Field Knowledge · CAT & field readiness
First Day of Deployment: A Repeatable Workflow
Field checklist format: use your browser’s Print or Save as PDF option when a paper or offline copy helps. Keep any claim-specific notes in the authorized claim system, not on this reference.
The first day should reduce uncertainty before volume increases. Adapt this sequence to the assignment, organization, jurisdiction, and conditions.
Before accepting work
Verify the assignment source, role, geographic area, reporting structure, contact path, credentials, systems, compensation/expense terms, and written operating instructions. Confirm required licensing through the official regulator. Do not act on a forwarded message or unfamiliar number without independent verification.
Establish the operating base
Check lodging safety, parking, equipment security, connectivity, power, travel times, and local restrictions. Identify the official weather office, emergency-management source, and transportation source for the area. Set check-in and stop conditions.
Test the workflow with one assignment
- Open the assignment and confirm authority and contact information.
- Plan the route and appointment through approved channels.
- Perform the inspection using the normal sequence rather than inventing a CAT-only shortcut.
- Reconcile photographs, notes, measurements, and scope before beginning the next file when feasible.
- Upload through the authorized system and verify receipt.
- Record questions and route them to the designated reviewer or support channel.
Calibrate before accelerating
Use early feedback to correct naming, photo sequence, sketch conventions, documentation depth, and handoff expectations. Do not interpret a small number of completed files as proof that quality controls can be removed. Speed that creates reinspection or supplement work is not useful throughput.
End the first day deliberately
Account for assignments and data, charge and inspect equipment, reset the vehicle, confirm tomorrow’s official conditions, and capture one keep/change/question item. Do not share identifiable deployment, client, location, staffing, or claim details in public or community posts.