If you run a construction company, you probably have a "Photo Problem."
Your Superintendents take 50 photos a day.
- 20 are in a WhatsApp group.
- 10 are texted to your Project Manager.
- 20 stay on their phone until the storage runs out.
When a client disputes a change order 6 months later, you spend 3 hours digging through text threads to find proof of the work.
The "App Trap"
Most contractors try to solve this by buying software like CompanyCam or Procore. These are great tools, but they come with two problems:
- Cost: You pay 100 per user, per month. Forever.
- Data Ransom: Your photos live in their cloud. If you stop paying, you lose your data organization.
The Better Way: "No-App" Automation
You don't need a new app. You need a Workflow. Your team already has the two tools they need: A Camera Phone and Email.
Here is how I build "SiteLog" systems for GCs:
1. The "Project Email"
We create a contact in your system for each job using a "Plus Alias" (a hidden feature in Microsoft 365).
- Project 101's email:
photos+101@yourco.com - Project 104's email:
photos+104@yourco.com
2. The Auto-Filer
When your Super raps up a site walk, he selects 10 photos and emails them to photos+101@.... He types "Kitchen Framing" in the subject line.
Power Automate catches that email instantly.
- It checks the "To" address to find the Project ID (101).
- It looks at the Subject Line for the description ("Kitchen Framing").
- It renames every photo:
2024-01-31_KitchenFraming_Image1.jpg. - It files them into:
SharePoint > Projects > 101 > Site Photos > 2024-01.
3. The Result
- No new passwords for your guys to forget.
- No monthly fees for another SaaS subscription.
- You own the data. The files are on your server, organized exactly how you want them.
Why Ownership Matters
In construction, your photos are your insurance policy. You shouldn't rent your insurance policy from a tech startup. You should own it.
If you're tired of losing photos and paying monthly fees, let's set up your own "SiteLog" system.
