Work Order Dashboard, designed to give you valuable insight into your work order performance. Click the Dashboard button at the top of the Work Orders Summary screen to view this latest innovation.

Fill Out a Short Survey

To help ensure we’re providing you with the best possible experience, we invite you to fill out this survey. We’ll use your feedback and suggestions to enhance the Work Order Dashboard with analysis tools for managing and tracking your work orders.

Take Survey Now

If you’re not already using the Work Orders module, let us know if you’re interested in learning more.

August 24, 2023

Download the CityReporter mobile app update tonight

The latest version of the mobile app resolves some remaining filing issues. Please download version 6.6.28 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.6.24 for Apple devices from the App Store tonight.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

August 18, 2023

Download the CityReporter mobile app update tonight

We will be releasing a new version of the mobile app tonight. It contains improvements to the GPS functionality and minor fixes. Please download version 6.6.26 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.6.23 for Apple devices from the App Store this evening.

Let us know if you have any questions about this release.

August 15, 2023

Viewing stop work orders after upgrading the CityReporter mobile app

In our recent software update, we improved the process for creating stop work orders. However, you may not be able to see some stop work order records in the mobile app after upgrading. Please follow these steps to reload them from the cloud:

1. Update to version 6.6.22 for Android devices in the Google Play Store or version 6.6.20 for Apple devices in the App Store.
2. Refresh the mobile app and File any unfiled inspections.
3. Remove any permits that have stop work orders issued by pressing the Menu button > Remove From Device.
4. Go to the Search screen to search for and fetch the permits again.

Your stop work order records will then be visible on the mobile app. Let us know if you have any questions or need help following these steps.

August 10, 2023

Issuing stop work orders in CityReporter has a new, improved process

In our upcoming software update, building inspectors will have more options for issuing orders to enforce compliance on construction projects. The Stop Work Order form will be customizable and you will be able to create forms for other types of orders, such as Order to Uncover. What’s more, issuing these orders out in the field will be a breeze in the next version of the mobile app.

The web software and mobile app updates will be released by the end of the day. The mobile app includes significant performance improvements that benefit all users. Be sure to download version 6.6.21 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.6.19 for Apple devices from the App Store tonight.

Follow the links below for tutorials on the new features. Need help setting up and customizing your order forms? Reach out to our support team.

Customize Stop Work Order and Other Order Forms

The Stop Work Order form is now customizable, just like the inspection forms. You can also create and customize other order forms needed to enforce compliance in your jurisdiction, such as an order to uncover.

Check out our step-by-step tutorial!

Issue an Order at a New Location

When you come across a construction site without the proper permits, you can issue a stop work order or other order right from the mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. Send the order by email to the owner or contractor when you file it.

To get started, press the menu button at the top left of the Summary screen and select Issue Order at New Location. Make sure you upgrade to the new version of the app first, as the old method will no longer work.

View the tutorial here

June 22, 2023

Workplace Safety integrated with the Facilities module

The Workplace Safety and Facilities & Building modules are now integrated, allowing you to track your contacts’ certifications. With contact info automatically pulled from Facilities into Workplace Safety, you can easily input a contact’s certifications, such as occupational first aid. And when you look up a contact in Facilities, you’ll instantly know if their certifications are up-to-date and when they expire.

Learn how Workplace Safety can benefit your organization by scheduling an online demo. Take the first steps towards a safer workplace today.

May 25, 2023

Two-factor authentication and other new features

We are pleased to announce that two-factor authentication (2FA) is now available for the CityReporter web software. 2FA provides an added layer of security. When enabled, in addition to logging in with your password, you will be required to enter a one time code. You can receive this code by email, or set up an authentication app to generate codes.

Other new features include:

• File # field in the Fire/Code Enforcement module
• GPS coordinates for Notes with Pictures questions
• Filter by Inspection Group in the mobile app

An update to the mobile app with these enhancements will be released tonight. Please download version 6.6.10 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.6.02 for Apple devices from the App Store.

Feel free to reach out to us if you need help setting up 2FA or have questions about anything else in CityReporter.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication

CityReporter administrators can go to the User Maintenance screen and check the box next to 2FA on any user’s account. If you would like 2FA enabled for all user accounts, contact us to do a bulk update.

