General Contractors are met with increasingly fragmented. digital solutions that require a more orchestrated approach if larger industry-wide challenges are to be addressed. In building a space for critical research and innovation, EllisDon sought to address old challenges with new solutions.
One of the main challenges we face on all projects is effectively communicating information across all stakeholders. At the very early stage of mobilization, the team was faced with three typical projects challenges. Site access and material handling were a major challenge, as were project schedule and multi-trade coordination. The first major challenge is the building site is on the corner of University and College streets with very narrow setbacks from the road and extremely limited access for deliveries. The second project challenge was the fast-track project schedule with a fixed deadline of substantial completion for students returning in the fall semester. The third project challenge was the coordination of installation between all of the building systems and trade workers. In addition to these typical challenges, we introduced a variety of digital tools to address them individually. The introduction of these tools created their own unique challenges by generating enormous amounts of data with many connection points as well as buy-in and validation of the technology.
The solution we have developed effectively addresses the challenges posed by the ever-changing landscape of projects and BIM deliverables. When a GC implements technologies or processes, it does not have to stick with those means and methods. Project timelines are often several years and technologies make large advancements in that time. The ultimate solution is leveraging new technologies as they arise and improving your project delivery as you go. What ultimately lead to the success of delivering this project was a more digitally focused, AI technology supported solution that provides accessible data like never before. The umbrella solution was a cohesive mesh to make the technology and tools usable. Just as BIM is not a software but a process, piloting new tools should not just be seen as trying a software but a process of discovering potential improvements, limitations and pushing the envelope.
Our digital project approach leverages construction management tools that utilize recent AI advancements, providing us with remarkable progress tracking accuracy levels within the range of 1-2%. Moreover, EllisDon did not simply roll out AI tools, we worked tirelessly with the tech provider to improve the software as a solution. Integrating it in a more organic way into our current processes and the overall construction industry.
This solution would not be achievable without the ability to adapt and overcome challenges, along with the willingness and determination of the entire group aligned with a shared vision. Our approach is the establishment of centralized data, accompanied by integrated platforms, user friendly tools, and advanced technologies. Ultimately, we successfully proved that AI technology has the potential to solve common challenges in the industry.
