Construction mangers seek larger format displays for smarter collaboration
Finding an effective way for teams to interact while viewing 3D models of complex buildings and conducting LEAN planning is a high priority within the AEC community these days. This need, coupled with new technology, could lead toward the digital transformation of outdated workflows and contribute to bottom line gains.
Christian Blomdahl, National Director of Lean Practices at Suffolk Construction, Boston, says, ”You can have a logistics meeting with the foreman to discuss where to load steel or other materials on a project, but not everyone is on the same page without a drawing." He suggests pulling up the drawing and highlighting the specific area you're discussing to remove any assumptions.
Today a range of technology options are emerging in the world of immersive visualization, including interactive large-format displays. Hoylu’s Huddlewall, a large, modular interactive display solution is one option. The Hoylu Huddlewall features workstation performance and additional screen real estate for reviewing CAD files, editing blueprints, running web applications for LEAN planning or annotating brainstorming sessions with pen-based interaction.
Unlike the Microsoft Surface Hub and the Google Jamboard, which offer interactivity, high-resolution and some personal computing functionality, the Hoylu Huddlewall developers claim it is uniquely well-suited for "data-intensive collaboration" by larger groups. Large Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) projects are especially well suited for Hoylu Huddlewall given the large number of team members who typically attend project review meetings.
Andrew Jamison, Hoylu’s VP of Sales, North America, says many construction companies have tried using smart boards to help facilitate team collaboration, but run into software limitations. "The Hoylu Huddlewall runs all the applications that AEC firms typically use, such as Touchplan.io, Synchro or Navis-works—tools they can now use on a huge display in a big room," he says. "A key finding is that IPD projects often use lean planning to keep all subcontractors in line doing the right stuff and for budgeting. The Hoylu Huddlewall works beautifully for that."
Christian Blomdahl, at Suffolk construction, says most construction managers are adopting lean processes for the foreman with greater focus on planning. Suffolk has adopted lean planning because it considers the process of gathering data and learning from it to be beneficial—not because an owner or team requires it, he says. The industry is moving toward collaborative technologies "so we can have smarter, less passive conversation. That's the key.”
In "Measuring the Impact of BIM on Complex Data & Analytics Smart Buildings," a 2015 Dodge Data & Analytics report, noted that "increasingly, firms are using BIM and Lean processes in tandem to create predictable workflows, provide better reliability of scheduling and deliver the most value from the client's perspective while consuming the fewest resources.
Kevin Bredeson, Vice President of Virtual Design and Construction at Suffolk, says there were limitations to team collaboration around a 3D model before the evolution of large-format displays, such as the Hoylu Huddlewall.
"When we brought in the smart boards, we had specific size constraints," Bredeson says. "It can be tough for a team of 30 people to gather around a 55-inch monitor. Now with the Hoylu Huddlewall you have an entire canvas you can create anywhere depending on how many projectors you are able to seam together.”
"Images blend seamlessly on the projection, providing minute detail you see in a complex 3D model," Bredeson adds. "We often have both the 3D model and the weekly work plan up on the screen simultaneously to make specific planning decisions… a valuable asset to have."