--- title: "Using IMS4Field" slug: "using-ims4field" updated: 2026-10-27T23:11:38Z published: 2026-10-27T23:11:38Z canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/using-ims4field" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ims-handbook.cenosco.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Using IMS4Field > [!NOTE] > This Section of the Handbook explains how to use IMS4Field > > The topics specifically covered are: > > - Assigning Schedules in IMS. > - Downloading other Scope Items using IMS4Field. > - Creating Equipment Condition Histories (ECHs). > - Approving ECHs. ## Assigning Schedules in IMS Schedules can be assigned to you within the full IMS application or using IMS4Field. ### Assigning Schedules from within IMS To assign a Schedule to an Inspector: - Open the IMS Schedules Main Screen. - Press the **Update Responsible Person** button. - Assign the selected Schedules to a Responsible Person. - Click **Save**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic 1-Q3X52TO4.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Schedules can be assigned via the IMS Schedules Main Screen. To learn more see: [Assigning responsible person](/docs/schedule-main-screen#assigning-responsible-person-in-bulk). > [!NOTE] > Note > > When a Schedule is assigned to an Inspector trough IMS it will remain in the inspector’s IMS4Field Scope until the Schedule is Final Approved or the Inspector is removed as responsible person in IMS. ### Downloading Scope Items using IMS4Field Schedules, Equipment, FLOCs, or ECHs can also be assigned directly through IMS4Field. This is a preferable method. See [Adding Schedules Equipment, Flocs, or ECHs directly](/docs/ims4field-1#adding-schedules-equipment-or-flocs-directly-to-ims4field). > [!NOTE] > Note > > When a Schedules, Equipment, or FLOCs are added to your Scope using IMS4Field they can also be [removed](/v414/docs/ims4field-1#remove-assigned-schedules) from IMS4Field without the need update the [responsible person assignment](/docs/schedule-main-screen#assigning-responsible-person-in-bulk) in IMS. ## Retrieving and Adding Scope Items ### Retrieving Assigned Schedules When you first start IMS4Field, you will have to load the Schedules that have been assigned to you. To retrieve your Schedules in IMS4Field: - Access IMS4Field on your device. See [Accessing IMS4Field](/v414/docs/accessing-ims4field) to learn more. - Click **Refresh** to retrieve any assigned Schedules. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image(189).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click Refresh. - After clicking **Refresh**, IMS4Field will display a progress indicator for your retrieval. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image(192).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Progress Indicator When all assigned Schedules have been downloaded, IMS4Field will display the My Scope page containing all of your assigned Schedules and associated Details. ### Adding Schedules, Equipment, FLOCs, or ECHs using IMS4Field To add Schedules, Equipment, Flocs, or Equipment Condition Histories (ECHs) to IMS4Field (when they have not explicitly been assigned to you): - Click **+ Add** at the top of the My Scope list in IMS4Field. / ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-W1PW67KT.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click + Add. - Click on the **Schedule** tab to add any unassiged Schedules. For [Opportunity driven inspections](/v414/docs/ims4field-1#opportunity-driven-schedules) use the **Equipment** or **Floc** tabs. Alternatively click on the **Condition History** tab to download any Draft Condition Histories. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic 1-NVLQJN4X.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click the desired tab. - Enter data for your search, like a Schedule ID or Equipment ID, in the Search field. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-61K6IQB8.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Enter search criteria. - Click the *Search* button. - Select the desired Schedule(s) or Equipment, or Floc(s), or ECH(s) from the list. Note: Only ECHs in Draft will be available to select. - Click **Add To My Scope**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-CO2CEG5X.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click Add to My Scope. ## Reviewing your assigned Schedules and Opportunity Driven Scope After you have retrieved or added your Schedules, Equipment, and FLOCs, the left side of the screen will display a list of the Scope Items assigned to you. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-7FT76UEJ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Items in your Scope will be shown in the left side of the screen. ### Schedule Status Indicators Each Schedule in your list will have a color-coded status indicator. These statuses are an indication of the completeness of the Schedule's related Equipment Condition History (ECH). | **Icon** | **ECH Status** | | --- | --- | | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%202(76).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) | No ECH created. In this case you still need to [create an ECH](/v414/docs/ims4field-1#creating-an-ech). | | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201(972).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) | ECH created. | | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201(973).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) | ECH Writer Approved / Level 1 Approved. | When the ECH is Final Approved it will be removed from the list. For this reason, there is no indication for ECHs that are Final Approved. ### Opportunity Driven ECHs IMS4Field allows you to create opportunity-driven ECHs by adding Equipment or FLOCs to IMS4Field. Opportunity driven scope will be displayed in a separate section under the Schedules in **My Scope.** Opportunity driven inspection looks and works in same way as Schedule-driven inspection but without the [Schedule tab](/v414/docs/ims4field-1#reviewing-schedule-details) on the right. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-W9PYVJ4K.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Opportunity Driven scope in My Scope. To learn more about the opportunity driven ECHs, see: [Step C: Crediting Schedules](/docs/step-c-crediting-schedules#event-or-opportunity-driven). ### Reviewing Equipment Information The first tab is the **Information** tab. This tab shows information related to the associated Equipment. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-AN58P757.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) The Information tab. ### Reviewing Schedule Details The second tab on the right, called **Schedule**, shows the relevant Schedule details, including, Plan Codes, Narrative and Attachments. Note: Schedule Details cannot be edited from here. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-WOSYW8EI.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) The Schedule tab shows all the Schedule details. ### Refresh Assigned Schedules To check if any new Schedules were assigned to you since you last logged into IMS4Field: - Click on the *Refresh* button. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image(193).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click *Refresh* to check for newly-assigned Schedules. ### ### Remove Scope Items It is also possible to removed Schedules and other Scope Items from **My Scope**. - Select the Schedule or other item that is to be removed from the list. - Click on the menu button (three dots in the top right). - Click **Remove Item**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-X8M72E1L.