What problem does Flash Inspector actually solve for my department?
Flash Inspector tackles the time sink of inspection documentation. Instead of inspectors spending as much (or more) time at a desk writing reports as they do in the field, Flash Inspector turns video and narration from the inspection into a structured, code-referenced draft report. That frees inspectors to spend more time in occupancies, reduce backlogs, and focus on community risk reduction instead of typing.

Does Flash Inspector replace our RMS or our inspectors?
No. Flash Inspector does not replace your RMS or your people. Inspectors still run the inspection, make professional judgments, and approve the final report. Your RMS stays the system of record. Flash Inspector sits alongside it, generating a high-quality draft report from video and audio and then pushing that structured data into your existing RMS or permitting platform.

What does using Flash Inspector look like during an inspection?
An inspector wears the Flash Inspector camera and starts an inspection in the Flash Inspector app. As they walk the property, they speak naturally and use simple verbal cues like “report” or “comment” before describing what they see. Flash Inspector records the video and audio, analyzes it with AI, and matches those observations to relevant fire and building codes. The inspector then reviews and edits the suggested language, code references, and images in a web portal before approving the report.

What equipment and software are required to use Flash Inspector?
Flash Inspector provides a purpose-selected wearable camera, a dedicated smartphone for running the app, the mobile capture app itself, and access to a secure web portal for report review. The separate phone is intentional, so large video files can be captured, transmitted, and deleted without impacting personal or employer-issued phones used for other work.

How much setup is needed before we can start using it?
Most of the heavy lifting is handled by the Flash Inspector team. During onboarding, they load your adopted NFPA and ICC editions, apply your local amendments where provided, and configure the data formats that match your RMS or permit system. Once that’s done and tested, your inspectors can start using a simple workflow: enter the location, press start to record, press stop to finish, then review the draft report in the portal.

How much training will our inspectors need?
Inspectors can usually get comfortable with Flash Inspector in about a day of hands-on training. They learn how to use the equipment, the basic verbal cue pattern during inspections, and how to review and finalize reports in the portal. After that, support resources and a help line are available from within the app whenever questions come up in real-world use.

Can Flash Inspector integrate with our current RMS or permitting system?
Yes. Flash Inspector is designed to complement, not replace, existing systems. After an inspector approves a report in the Flash portal, the structured findings, narratives, and images are exported or transmitted through an integration configured during onboarding. Your RMS or permit system continues to manage records, re-inspections, and workflows as it does today—Flash Inspector just accelerates getting high-quality data into it.

How does Flash Inspector affect staffing, workload, and ROI?
Flash Inspector effectively multiplies the productive output of your existing inspectors. A one-hour inspection that might normally require another hour or more of desk work can be reduced to minutes of review. Over a year, a three-person team using Flash Inspector can complete the work of many more inspectors locked into manual report writing. That can be more cost-effective than hiring additional staff and can help reduce backlogs without burning out your current team.

Can we rely on Flash Inspector reports when issuing citations or if a case is challenged?
Flash Inspector uses AI as an analysis and drafting tool, not as an unchecked decision-maker. The system runs at a low “creativity” setting and surfaces likely code sections and narrative language based on what the inspector documented on site. The inspector always has final say and can edit findings before approval. A side benefit is more consistent, well-structured reports across inspectors, which supports clearer documentation when citations are appealed or challenged.

How does Flash Inspector handle data security, privacy, and public records concerns?
Flash Inspector is built around the reality that inspection records and video may be sensitive and, in many jurisdictions, subject to public records laws. Video and audio are captured for the purpose of generating the report, processed in a secure cloud environment, and then retained or disposed of according to an agreed policy with the department. The finalized inspection report becomes the record that lives in your RMS and is handled under your existing public records and retention policies. For specifics about storage locations, retention options, and how the system can support your city’s IT and legal requirements, the Flash Inspector team works directly with your employer, IT, and legal staff during onboarding.

What is the difference between FIFI and FILO?

The full version of Flash Inspector is FIFI – our full AI system. FIFI conducts the code research, including your ordinances and specific documents like specifications and standards. The reports generated from FIFI include those references and the components you identify. FILO is our light observer model – ideal for wildland urban interface inspections, defensible space inspections, investigations, or highlighting items requiring attention. FILO is included in all FIFI inspections. FILO can also be a standalone system for lighter inspection needs.