Once enabled, the user will see a popup prompting them to enter a one time code every time they log in to the website. Click Email Code to have a code sent to you by email. After logging in, go to My Account for info on setting up an authentication app. An authentication app lets you generate security codes on your phone without needing to receive an email message.

How to Auto-Generate File #s for Code Enforcement

You have the option of manually entering a file # for a location or letting CityReporter automatically generate a file #. Go to Setup to enable the File # Number Generator and enter a prefix and number, e.g. 2023-100. Then when you create a location with the File # field blank, the next number in sequence will be applied. In the mobile app, the file # will be assigned when the location is filed.

How to Filter by Inspection Group

On the summary screen of the mobile app, press the more button (icon with 3 dots) at the top right to select an Inspection Group. This filters the list of permits, locations, or work orders to display only the ones in that group. Inspection Groups are equivalent to the tabs on the web, e.g. Playground Inspections.

May 5, 2023

New Features in CityReporter

Our team of developers have been working hard to improve the software. We’d like to tell you about some recent enhancements you may not be aware of.

Switching Fault Question Types

When you edit a form in the Parks, Sportfields, Facilities, Fire, and Workplace Safety modules, you can now switch between any of these question types :

• Yes/No Fault
• Yes/No/NA Fault
• Yes/No Priority Fault
• Yes/No/NA Priority Fault
• Min/Max Priority Fault (Facilities and Fire modules only)
• Rental Fault (Facilities module only)
• Compliant/Non-Compliant/NA

Improvements to the Permits & Construction Module

When you edit a form, you can now switch between any of these question types :

• Acp/Rej/NA with Notes on Reject
• Acp/Rej/NA with Notes
• Acp/Cond/Inc/Rej/NA with Notes
• Complex

On the Permit Management screen, search for permits associated with a specific contractor using the Contact field in the Advanced Find.

A new report, Building Stats by Permit Type , is now available. It breaks down the estimated value of permits by permit type and lets you compare the stats from a date range in the current year to the same period in the previous year.

For our Ontario customers, there is a new field for tracking pre-engineered floor or roof systems in the Permit Editor’s Stats tab. Run the ON Fire Department Report to produce a list of permits and their floor/roof system type for submission to the fire chief.

Many of these new features were requested by our customers. Feedback is always welcome, so if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

March 29, 2023

New Workplace Safety and Fire Module Features

Our upcoming software release includes a number of highly anticipated new features. Our Workplace Safety module has been integrated with the Work Orders module so you can track actions taken on safety violations. In the Fire/Code Enforcement module, you can now restrict user access by inspection group. Locations in the Fire module have been updated so that a contact is no longer required and you can add GPS coordinates.

To get the latest features and enhancements, download version 6.5.26 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.4.89 for Apple devices from the App Store tonight.

Continue reading below for more info about the new features. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions we can help you with.

Create Work Orders from Workplace Safety Inspections

If you have both the Workplace Safety and Work Order modules, you’ll see a new Work Orders button (WOs in the mobile app) at the top of an inspection. Press the button to create a new work order that automatically copies fault descriptions and pictures from your inspection. Assign the work order to a user and easily track its status from New to Completed.

Restrict Access to Fire Inspection Groups

Tabs on the web summary screen are helpful in organizing your fire inspections or bylaw enforcement forms into groups. Only users with permission for an inspection group will be able to see that tab or access inspections within that group.

To set up user permissions, go to Setup > Permissions. For each inspection group, select one or more users from the Allowed Users dropdown. The default is to allow All Users, so even if you don’t set up permissions, you won’t see a change to existing functionality.

For the restrictions to work on the mobile app as well, you need to update to the latest version.

December 22, 2022

Restrict User Access to Work Orders

You asked for it and we’ve delivered – you are now able to restrict user access by work order groups. These groups are displayed as tabs on the web summary screen. Only users with permission for a work order group will be able to see that tab or access work orders within that group.

To set up user permissions, go to Setup > Permissions. For each work order group, select one or more users from the Allowed Users dropdown. The default is to allow All Users, so even if you don’t set up permissions, you won’t see a change to existing functionality.

