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Bronco Builders. Technology and Efficiency By: Michael Sutton, Luis Acuna, Derek Chiu, Ryan Potts, Nick Chaffin. Tablet Computers. Tablet Computers.
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Bronco Builders Technology and Efficiency By: Michael Sutton, Luis Acuna, Derek Chiu, Ryan Potts, Nick Chaffin
Tablet Computers • The Tablet Computer has revolutionized the way a contractor can operate their project. Prolog is currently on the Apple IPad, which allows the contractor to write RFI’s, CO, and many other construction documents right on site, as well as attaching photos or chatting on line with the owner or architect at an Wi-Fi enabled site. This can instantly allow other parties to get a first hand view of any problems or concerns a contractor may encounter, eliminating a lot of the down time it takes to walk back to the construction trailer, turn on the computer, and send out several emails. • The IPads also have Excel programs accessible, allowing the quick view of any financial records that may be requested. Disney operated the 2 Billion dollar California Adventure Park on excel alone, showing how valuable and versatile a simple spread sheet program can be. If a server is set up at the corporate office, then instant updates to any financials or construction can be shared among the whole company. This helps us to cut down on lost time and increases our productivity.
Tablet Computers Price: $300.00 – $1500.00 Advantages Of Using Tablets • Accessibility – Easily accessible on-site rather than finding and using a computer. • Portable – Light weight and easily stored in a bag • Easy to use – Simple to use, doesn’t take that long to learn • Easy to manage data – Like any computer, a tablet can manage a store data • Easy to take notes – Rather than handwriting notes, we can type on the tablet for quicker, neater, and more organized notes. • Fast – Allows data to be recorded and accessed faster Past Methods • Before the tablet we would have to rely on pen and paper to take notes on site. • Computers were the only means of tracking and recording data in the past, they weren’t accessible on site
Tablet Computers Tablet Cost Analysis Computer Cost Analysis Net Benefit $560 $480 $480 $1520
Document Management System Document Management Software enables a company to consolidate all documents into one complete system. From Change Orders, to Requests for Information, and even Daily Worker Logs; securing and keeping every construction document in one place is crucial, not just from a management side but also a legal side. Price: Modular per month or contract Advantages Of Using Construction Management Software • Accessibility of Documents – All you need is a client and any project saved into the database can be access and modified. • Portable – Where ever a laptop or a tablet can go, so too can all your project documentation. • Customization – As each project is unique, a DMS can be customized to fit any needs required by the Management/Construction team. • Easy to manage data – The ability to make reports on outstanding RFI’s, to incomplete submittal packages; any data can be presented in any kind of report. • Fast Documenting – With the initial setup time for the project, creating a new document for the project can be made in only seconds and shared once uploaded. Past Methods • Before the DMS we would have to store paper records in boxes which could be damaged. • When someone requested copies of records or reports, searching and delivering was a labor and money intensive process.
GPS Surveying Applications • The use of modern GPS equipment in surveying operations greatly increases the productivity and reliability of both the work force and the information. Prior to the development of GPS surveying techniques, surveying was a two person job which usually took a good amount of time and thought. Here at So Cal Bronco Builders we use GPS to insure that we provide our customer with the greatest product possible. Our company uses GPS surveying to increase our accuracy and also productivity while out in the field. Since, GPS surveying is relatively new to the subcontracting world we feel that we have a clear advantage over other companies who still use classic surveying operations. • The equipment we are currently using is the most advanced in the industry which gives us a clear advantage over our competitors. The use of GPS surveying has greatly helped our company achieve faster more accurate results which has helped build lasting relationships with our customers. With GPS Surveying being the way of the future, we feel like our company already has an advantage over our competitors. We look forward in continuing improvement through the development and use of new technologies.
