Field Based Digital Communication and Collaboration Tools - (Part 2)
- S. Mansour
- Dec 5, 2018
- 3 min read
In my previous post from this series, I discussed open source communication and collaboration tools helping team members and project stakeholders to seamlessly share data and communications from the 3D environment. Those tools mainly focused on BCF and IFC related applications, however, while BCF and IFC viewers are extremely useful when coordinating and communicating with the various consultants, using 3D models on site and in the field as a construction tool is still in its infancy. Established workflows and existing methodologies mean that a lot of teams in the field are still relying on 2D information for their work, using combinations of paper and email develop their reports, track changes and communicate back to office teams. While these methods of communication can, and do work, they are far from being the most efficient tools available to us. Aside from the added workload required of site teams to fill in manual forms, while trying to remember all issues that have come up during their day, the biggest issue with current systems is how unconnected site users are to the rest of the project teams. Cloud based digital site tools that are accessible to all team members are becoming increasingly available. These tools allow the field-based teams to view drawings and documents, comment on changes, create forms and reports, and communicate directly from any location they might be in. In this post I will be listing tools that help digitise the site-based experience, while connecting the site teams with the rest of the members of a construction project.
In order to remain inclusive and not exclude users who might find new digital tools too complicated, these applications try to maintain a lot of the familiar methods currently utilized on site, but with the added advantage that they can be accessed on mobile platforms like phones or tables, allowing anyone with a smart-phone the ability to connect digitally with other team stakeholders and minimise delays while avoiding unnecessary paperwork. In addition to communication tools, other tools are being developed that allow real time location services (RTLS) and tracking, vehicular guidance, real time analytics, as well as site based health and safety management. The list below is far from comprehensive, and indeed is continually growing. I welcome readers to add tools they may be familiar with that I have not listed below. While questions remain about privacy, costs, and centralization of data, there is no doubt that simplifying the process of team communication and access to data on site, is key to saving cost, minimizing delays, and improving collaboration between all parties. In my next post, I will be looking at overall digital project management (PM) , and common data environment (CDE) options. As mentioned in my previous post, there is a lot of overlap between some tool sets, particularly as PM and CDE tools try to expand to include all aspects of the project in one accessible application.
Web based, Digital inspection, redlining, document and pdf viewer, assigning responsibility with snapshots, mobile applications, create handover packs.
Mobile, snagging lists, Ticketing and auditing, reporting and analytics, pdf and document viewer.
Mobile and offline access, search tools, tags and discipline, version compare, change orders, pdf and document viewer.
ShapeDo - https://shapedo.com/ Cloud based, pdf and document viewer, compare previous drawings, communicate, API integration, Alterable
iOS and Android Apps, Module based, document viewer, create checklists, progress analysis, progress schedule reporting.
More of a site team management tool, but provides great on-site communication via photos, videos, and maps, as well as project information data, somewhat.
Manage site teams, message teams, assign tasks, lists, PDF mark-ups, schedules and reports, plans, mobile, digitise forms, reports, timesheets, etc.
On site documents and pdf access, assign issues, create reports, photos, quality inspection, android and iOS apps, create punch lists.
Digital cloud-based templates and forms for things like site diaries, investigation reports, etc. mark-up PDFs, real-time analytics.
GoFormz - https://www.goformz.com Convert paper forms into digital forms accessible on site, auto transfer, notify or email, mobile, analysis.
Digital forms for mobile uses, customised forms, share and email, photos.
Digital forms , create checklists, file reports.
Project management tools with site features:
The site part of Autodesks BIM360 project management tool. Allows site teams access to the information on mobile devices in one ecosystem.
Realtime site monitoring and management, access all project documentation via mobile apps, create digital handover and O&M manuals, geo tagging and geo location on site.
Part of the Procore project management tools, create logs, RFIs, Reports, mobile/site-based apps.
Web based, set tasks, schedules, reminders, take pictures, forms, pricing, GPS tracking,
Excavator control from BIM models using Open BIM tools.
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