Can Real time Geospatial Data (Reality Capture), Dimensional Control and Modular, Parallel Construction create a 20% Contractor Margin?

For many years we have seen contractors globally chase better margins using traditional linear construction methods, but actually find themselves achieving lower and less competitive margins due to limitations on site and labour, material constraints. We have also seen the value proposition of spatial data become less attractive and, in some respect, not appreciated at a construction or project execution stage, apart from relatively simple set out and audits.

Typically, we see the contractor or project owner request an as-built scan at the final stage of asset handover and commissioning as this is a line item in the handover specification, with no real understanding of value or purpose. They may use this to validate or update the geometry and 3D models prior to completion, however this spatial data is then archived and forgotten about for years to come with no real value creation opportunities downstream.

Should we be changing our thought process and ideology around construction methodologies and how geospatial data may provide value through the construction and assembly stage of the project. Could real time geospatial data capture, processing, and dimensional control, similar to those techniques in the ship building industry be the answer to aspirational contractor margins? Don’t get me wrong this is a complex process change and requires a more controlled and structured data approach than spreadsheets and Navisworks models.

There is a number of academic thesis’ outlining the opportunity of moving to a parallel construction / one-time fit method. However, currently the major risk to the contractor is not the process change in design and fabrication, but on site fit and additional rework due to dimensional control issues after the module has been fabricated in the controlled environment of the workshop. Could we use geospatial data to drive the confidence of the construction tolerances? In turn, driving the schedule and feed any dimension changes required back to the new module being fabricated to adjust during pre-construction and assembly?

For this to be successful, the concept of the digital thread must be embraced. With a focus on location and space driving the change management from site to workshop, design office and client review. Is there another way we can establish a relationship between business units and the supply chain without a unified digital thread that doesn’t require complex VLOOKUP style relational databases?

However, imagine the volume of data needing to be processed and interpreted in quick succession? How could we process and report this data in a timely manner to continue to provide the value that the project needs to achieve the new aggressive schedule? We need to ensure we have the right technology to enable point cloud (as built) to point cloud (as built) dimensional checks, plus geometry (design) to point cloud (as built) dimensional checks and adjustments in real time or near real time at least, then report and manage change at a part or component level.

This is certainly an interesting topic and one to keep an eye on in years to come. With major capital-intensive projects that require a hard end and delivery date (Brisbane Commonwealth Games for example), how do we ensure we provide this with confidence? In some respect work backwards from this date? How can we guarantee milestones and schedule without investing in more labour and less material?

Is the answer, offsite (Controlled environment using robotics and advanced manufacturing techniques), modular, parallel construction. With first time fitment and dimensional control enabled by real time geospatial data capture and design adjustments at a part level, driven by a spatial or location digital thread? 

We now have the opportunity to focus on value creation for geospatial data at the project stage and using this to buy margin (or schedule) for contractors during the project delivery, not only at asset handover.