PROJECT SNAPSHOT
Inspection Data Management System
OVERVIEW
Project Overview
Sonix enhanced an existing iOS-based inspection data management system for a Japanese technology company, integrating SONY external cameras to dramatically improve the synchronisation between live video footage and inspection result data. The upgrade accelerates field inspection workflows, reduces data entry errors, and gives operators faster access to the information they need — all through a more intuitive, hardware-connected interface.
WHY SONIX
Why the Client Chose Sonix
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📱 iOS & Swift Native Depth The project required deep native iOS expertise to extend an existing Swift application and integrate low-level camera hardware APIs — a capability Sonix’s mobile team delivered with precision. |
🔌 Hardware Integration Experience Integrating external professional camera systems with inspection software requires bridging hardware SDK constraints with app-level data flows — Sonix’s engineers have hands-on experience in exactly this kind of system integration work. |
⚙️ Agile Labo Engagement The client needed iterative development with the ability to continuously expand functionality. Sonix’s Labo model and Backlog-based workflow aligned perfectly with the client’s sprint-driven approach to product improvement. |
CHALLENGE
The Problem to Solve
Field inspection professionals rely on a combination of video evidence and structured data input to document findings accurately. However, the client’s existing iOS application handled video capture and data entry as two separate, disconnected workflows — inspectors had to manually cross-reference timestamps between camera footage and their inspection records, creating friction, slowing operations, and introducing opportunities for data entry mistakes.
The core challenge was integrating professional SONY external cameras — with their proprietary API — into an existing Swift codebase, enabling seamless synchronisation between video frames and inspection result data in real time. The integration also needed to be reliable enough for field use, where connectivity and hardware conditions are unpredictable.
Additionally, the client needed new inspection functionality and reporting capabilities added within the same sprint cycle, requiring the Sonix team to extend the existing SQLite-backed app architecture without introducing regressions.
OUR APPROACH
How We Tackled It
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SONY Camera API Integration via Swift The team studied the SONY camera SDK documentation and implemented a native Swift integration layer that communicates with the external cameras over the supported protocol. This bridge translates camera events — shutter triggers, video timestamps, clip markers — into data events that the existing inspection data model can consume directly. |
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2
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Real-Time Video–Data Synchronisation We built a synchronisation mechanism that time-stamps inspection result entries against the corresponding video frame, storing the linkage in the local SQLite database. Inspectors can now tap any result entry and immediately jump to the exact video moment it was recorded — eliminating manual cross-referencing entirely. |
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3
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Extended Inspection Features & Reporting Alongside the camera integration, new inspection input fields and validation rules were added to cover additional inspection categories, together with a structured reporting function that compiles inspection results into exportable, standardised reports — giving the client’s team a single deliverable at the end of each inspection session. |
SOLUTION
What We Built
Sonix extended the client’s existing native iOS Swift application by implementing a full API integration with SONY external cameras, enabling smooth real-time synchronisation between video footage and structured inspection data entries. The integration operates over the camera’s supported communication protocol, with the Swift layer abstracting hardware events into application-level data models stored locally in SQLite for reliable offline-first operation in field environments.
Beyond the camera integration, the team expanded the inspection module with new data entry capabilities and built a reporting function that compiles completed inspection records into structured, exportable outputs. Version control and task management were handled through Backlog, ensuring transparent progress tracking across the entire sprint cycle. The engagement is ongoing as a Labo project, with Sonix continuing to evolve the platform in partnership with the client.
TECHNOLOGIES USED
Tech Stack
RESULT
Outcomes & Impact
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Sync Video–Data Synchronisation Inspection results are now time-linked to exact video frames from SONY cameras, enabling instant cross-reference without manual effort. |
Faster Field Inspection Workflow Operators access inspection data and linked video evidence significantly faster, reducing session time and cognitive load in the field. |
Labo Ongoing Platform Evolution The engagement continues as a Labo project, with Sonix delivering iterative enhancements and supporting the client’s long-term product roadmap. |
KEY FEATURES
Feature Breakdown
Client Testimonial
Sonix delivered a powerful inspection data platform that transformed how we collect and manage field information. Our inspectors can now capture data in real time, reduce manual paperwork, and ensure accuracy across all projects. The centralized dashboard gives us full visibility, helping us make faster and more confident decisions.
Representative
A Japanese Technology Company — Japan
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