INNOVATIVE DIGITAL PROJECT BOARDS
ProjectBoards . org was created in 2020 during the COVID 19 lockdown by Johan Bezuidenhout . The idea for digitalising physical construction boards has always been a goal of his , but with the recent growth in mobile phone usage and functionality and QR ( Quick Reaction ) Codes becoming widespread and
technology . With the rise in popularity of QR codes as well as Google Maps having become a commonplace application , the aim has been to A ) digitise construction project boards , B ) provide quick access via QR codes and C ) collate the various boards onto a dedicated Google Map platform – the former ( A & B ) providing an immediate and direct project benefit and the latter ( C ) being able to provide useful industry information / feedback in the long run with decent traction .
adopted by the public , it was time to turn the idea into something tangible . Being able to consolidate individual boards by ‘ pinning ’ them on a dedicated searchable / filterable Google Map would prove the last piece in the puzzle to provide a well rounded offering . Johan was joined by Dale Gay and Jaco Esterhuyse in 2022 who complement the team from a technical and board implementation point of view . Project Boards is a free service to the public , with other paid-for features available .
Some Background Physical construction project boards have been used for many years to showcase the professional team details on active construction sites and continue to be used . Mostly the board is only installed half way through the project and removed again prior to completion to allow for finishes to be completed , which means that there is relatively limited ‘ airtime ’ for these boards . In addition to this as well as the occasional limitation resulting from the location of the physical board , the audience is also presented with a lot of information to absorb in a short timeframe .
The construction industry generally has a reputation as a late adopter of
Back : Dale Gay and Jaco Esterhuyse Front : Johan Bezuidenhout
How it Works Projectboards . org runs a web based platform where they are able to create a digital version of the normal Construction Team Project Board , with each project allocated a dedicated URL . In addition to the professional team information , they include a project description as well as some basic info and a 3D render . All professional logos link back to their respective organisation ’ s web sites when clicked on .
This QR code can be used by project professionals / the developer / client of the project to provide quick access on the physical site board or by other means to the public . This can be integrated in a traditional project board or a standalone QR display .
In addition , this system is fairly flexible - they have on request created a special customised digital board for the V & A Waterfront on a project in the foreshore , and they are also in the process of digitalising the project boards for RLB Pentad on a custom map / style .
Lastly , projects that are registered on the digital platform are ‘ pinned ’ onto their dedicated interactive Google Map , where any of the projects can be searched by Name , Type or even by Consultant , Developer , Professional Team Member or Architect . Try it for yourself by scanning this QR Code with your mobile device ’ s camera . www . projectboards . org
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