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Jun 29, 2024
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automating-rfi-python
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Refusing to Be a Site Typist: Automating RFI with Python
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Tech
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As an AE, I thought the hardest part would be learning codes and reading drawings. The hardest part turned out to be filling forms.
Every day we submit massive Request for Inspection (RFI) forms to prove construction quality. Each inspection item needs a separate form.
The problem: these forms are manual. Copy-paste data from Excel to web forms, row by row. My fingers were stiff by the end of the day.
What I Did
One afternoon, after three hours of form-filling, I asked myself: is this what I came here for?
No. I came to learn, not to be a typist.
So I wrote a Python script. It reads Excel data, simulates browser operations, fills forms automatically.
Three hours of work became three seconds.
Open Source
I open-sourced the script on GitHub. To my surprise, people actually used it. Got some Stars too.
Lessons
1. Repetitive work must be automated. Your time should go to higher-value tasks.
2. Technology isnt for showing off. Its for solving real problems.
3. Step out of your comfort zone. I didnt know Python before. Now its one of my most useful skills.
AE thought hardest part = codes and drawings. Turned out: filling forms.
Massive RFI forms daily. Each inspection = separate form.
Problem: manual. Copy-paste Excel to web. Fingers stiff by end of day.
What I Did
Three hours of forms, asked myself: is this what I came for?
No. Came to learn, not be typist.
Wrote Python script. Reads Excel, simulates browser, fills forms.
Three hours = three seconds.
Open Source
Open-sourced on GitHub. People used it. Got Stars.
Lessons
1. Repetitive work: automate.
2. Tech: solve real problems, not show off.
3. Step out of comfort zone. Python was new. Now most useful skill.
AE thought hardest: codes/drawings. Turned out: forms.
Massive RFI daily. Each inspection = separate form.
Manual. Copy-paste Excel to web. Fingers stiff.
What I Did
Three hours forms, asked: is this what I came for?
No. Came to learn, not be typist.
Wrote Python. Reads Excel, simulates browser, fills forms.
Three hours = three seconds.
Open Source
Open-sourced on GitHub. People used. Got Stars.
Lessons
1. Repetitive: automate.
2. Tech: solve real problems.
3. Comfort zone. Python new. Now most useful.
AE thought hardest: codes/drawings. Turned out: forms.
Massive RFI daily. Each inspection = separate form.
Manual. Copy-paste Excel to web. Fingers stiff.
What I Did
Three hours forms, asked: is this what I came for?
No. Came to learn, not be typist.
Wrote Python. Reads Excel, simulates browser, fills forms.
Three hours = three seconds.
Open Source
Open-sourced on GitHub. People used. Got Stars.
Lessons
1. Repetitive: automate.
2. Tech: solve real problems.
3. Comfort zone. Python new. Now most useful.
AE thought hardest: codes/drawings. Turned out: forms.
Massive RFI daily. Each inspection = separate form.
Manual. Copy-paste Excel to web. Fingers stiff.
What I Did
Three hours forms, asked: is this what I came for?
No. Came to learn, not be typist.
Wrote Python. Reads Excel, simulates browser, fills forms.
Three hours = three seconds.
Open Source
Open-sourced on GitHub. People used. Got Stars.
Lessons
1. Repetitive: automate.
2. Tech: solve real problems.
3. Comfort zone. Python new. Now most useful.
- Author:Michael Zhang
- URL:https://preview.tangly1024.com/article/automating-rfi-python
- Copyright:All articles in this blog, except for special statements, adopt BY-NC-SA agreement. Please indicate the source!