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and therefore the entire professional team can contribute and be
involved during all stages,” explains Howie.
“It was important before the Covid-19 crisis and is going to be
even more important now due to the restrictions of getting to
site. Reality Capture allows us to bring the site to the client and
our design teams, so that all involved in a project are up-to-date.
In the past, we have always relied on our staff having to travel to
site to capture still photos, critical photos were always missed and
repeat site visits required, while also being very one-dimensional
in nature, so Reality Capture definitely offers a lot of scale and
benefit going forward.”
Internet speed, stability and amount of data are naturally big
factors. This is a bit of a stumbling block in South Africa because
industries are faced with very expensive data costs. Architects and
engineers work in a global environment, which means they are
competing on a global stage.
“Internet speed is directly linked to access to information
and therefore the ability to do work. It is really critical that South
Africa ensures it has the best internet infrastructure possible, as
this is the backbone of so many industries, especially construction
and design,” says Howie.
Progress tracking is one of the key features of this platform,
quantity surveyors are also using it to capture progress on sites so
that they can more rapidly input payment information back into
their measurement software programs.
Engineers in structural, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing
(MEP) are also able to monitor progress and remotely identify
problems on-site via the 360 degree photos, and are able
to intuitively flag these as issues within the project issue
management system. The platform is also very helpful for record/
as-built stages of the project where the engineers are able to put
the 360 photos and our 3D computer models side by side onscreen
to perform remote virtual comparisons of as-constructed
and as-installed, and are able to flag any deviations.
Key tracking, especially with MEP installations, is to capture
regular progress where the MEP systems are still exposed
and as yet not restricted from sight by being covered by other
equipment, ceilings or completed ducts.
“Clients having access to these platforms, are at a major
advantage for their projects and can advance their own digital
transformation at the same time. Also, all departments working
together and identifying issues timeously is a further added
advantage. Not only is remote-working here to stay, but digital
delivery will gain increasing importance and momentum in
every element linked to the construction industry in future,”
concludes Howie. RACA
6
RACA Journal I September 2020
www.hvacronline.co.za