POWER July 2020 - 41

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
and power industries, digitized information
should include putting drawings and specifications
in PDF format, combining data in
spreadsheets and databases, assembling
building information using BIM, and digitizing
project controls like cost and schedule
in more specialized tools than common
spreadsheet software.
Some file formats are more advantageous
than others, and employees
should be trained to understand the difference.
For example, consider a raster
PDF set of drawings versus a vectorbased
set. Raster files are based on bitmaps
that track specific " dots " and color
intensity, similar to how a newspaper image
is created. Vector information tracks
lines, circles, other shapes, letters, numbers,
words, etc. Vector data is much
more powerful while also typically being
a much smaller file size.
A robust mobile strategy is key (Figure
1). Contractors do not build projects at
desks or in front of computers. Not only
is their most productive time spent in the
field, but key decisions are made there.
Giving staff mobile access to information
and data is foundational. Without mobile
devices, companies cannot gain full benefits
from other technologies, and this
will be even more true as tech tools get
stronger and faster, and more and more
data is passed back and forth.
BIM is essential when it comes to the
digitization of information about buildings.
It functions as much more than a 3D
drawing. It is also more than clash detection.
BIM is a process that begins to take
advantage of technology in order to comprehensively
analyze a building design, affording
insights and increasing the value
companies can provide their customers.
BIM models, once developed, have uses
including, but not limited to, site utilization
planning, digital fabrication, survey
and locations control, model qualification,
and in the case of the recently discussed
" digital twin " (when turned over to owners)
facilities management.
Virtual design and construction (VDC)
and 4D tools can be used in conjunction
with BIM. 4D planning incorporates the
component of time by simulating construction
sequencing. When linked with
the BIM model, 4D information can be
used to evaluate and validate schedules.
Like BIM, VDC is not an individual piece
of software, nor is it just clash detection,
but instead, it is a process to help plan
and manage a project that focuses on collaboration
and integrated workflows. It
can leverage various software and hardware
tools, including tools to author and
July 2020 | POWER
2. Most companies already have computer-based systems for many of their operational needs
such as safety programs, scheduling tools, and maintenance management systems. However,
when upgrades are necessary, pilot programs can help ensure the best new technology is selected.
Courtesy: Graycor
analyze the model as well as new tools
for viewing the models, such as virtual or
augmented reality. When assembling a
suite of software to experiment with, subscribing
to software as a service (SaaS)
harnesses the flexibility and storage capacity
of the cloud, keeping up-to-date
information available to off-site workers.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or
flying quadcopters, are the most familiar
drones today. But a few companies
are also developing land-based robots
to navigate project sites. Both aerial and
terrestrial drones/rovers navigate independently
and can be used to gather
photographic data, light detection and
ranging (LIDAR) scan data, and other
sensor data, as well as be used to deliver
items from place to place. There are
many simple tasks that drones can help
with today, but they require both regulatory
knowledge and an understanding of
the hardware and software used.
A first step in any company's successful
adoption of technology is to incorporate
these fundamental tools-the ones
upon which other technologies rely. By
integrating them into simple workflows
today, using a top-down, structured approach,
project teams can prepare for and
evolve with developing technologies.
It can be helpful to set up the company's
pilot program in a way that
separates goals into two categories: operational
technology, and research and
development (R&D). Operational technology
goals focus on tools that provide
immediate value to project teams, with
technologies that are already in use internally
(Figure 2). R&D goals are aimed at
testing unproven technologies.
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Proceeding with Caution
While it's important not to fall too far behind
in the " race " to keep up with technology
and stay competitive, it should
also be remembered that a measured
approach-one with the same level of
strategy and sophistication a company
brings to its other endeavors-is critical
for long-term success. Many messages
in the marketplace can challenge this
type of systematic approach.
Information overload is one problem,
as more and more technology startups
hit the market. Construction and power
companies may also experience the
" fear of missing out, " which is heightened
if there is also concern that missing
out translates to a loss of competitive
edge. It is important to remember, too,
that much of what tech companies say
about their products are embellished
and can be misleading. Similarly, competitors
may appear to have everything
figured out, but in reality, most are still
discovering how technology fits into
their workflows. Understanding what is
real and what is marketing hype can be a
real challenge.
As with most business endeavors,
planning, communication, and documentation
are the secret to success. A
solid pilot program can put any company
on the path to successful technology
adoption.
Part III of this series, scheduled for
publication in the September 2020 issue
of POWER, will focus on matching technologies
to specific challenges. A handful
of use cases will be included. ■
-Weston Tanner is director of Construction
Technology and Innovation with Graycor.
41

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POWER July 2020

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