Drive data to the jobsite

Technology can build bridges between the islands of information on your projects.

Take a look at other types of business where information travels at the speed of light. Then, think about construction and how much of it still relies on pushing paper and feeding a fax machine to move information.

That is slowly changing in today’s world of construction, say information technology experts.

“Communication is vital between the managers, equipment operators, laborers and engineers to execute tasks that are complex and often dangerous,” says Leonhard Bernold, associate professor at North Carolina State University’s Department of Engineering.

“The lowest bid and zero-sum attitude on jobsites makes communication even more essential, but it also stymies the development of methods and technologies that bridge those communication gaps for even greater productivity.”

Bernold advocates leveraging today’s technology – from wireless networks to remote sensors and smart technology – to bridge the gaps between the islands of information found on any job.

He and graduate student Jaeseok Lee developed a wireless system that linked the many information islands on a construction project at the new chilled water plant at North Carolina State University.

It focused on five functions to increase jobsite productivity and safety:

1. Crane/high wind alert: The system checked weather reports off-site and used on-site monitors to measure and judge if wind speed would affect the picking and placing of steel. An alarm sounded in the crane operator platform if wind speed exceeded 20 mph.

2. Remote site inspection and safety training: Bernold and Lee installed a multi-media communication system so safety inspectors could review job progress and monitor for changing safety conditions.

It also allowed inspectors to present safety information virtually, which eliminated travel time to the jobsite. Safety meeting attendees signed off on rosters electronically, which was recorded for easy tracking and auditing.

3. Remote problem solving: During steel erection, crews and inspectors sometimes needed more information for installation. Through live electronic images and wireless conversations, several design issues were discussed and solved by an off-site engineer or other expert.

4. Remote sensing and data access: The wireless network collected data from several jobsite locations through sensors, cameras or other data sources. The data was collected efficiently and inexpensively and used to make timely production decisions.

5. E-document management: Paper documents were scanned and offered secure access from any laptop or computer station. Retrieving documents on-line reduced the need for couriers and wasted time waiting for data. If access to the files is extended to the front line of the jobsite, paper can be eliminated.

Tackling technology
Implementing these technologies presents some problems, but none were insurmountable, reports Lee and Bernold. “Moving equipment affected radio signals of some wireless equipment on the site. Carefully meshing repeaters and Wi-Fi antennas solved this problem,” says Bernold.

Electrical access also created some issues, especially with rooftop-mounted monitoring equipment, but solar power was adequate for the job.
“This study demonstrated that Wi-Fi agents are enabling us to overcome many schisms caused by today’s ‘islands of information’ in construction,” says Bernold.

Although the technical issues required some ingenuity, Bernold says technology will continue to become more prevalent in construction products, making it even easier to employ information-gathering and reporting technology on the jobsite. “Future hardware improvements will create a level of technical simplicity,” he predicts.

Commercial applications
While Bernold and other researchers continue to research ways to share data on jobsites, commercial interests are launching work solutions that address all or part of the demand for information exchange.

Data Builder, Inc., has developed a system that can accommodate more than 250 types of data files and make them available in their native program or as a portable document format (PDF) file, says Scott Lombard of Data Builder, Inc.

“We have developed a Web-based collaborative system that digitizes files for wider access and puts them into a system that tracks documents and changes throughout the building process,” says Lombard.

Data Builder’s e-PCS program uses a regimented file structure that tracks all files and changes as a project progresses, then archives them at the end of the project for the owner and the contractor.

Litigation creates tracking need
“We have seen a 480 percent increase in litigation in construction since 2000. This system helps improve information flow and also offers a risk management strategy. We have had customers report that lawsuits have been dropped because the information is so accessible and complete.”

Data Builder houses the data on its servers, so the contractor is not saddled with back-up or access issues. It works closely with the contractor to build the correct file structure, then audits activity every two weeks to assure the best-practice method of filing information is followed. Jobsites can access the data through wireless networks or DSL-speed Internet connections.

System cost varies, but an Iowa State University study estimates that it can save at least five percent in construction cost and time savings.

“The cost depends on the functions and number of users on the system. It is based on a cost per user per month and, depending on the capabilities and number of users, it can be very expensive or not much per person. It is totally driven by the contractor,” Lombard says.

Front-to-back usability
“We have seen the e-PCS system used in a variety of ways. Safety professionals can use it for safety talks and get worker signatures on the spot after they have received specific training; another contractor uses it for inspection and approval, which drives payments. Instead of waiting 30 or 60 days for payment because approvals are lagging, this system speeds up approval process so payment can be made in as few as 15 days,” says Lombard.

Perhaps the greatest benefit occurs in the long term. “At the end of the project, we build a searchable database that fits on a CD or DVD. Building superintendents, engineers or others who have questions about the building can search for the information they need. There is no need to keep scores of banker boxes or search through tubes of blueprints.

“Documentation is always great, but you’ve got to be able to find it. This system does that,” he says.

Published in the May/June 2006 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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