GPS Surveying Applications Price: $350.00 – $50,000.00 Advantages Of Using GPS Surveying Equipment • Ability to transverse any terrain, gathering a true and accurate layout of the site. • Using triangulation with satellite, all calculations are accurate and recorded at the spot that they were taken. • Time required to map out a site is quick and efficient, with the user just walking the site and standing still for only a moment. • A map is automatically drawn out, requiring no transfer of any information from hand notes or other sources. • The data can easily be uploaded onto a set of plans and shared between the architect, owner, and contractor. Past Methods • A survey team would have to set up several points, requiring set up, measurement, and break down time. • Hand notes would have to be taken or each reading, with might lead to mistakes if the data was not properly incorporated into the drawings.
Google Glasses • The new Google Glasses is a revolutionary way of interfacing our computers with ourselves, creating an augmented reality. It is an Optical Head Mounted Display (OHMD) which enables the user to use a smartphone or tablet in a hands free way with voice commands. As this technology becomes more sophisticated, the utility uses of this device can become almost unlimited. Where a tablet or camera becomes too bulky to use in tight spaces, these devices, which can be equipped on safety glasses, can take pictures and video. When you have a whole team equipped with these devices, if any worker encounters a problem, they can take pictures and upload them to the foreman asap. This enables multiple eyes to be on the project at once, boosting not only the ability to spot mistakes or broken/incorrect items but also catching potential problems that might have been missed by everyone during the design or inspection phase.
Google Glasses Price: $1500.00 Advantages Of Using Google Glasses • Ability to send pictures or video from any worker. • Spot and fix mistakes or potential problems when spotted. • Ensure there is a record of work performed, if legal action is involved, the video can be used to support the work was done correctly. • Can be installed on safety glasses. • Light and portable unit. Past Methods • Had to carry around a camera or other device for record keeping. • Work had to stop to use other device,
Hands Free Radios • Communication is essential for any kind of job, especially construction. With heavy noise and multiple locations where workers may be, effectively communicating critical information can be troublesome at times. With a hands free headset radio, everyone can stay informed for all information at every moment. With multiple bands (frequency) and in a digital format, you can split your team into a well coordinated and ordered machine. Each band can be pass-coded locked, preventing other people from getting on your channel and messing around. The digital format also enables a crisp and clear signal that wont prevent clear instructions from being misinterpreted or going to a worker as a garbled mess. With long lasting rechargeable batteries, workers can come in the morning, grab a unit, select their frequency, and begin work in less then 30 seconds.
Hands Free Radios Price: $80.00 – 160.00 Advantages Of Using Hands Free Radios • Allows multiple work specific jobs to function as a well oiled team. • A general contractor can communicate orders to all radios, allowing warnings and safety hazards instantly. • Rechargeable and modular, allows for anyone to pick up and use. • Head set is hands free, allowing for full use of both hands and no loss of work. Past Methods • People had to call cell phones or have runners find all workers for any critical items that had to be communicated. • During an emergency, people had to do head counts and make sure all workers heard the warning.
RFID Tags • RFID Tags are a old technology that is taking on a new spin in construction. With multiple tools, equipment, and other hardware; tracking where and who has it is a time consuming process. With RFID Tags, a small tag can be inserted in any equipment and a special unique ID can be associated with that particular piece of hardware. With worker ID cards, a worker can be paired with all the hardware that they request at the beginning of the day, by scanning which piece of hardware that they check out. When the work day is complete, they just rescan the hardware which they checked out, ensuring that no tools or equipment is stolen or lost. This also can help out on maintenance schedules as an RFID tag can keep track on when a piece of equipment was last worked on and when it should be submitted to be worked on.
RFID Tags Price: $0.02 – 0.10 per tag $30.00 – 80.00 per reader Advantages Of Using RFID Tags • Keeps track of equipment, tools, and other hardware. • Keeps all equipment well maintained and warns when the next scheduled maintenance period is. • Keeps track of who has what piece of equipment and when it was checked out. Past Methods • There was a hard time keeping track of who took what piece of equipment, enabling items to be stolen off site. • All maintenance had to be tracked by other means.