Southern California Geotechnical’s Transformation from Manual Processes to Aldoa’s Cloud-Based Platform

Overview

Southern California Geotechnical (SoCalGeo), a leading geotechnical engineering and testing firm operating in California, relied heavily on manual processes for decades: pen, paper, and spreadsheets for workflows in the field and lab. Aldoa partnered closely with SoCalGeo to transform their operations by delivering a cloud-based solution custom-built for their unique needs.

The Challenge

SoCalGeo’s manual operations created several operational hurdles:

• Field Data Collection: Data collected on clipboards and notebooks needed time-intensive transcription back at the office and were prone to human errors.
• Delayed Reporting: Admins and office staff manually compiled technical reports from disparate data sources.
• Decentralized Lab Management: Material testing records on physical paper made tracking samples and managing workflows inefficient.
• Time Tracking & Billing: Billing relied on hand-entered timesheets and separate systems, leading to delays and potential inaccuracies.

SoCalGeo sought a modern, integrated system that could digitize these workflows while honoring their specialized field and lab procedures.

The Solution

Aldoa implemented a comprehensive, cloud-enabled platform designed in close collaboration with the SoCalGeo team to replace their manual processes with a digital solution.

1. Field Data Collection

Aldoa digitized field workflows with mobile-enabled forms and intuitive interfaces. Field staff now input site data directly into tablets, smartphones, or laptops and the data syncs in real time, eliminating transcription errors and missing entries.

2. Automated Technical Report Generation

By linking structured field data to Aldoa’s reporting engine, SoCalGeo can now generate technical reports automatically. This integration saves hours of manual formatting and ensures consistency in report outputs.

3. Customized Lab Information Management System (LIMS)

Aldoa built a tailored LIMS that reflects SoCalGeo’s workflow:

• Unique sample ID and Proctor tracking from collection through testing.
• Real-time status updates for each sample.
• Automatic data-sync and consolidated lab summaries to ensure traceability, quality control, and reduce paperwork.

4. Integrated Time Tracking & Billing

By consolidating time tracking and billing into one platform:

• Engineers log hours directly in Aldoa.
• Billing is generated from the site or lab, aligned with on-going projects.
• Transparency increased and invoice accuracy improved.

“Aldoa really opened our eyes to the possibility of using a digital system for our daily field reports and plans.  We are grateful for their help in modernizing our reporting workflows.” - Gregory Mitchell, PE, GE., Principal Engineer

Results & Benefits

Additional tangible benefits include:

• Efficiency: Up to 70% time savings.
• Accuracy & Compliance: Improved data integrity and reporting reliability.
• Scalability: Growth-ready infrastructure with remote access and mobile support.
• Operational Agility: The ability to iterate workflows as projects evolve.

The Aldoa Collaboration

Aldoa’s success with SoCalGeo hinged on a strong client partnership with open communication and industry understanding. The Aldoa team, especially dedicated developers and project managers, engaged with principal engineers,  field engineers and technicians to ensure every digital tool matched their real-world usage. This hands-on, consultative approach ensured that solutions were intuitive and built around the unique workflows of the SoCalGeo team.

With Aldoa’s cloud-based platform, SoCalGeo has successfully transitioned from manual processes to a modern, integrated digital solution. This transformation, from field data collection to reporting, lab management, and billing, has unlocked efficiency, accuracy, and future-ready operations. SoCal Geo is now equipped to handle growth, maintain compliance, and serve its clients more effectively, all while minimizing administrative overhead.