For the restrictions to work on the mobile app as well, you need to update to the latest version. Another new feature in this version is a Notes field on Facility locations.

All users should download version 6.5.18 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.4.79 for Apple devices from the App Store, available tonight.

Let us know if you need help setting up work order permissions.

November 16, 2022

Enhancements to the Permits & Construction Module

We’ve added a number of small enhancements to the Permits & Construction module to make it work even better. Here’s what you need to know:

Expiry Dates

A permit no longer needs to have an expiry date – the field can be left blank. If you don’t want your new permits to have an auto-calculated expiry date, go to Setup and clear the Months field under Permit Expiry Settings. Let us know if you would like us to do a bulk update and remove the expiry date from all existing permits.

Fee History

From this point forward, permit fee transactions will be logged. You can view a permit’s fee transactions history by clicking the Fee History button on the Fees tab.

Improved Email Logging

Logs for inspection email reports will include more details going forward. Under the Inspection Activity Synopsis, click the Email Log button to view the Date Sent, Email Subject, and Recipients.

Occupancy Inspection Notification

Notify one or more of your staff members when the occupancy inspection has passed. Go to Setup > Form Management and select the Occupancy Form. Pick an email address from the list or enter a new email. Recipients will be sent a copy of the occupancy inspection report when it has been completed with no rejections.

Excel Versions of Reports

You may not be aware that some of the reports are now available in Excel format. Permits Expiring, Expired Permits, and Permit Status History reports can be exported as spreadsheets, giving you the flexibility to sort and edit the data.

We hope you like these improvements to the software. Feedback is always welcome. Also let us know if you have any questions we can help you with.

October 27, 2022

Asset Mapping and Other New Features

We have now added mapping features to the Asset Tracker module. You will be able to view your assets on a map and get directions to one or more assets in Google Maps.

The Time and Date fields have also been updated to allow them to be empty when non-mandatory. In addition, there is a new question type called Blank Line which lets you add spaces to your forms.

The latest version of the mobile app will be available today. Download version 6.5.08 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.4.61 for Apple devices from the App Store.

Read below for more info on the asset mapping. Please let us know if you have any questions or feedback about the new features.

Asset Mapping

Only assets with GPS coordinates will show up on the mobile map. In the web software, go to Asset Management, open an asset, and add a marker to the map on the Location tab. When you download that asset to the mobile app, it will display on the map at the location that you set. You can also create an asset on your mobile device in the field, and set the location to your current GPS coordinates.

To view asset mapping on an Android device, press the menu button at the top left of the summary screen and press View Map. On an iPhone or iPad, the Map button is at the top right of the summary screen.

Two buttons at the top of the map give you options for direction and location:

1. The Compass button rotates the map around you to show the direction you’re facing. When toggled off, the map points north.

2. The Location button centers the map to your location, as indicated by the blue dot, and follows you as you move. To move the map, toggle the button off so the map no longer follows your location.

When you tap on an asset marker, you can select from the following options:

Show Route: Opens directions to the asset in Google Maps.

Add Waypoint: Add a waypoint for each asset you want to navigate to. Then when you press Show Route, directions to all waypoints will open in Google Maps.

View Inspections: Takes you to the asset’s inspection/audit form.

October 18, 2022

New Email Groups Feature in Permits & Construction

Target your building inspection reports to the right people

We’re introducing a new feature in the Permits & Construction module called Email Groups. It helps you send out inspection reports more precisely. Let’s say a plumbing contractor wants to receive only plumbing related inspections by email. You can customize which reports are sent to them by adding them to a plumbers email group.

Full instructions on setting up email groups are available here:
How To Set Up Email Groups for Permit Contacts

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us by phone or email.

September 28, 2022

Checklist Management
renamed to
Form Management

To better reflect the enhanced form building capabilities of the software, “Checklist Management” is now called “Form Management” under Setup. You can build and edit numerous types of forms to fit your needs.

The functionality you’re used to is still available – you can use a variety of question types to build inspection forms for playgrounds, buildings, workplace safety, etc. Advanced functionality in many of the CityReporter modules now includes options for your forms to have interactive data, connect to new reporting options, GPS functionality and more.

