Fostering a Culture of Industry Innovation

The coexistence of outdated practices and cutting-edge innovations is glaringly evident in the construction and facilities management industry.

Consider the age-old method of painting utilities on the ground, aka field marking, a practice that can be filled with inaccuracies and inefficiencies. Or having to rely on manual measurements taken with a tape measure to dictate the layout of a building, a process prone to human error and inconsistencies. How about facility managers who often find themselves visiting a dusty document control room to locate building plans and specs? These practices, while once standard, now appear painfully antiquated in the face of technological advancements.

For instance, the reliance on spray-painted utility field markings can be replaced with digital twin solutions, offering an accurate representation of underground infrastructure in the form of an as-built that can live in a cloud-based GIS (geographic information system) application. Similarly, manual measurements can be replaced by reality capture technologies, enabling precise Building Information Models (BIM) of existing structures. Furthermore, facility managers have the ability to access all of their built-world information in a singular building management or GIS platform. These examples underscore the urgent need for embracing technology in construction to streamline processes and elevate industry standards.

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One of the most pressing challenges facing the construction industry lies in the realm of underground utilities. Historically, the process of locating and marking these vital components has been laborious and error prone; where a utility could need to be located and marked dozens of times over a relatively short project, leading to inefficiencies and delays. However, with the advent of technology-driven solutions, such as GIS software, digital plan rooms, and reality capture technologies, we find ourselves at a crossroads between tradition and innovation. By harnessing the power of technology and AI to create accurate digital representations of existing underground conditions, we can mitigate risks, enhance efficiency, and pave the way for a safer, more streamlined construction and facility management process.

This dichotomy doesn’t stop with the underground world. The reliance on outdated blueprints and inaccurate record drawings has long been a thorn in the side of facility managers, engineers, architects, and construction managers, resulting in clashes, errors, and costly rework. However, with the emergence of reality capture and BIM solutions, we now have the tools to capture real-world conditions with unprecedented precision. By leveraging technology to create accurate digital twins of existing structures and infrastructure, we can minimize errors, optimize workflows, and usher in a new era of efficiency and collaboration. These advancements not only streamline the construction process; they offer better communication and decision-making among stakeholders, leading to more successful project outcomes and a more sustainable built environment.

Currently, there exists a stark contrast between those entrenched in conventional practices and those embracing innovation. While the former relies on unreliable manual techniques, the latter adopts cutting-edge technology to redefine their approach. These forward-looking professionals utilize sophisticated software solutions, GIS platforms, building management software, and artificial intelligence to optimize their operations. By leveraging these tools, they streamline processes, enhance data accuracy, and gain valuable insights into their built environments. This progressive mindset not only boosts operational efficiency but also pushes forward a culture of innovation within the industry.

The promise for those who embrace the change of technology extends beyond mere efficiency gains – it holds the key to a safer, more resilient built environment. We can significantly reduce the risk of utility strikes, injuries, and downtime. With real-time insights into the condition of infrastructure and the ability to anticipate potential hazards, we can create a safer working environment for construction professionals and the communities they serve. There is no excuse for outdated practices or incomplete documentation. With the wealth of technology and AI solutions at our disposal, there is every reason to embrace change and strive for excellence. From updated as-builts and BIM models to comprehensive evacuation plans and construction document storage, the tools are within reach to create a more transparent, efficient, and resilient built world.