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click **Remove Item** to remove a Scope Item. After a Schedule has been removed in IMS4Field, if desired, the responsible person can be removed from IMS. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-RNH2KK5M.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) This Schedule will no longer be available under My Scope; however, it will remain available in IMS (your standard web-Integrity Management System) and can always be [Added](/v414/docs/ims4field-1#adding-schedules-to-my-list) again later if needed. ### Reviewing Assigned IMS4Field Scope Items Schedules, Equipment, ECHs, and FLOCs assigned to IMS4Field users can be reviewed directly in IMS using the **Settings** menu. To learn more about reviewing assigned scopes in IMS, see: [Reviewing Offline Scopes in Settings.](/docs/reviewing-offline-scopes-in-settings) ## Creating an ECH If an ECH has not already been created for the Schedule, you can create a new ECH from the Information tab. To create an ECH: - Select the applicable Schedule from the Schedule List. - Click **Information** to open the Information Tab. - Click the blue **Create ECH and Credit Schedule** button. Note: If you don't see this button, it means that you already have an ECH for your Schedule. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-KDWE399Z.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click the blue button. - Make sure to select the correct [Discipline](/v414/docs/ims-schedules-across-discipline) and add a Description for your ECH. - Click **Save**. This will create an ECH for you and automatically credit the Schedule in it. ## Capturing the Data in the ECH ### Recording findings in the Checklist > [!NOTE] > Note > > When using IMS4Field without access to a network connection, only Checklists that were added prior to going offline will be available to record your findings. > > To learn more about using IMS4Field without an internet connection, see: [Using IMS4Field in Local Mode](/v414/docs/working-offline). Now it's time to start working and record your findings in a Checklist. This is done on the **Checklist** tab. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-VY3HUR9S.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Findings can be recorded in the Checklist tab. - First make sure you have the correct Checklist(s) selected. It is possible that some Checklists may have already been selected for you. You can add and remove Checklist from here: - Click the dropdown. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-RGFY1EGN.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click the dropdown. Select / unselect the relevant Checklists. Hover over a Checklist to see who added it. > [!NOTE] > Note > > Removing the Checklist does NOT delete data. If you decide to reselect a Checklist, the data will be populated (including the changes made when the user was offline). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-KNJ1BHC8.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Select / Unselect Checklists. - The selected Form(s) will be displayed. - Now you can start completing the Checklist. Click on a Stage card to begin. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-QXPUZCYW.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click on a Stage card. - Fill in the Checklist. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-C78MN32V.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Start filling in the Checklist. - Add Observations if applicable: - Click on the three dots. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/Screenshot_2.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click the three dots to add an Observation. - Click in the grey area to add a description. - Click in the yellow area to add an attachment. - Select the attachment and click **Open** to annotate the attachment. - To add more Observations to the same field click **Add**. - When done, click **Save**. - When done filling in the Stage, click **Overview** in the top left to go back to the overview of the Stages or click **Next** to go directly to the next Stage. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-RRLYOVSF.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) When done with filling in the Stage, click Overview, or click Next. ### Writing a Narrative After capturing your data in the Checklist you still need to write the Narrative. This is done on the **Narrative** tab. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-3P3R5YLN.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) The Narrative tab. You can select some default text, which was predefined for you, via the dropdown and click **Insert Default Text**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-XADOZ88C.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click the dropdown to select default text. Or just click in the white area, your editing option will become visible and you can add you text. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-I44OQY0Z.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Click in the white space to add text. The editing options will appear. ### Adding Attachments Attachments can be added directly on the Checklist via the [Observation button](/docs/ims4field-1#observation), or they can be added on the **Attachment** tab. The attachments added in the Checklist will also show on this tab. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-8K94O2CV.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Attachments tab. Select the attachment and click **Open** to annotate the attachment. IMS4Field can handle all Attachment Types that IMS can handle. To learn more about Attachments in IMS, see: [Equipment Details Page - Attachments](/docs/ims-details-page-options#attachments-section). ## Approving ECHs > [!NOTE] > Note > > You will not be able to Approve ECH’s when using IMS4Field without a working network connection. > > To learn more about using IMS4Field without an internet connection, see: [Using IMS4Field in Local Mode](/v414/docs/working-offline). Lastly, when you captured all your findings you can Approve your ECH. This is done on the **Approval** tab. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/pic%201-BH4OY4XJ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T19%3A06%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T20%3A06%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=sMn0T2hBdx7GtVvTEgWjFc1qOm%2B1MIHpcWxSlNFVP1c%3D) Approval tab. To Approve the ECH - First add a final comment and click **Save**. - Click the green button to Approve. It will show your maximum approval level. ### If the ECH is Final Approved Your ECH will go to Final Approved and your Schedule will be removed from your list. ### If the ECH is Writer Approve or Level 1 Approved Your ECH will go to Writer Approved / Level 1 Approved and your Schedule will remain on your list. Your superior will be notified to review and Final Approve the ECH. ### Disapproving ECHs ECHs that are Writer Approved / Level 1 Approved can be disapproved from here. To Disapprove the ECH: - First add a final comment and click **Save**. - Click the red button to Disapprove. ### If the ECH is Disapproved Your ECH will go back to Draft and your Schedule will remain on your list.