The connected functions and new question types enable you to create custom forms for things like code enforcement citations, rental damage and cleaning chargeback reports, public concern request forms, and many others.

If you’d like a refresher on how to customize and enhance your forms, take advantage of our free online training with one of our team members. Contact us today to book a training session for you and your staff.

September 12, 2022

New Mapping Features in the CityReporter Mobile App

We are excited to introduce new mapping features in the Facilities & Buildings module. The mobile app will display your facilities on a map. You will be able to view inspections from the map screen and get directions to one or more facilities in Google Maps.

The latest version of the mobile app will be available today at 11 PM EST. Download version 6.4.97 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.4.53 for Apple devices from the App Store.

Read below for more info on the mapping features and contact us if you have any questions about them.

Facility Mapping

Only facilities with GPS coordinates will show up on the mobile map. In the web software, go to Facility Management, open a location, and click GPS Point to add a marker to the map. When you download that facility to the mobile app, it will display on the map at the location that you set.

On an Android device, press the menu button at the top left of the summary screen and press View Map. On an iPhone or iPad, the Map button is at the top right of the summary screen.

Two buttons at the top of the map give you options for direction and location:
1. The Compass button rotates the map around you to show the direction you’re facing. When toggled off, the map points north.

2. The Location button centers the map to your location, as indicated by the blue dot, and follows you as you move. To move the map, toggle the button off so the map no longer follows your location.

When you tap on a facility marker, you can select from the following options:

Show Route: Opens directions to the facility in Google Maps.

Add Waypoint: Add a waypoint for each facility you want to navigate to.

View Inspections: Takes you to the list of inspection forms and records for that facility.

August 10, 2022

An Update to the Android App Will Be Released Tonight

We will be releasing an update to the CityReporter Android app this evening. The new version contains some minor fixes. If you have an Android device, please download Version 6.3.89 from the Google Play Store tonight.

Feel free to contact us by phone or email if you have any questions about this update.

July 26, 2022

New CityReporter Features Will Be Released Tonight

We have some great new features to tell you about. All modules will have filter and sorting options on the Summary screen of the mobile app. In addition, Facilities & Buildings users will now be able to create and edit locations on the mobile app. Read more about these updates below.

The latest version of the mobile app will be available today at 11 PM EST. Download version 6.4.88 for Android devices from the Google Play Store and version 6.4.49 for Apple devices from the App Store.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the new features.

Filtering and Sorting on the Summary Screen

Long lists of permits, parks, and work orders can be difficult to manage. New filtering and sorting options will help you find what you’re looking for.

At the top of the Summary screen, there will be a text field for filtering the list. On Android devices, tap the magnifying glass icon to start typing. On iPhones and iPads, simply tap in the text field.

Next to the filter, a dropdown will let you sort by various options, such as Permit Ref #, Location, and Area. Press the arrow button to switch the sorting order between ascending and descending.

Create a Location on the Mobile App

You no longer need to go back to your computer when you want to add a new facility location to inspect. The mobile app will now let you create or edit a location while you’re out in the field. Press the main menu button and select Create Location. Then enter the address info, select required inspections, and create one or more optional contacts. The new location will be uploaded to the cloud next time you file.

To edit a location, open the facility and press Menu > Location Info & Required Inspections. Update the address info, required inspections, and contacts as needed. File to sync the info with the web software.

June 14, 2022

Apple App Update Available Tuesday Night

We fixed some issues and made performance improvements in the CityReporter Mobile app for Apple devices. An update will be released tonight, June 14th, so if you have an iPhone or iPad, please download CityReporter Mobile version 6.4.41 from the App Store tomorrow.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this update.

June 3, 2022

Android App Update Will Be Available Monday

We fixed some issues and made performance improvements in the CityReporter Mobile app for Android devices. An update will be released this weekend, so please download CityReporter Mobile version 6.4.76 for Android from the Play Store on Monday.

Let us know if you have any questions about this update.

April 12, 2022

Facility Rental Schedule Now in CityReporter Mobile

In the latest update to our mobile app, you can download your rental schedule in the Facilities & Buildings module. When scheduling rental events in the web software, make sure to assign yourself as the inspector. Then in the mobile app, simply press Schedule > Get Schedule to download a list of events assigned to you. Tap on an event to view all associated locations and proceed with your pre- and post-event inspections.

