Since implementing Codifi, Chronicle Heritage’s incubated SaaS product, our Memphis office has reduced the time spent entering post-field work shovel test data from days to mere hours.
The office has deployed Codifi on at least three Phase I shovel testing projects requiring swift and precise data collection. By the third project, the product had been refined enough that field data gathered in the morning was organized into a data report before lunch.
“I entered the shovel test data in the morning, made the hour and a half drive back to the office, and the data was organized and in my inbox when I got to my computer,” said Andrew Saatkamp, Associate Archeologist, who has led the adoption of Codifi by the Memphis office.
Collaboration is Key
Saatkamp’s rapid data turnaround was no fluke, though. Codifi has been collaborating with the Memphis office since the office first implemented the product.
“From the start, we prioritized real-time feedback from field archaeologists so we could rapidly enhance Codifi’s capabilities,” said Alex Voigt, Head of Product at Codifi. “By focusing on user experience, we introduced features that allow crews to visualize transects and maintain accurate data entry while walking each test pit location. Through this tight collaboration with the Memphis office, each new version of Codifi directly addresses emerging field needs.”
Saatkamp echoed Voigt’s sentiment.
“I would tell (Codifi) what I wanted out of the product, and they would customize it,” he said. “Codifi is able to tweak the product on the fly.”
Saatkamp said that before adopting Codifi, he used to manually enter shovel test survey data into Excel spreadsheets – a tedious, time-consuming task.
“For example, to manually enter 5,000 shovel tests, it would take days, maybe a week. Using Codifi, it takes less than two hours to enter the same amount of data,” he said. “I was very impressed. It’s a game-changer post-field work.”
Ask and Receive
The Memphis office initially came to Codifi with two requests. Help us:
- Reduce post-field work data processing
- Improve relational context and communication among users
By adopting Codifi, the Memphis team immediately gained access to:
- Instant updates among users
- Auto-numbering for seamless record creation
- Integrated Trimble DA2 devices for pinpoint location accuracy
These features keep every team member on the same page:
- Auto-numbering removes the need for manual naming, preventing confusion across the team.
- The immediate cloud sync feature keeps everyone aligned with the most current data.
“The auto-numbering is fantastic,” said Saatkamp. “Now we don’t have to count and name shovel test pits and worry about losing track. Codifi does everything for us.”
In-house Edge
There is a real advantage for a cultural resources firm like Chronicle Heritage to having an in-house SaaS product for field reporting, said Voigt.
“Based on ongoing user feedback, we are able to rapidly develop new features, including real-time measurement displays when drawing transects, so field teams can remain oriented and view the parent transect while recording each pit’s location. Auto-numbering keeps everyone in lockstep, eliminating potential data entry errors.”
In addition, clearer mapping and increased accuracy help the office’s field archaeologists promptly identify and document cultural sites, ensuring comprehensive exploration without slowing progress. The streamlined process also frees up time for deeper analysis and responsible stewardship of heritage resources, preserving vital historical data while keeping projects on schedule.
Adopting Codifi has ensured a more user-friendly data capture process for the Memphis office, accelerating fieldwork and report generation for clients.
“The post-field work is outstanding,” said Saatkamp. “I can’t wait to see how the product continues to progress.”