How Data Testing Inc. Modernized 65 Years of Operations

The Challenge

Data Testing Inc. carries a distinguished legacy as one of Arkansas's oldest construction materials testing companies, operating since 1958. But that proud history came with a significant challenge: deeply ingrained manual processes that were holding the company back.

"We're a very old school company," explains Dustin Cathey, Field Manager, reflecting on their pre-Omnant operations. "The biggest challenge was that we needed lab software and templates that were professional and organized for all of our test methods. We also wanted to stop duplicating data entry. We were transitioning from old habits to get away from that."

The manual scheduling system exemplified their operational struggles. "We used to run a paper schedule that they would write on and coordinate throughout the day via text messages to try and fill in things on the fly," Dustin recalls. This fragmented approach created constant communication challenges and made it nearly impossible to plan more than a day ahead.

Beyond scheduling chaos, the firm lacked integrated systems for their various operational needs. Field reports, lab tests, check-in processes, and data tracking all operated in silos, creating opportunities for information to fall through the cracks. For a company with over six decades of reputation to protect, these inefficiencies posed both operational and quality risks.

We're a very old school company. The biggest challenge was that we needed lab software and templates that were professional and organized. We also wanted to stop duplicating data entry.
– Dustin Cathey

Support Response Time

Under 1 hour

Pilot to Full Rollout

Instant

Client Self-Service Access

2 Months

The Solution

Data Testing Inc. didn't rush into their decision. They evaluated several materials testing software options as well as laboratory-specific programs. However, none offered the comprehensive capabilities they needed. "They didn't have the capabilities," Dustin notes about the competitors they considered.

What set Omnant apart was its integrated approach. "It was great to have something that did everything," Dustin explains. "Integration was key. Everything from field reports we write, how they link, the check-in process, barcode scanning – nothing gets lost in the cracks."

The transparency during the evaluation process also made a significant impression. "Chad and Omnant let us have a trial run, let us see it and walk through it," Dustin recalls. "We spoke to competitors, and they wouldn't even let us see their interface, sample forms, or anything."

It was great to have something that did everything. Integration was key. Everything from field reports we write, how they link, the check-in process, barcode scanning – nothing gets lost in the cracks.

Implementation

After thorough evaluation, Data Testing Inc. made a decisive commitment to change. "At a certain point, we thought it best to jump in the water instead of wasting too much time," Dustin explains. That decision proved transformative.

The onboarding process included weekly meetings to learn the software's capabilities, providing structured support during the transition. The Omnant team's responsiveness stood out immediately. "There's never been a time where I've emailed or called Chad and had to wait more than an hour," Dustin says. "He's always on it. If we want something customized to our liking like a feature, he puts it on the list."

Looking back after a year of using the system, Dustin reflects: "It would be a nightmare to try and keep up without Omnant now."

Results

• Immediate Operational Impact

  The benefits materialized faster than expected. "It was pretty instant, really," Dustin reports. "Even from the scheduling aspect and the time saved, it was instant. Being able to schedule things out a week or two at a time is so much easier. It's a game changer."

  The scheduling transformation alone revolutionized daily operations. Instead of coordinating via paper schedules and text messages throughout the day, the team now works from a centralized, digital schedule that everyone can access and update in real time.

  The digital transition also had an unexpected benefit: increased staff ownership and pride in their work. "It's all in one neat spot and makes it so much easier on techs," Dustin explains. "They don't mind having to do it themselves and can take pride in filling out their forms independently." Time tracking and timesheets, once major pain points, became automated processes. "Some of our staff were stuck in the past, and being able to fill things out digitally is a total time saver."

• Enhanced Report Quality and Customer Value

  The quality improvements extended directly to client deliverables. "The ROI has been huge for us as well as the quality of the reports we generate," Dustin emphasizes. "If we're able to provide quality reports with quality information, pictures, being able to mark up documents within the project or insert our own custom documents, it all improves the quality. It raises the value of our service."

  The professional report format and consistent labeling provide immediate benefits to customers. "The way the reports are labeled are nice for our customers whenever they download their reports and dump them into a folder. They're already consistently labeled with the name and report number, so it’s much more efficient."

  The customer portal became an unexpected game-changer. "The option for customers to have their own logins to the portal has been great," Dustin reports. "They can log in and see whatever they want to see, search for report numbers, instead of calling me or their office admin to look it up." Having report numbers for reference has simplified customer communication and reduced administrative burden on the team.

• Improved Data Management and Accessibility

  Moving from physical filing systems to digital storage solved multiple problems simultaneously. "For us, all of these reports and lab tests are saved in Omnant instead of filling up our drive," Dustin explains. The mobile accessibility adds another layer of convenience: "Especially being able to do it from my phone."

  The integrated system ensures nothing falls through the cracks. From field reports to lab tests, check-in processes to barcode scanning, everything connects effortlessly in one platform, eliminating the data silos that plagued their previous operations

Why Omnant?

When asked to describe Omnant in one sentence, Dustin doesn't hesitate: "It's the backbone of our team. Everything we do flows through it. It's the nervous system of our office."

The platform's design philosophy resonates with the team. "It's laid out very simply but it's very thorough," Dustin observes. "There are no surprises.""

The ongoing support continues to exceed expectations. "Chad and the team have been great to work with; I've had no complaints at all," Dustin states simply.

The Bottom Line

Data Testing Inc.'s journey illustrates that legacy doesn't have to mean limitation. A 65-year-old company successfully modernized its entire operation, transforming from paper schedules and fragmented systems to an integrated digital platform that serves as the operational foundation of the business.

The transition delivered immediate time savings, improved report quality, enhanced customer service, and greater staff engagement. Perhaps most importantly, it positioned this historic Arkansas firm for continued success in an increasingly digital construction industry.

As Dustin reflects on the transformation: "It would be a nightmare to try and keep up without Omnant now."

Key Success Factors:

• Comprehensive integrated solution replacing multiple fragmented systems
• Transparent evaluation process with hands-on trial period
• Exceptional vendor responsiveness and ongoing support
• Decisive implementation commitment
• Immediate results validating the investment
• Improved customer self-service capabilities
• Mobile accessibility for field operations