Download CityReporter Mobile version 6.4.71 for Android from the Play Store and version 6.4.40 for Apple from the App Store tonight.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about the Facility Rental Scheduler.

April 5, 2022

Exciting New Features in CityReporter

We’re excited to announce our latest enhancements to the Facilities & Buildings module, Asset Tracker, Mapping, and Work Orders.

• New facility rental scheduler
• Add and edit assets from the map view
• Improved push notifications for work orders
• Full editing of inspections when Approval enabled

Read more about these new features below and let us know if you have any questions.

Facility Rental Scheduler

A new Rental Scheduler has been added to the Facilities & Buildings module. You can book events in the calendar and associate rental locations to those events. Use the Rental Fault question type in your pre- and post-event inspections to track Tenant Charge Backs on any damage to the facilities. New reporting options provide a summary of Tenant Charge Backs by facility or by event.

Asset and Mapping Enhancements

The integrated Asset Tracker and Mapping modules provide a powerful tool for geolocating your city’s stationary assets. Not only can you see asset icons on a map, but you can now edit asset attributes and add new assets right from the map view.

Improved Push Notifications for Work Orders

Push notifications have been a welcome addition to the Work Orders module. Now they are more reliable than ever. Work orders are automatically pushed to your iPhone, Android phone, or Internet-connected tablet as soon as they are assigned to you.

Full Editing of Inspection Records

When the Approval feature is enabled in the Parks, Sportfields, Facilities, or Fire modules, you have the ability to edit all questions in your inspection records. There are no restrictions, so you can update text and change the answers as needed. Once you approve the inspection, it can no longer be edited, giving you rock-solid documentation.

March 16, 2022

CityReporter Mobile Update Available Tonight

We have been working on improving the mobile app “under the hood”. Our newest update includes several minor fixes and performance enhancements. Download CityReporter Mobile version 6.4.64 for Android from the Play Store and version 6.4.38 for Apple from the App Store tonight.

Feel free to contact us if you need assistance with this update or anything else in the software.

February 14, 2022

Searchable Combos Added to CityReporter

Our latest feature lets you search the text of combo fields, making it easier to find the combo option you want to add to your inspection. Read more about it below.

Download version 6.4.57 of Android app from the Play Store and version 6.4.37 of the Apple app from the App Store tonight.

Let us know if you have any questions about this update.

How to Search for a Combo Option

On the inspection screen, not only are combo question types searchable, but also preloaded fault descriptions and notes.

You will now see a search button next to the combo field (circled in the screenshot). Press the button to go to the search screen.

On the search screen, start typing some text to view a list of matching combo options. Select one of the options to add it to your inspection.

February 7, 2022

Update to Permit Fee Discounts and Surcharges in CityReporter

We’ve enhanced the way discounts and surcharges on permit fees work. Now when you add a discount or surcharge on the Fees tab, you have the choice of applying it to one or more line items.

The discount or surcharge then appears in the fees table immediately under the fee it applies to.

These changes offer better flexibility and improved clarity. Let us know if you have any questions or comments about the enhancements.

January 26, 2022

Update Your CityReporter Mobile App Tonight

Our developers are always working on improving the software. A new question type, All Roads, has been added to the Roads & Highways module and the Work Orders module. It lets you select from a list of all roads rather than filtering by Area first. The latest update to the mobile app also has a number of small fixes and enhancements.

Please download version 6.4.55 of the Android app from the Google Play Store, and version 6.4.34 for Apple devices from the App Store when available tonight.

If you have any questions about CityReporter, feel free to call or email us.

January 6, 2022

Conditional Questions Now Available

Happy new year! We’re back from holidays and already have a new feature to tell you about. Your forms can now contain conditional questions that display during your inspection only if a checkbox is enabled. This allows you to show and hide sections of a form depending on whether they apply.

To get all the latest features and enhancements, download the mobile app update that we’re releasing tonight. Version 6.4.53 of the Android app will be available from the Google Play Store, and version 6.3.32 for Apple devices will be available from the App Store.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this update.