2023 Best Use of Technology: Smart Data Collection in Construction
Revolutionising site management: The paperless future
Inndex and Procore in collaboration with Henry Boot Construction
Procore and innDex partnered together with a shared vision to revolutionise the construction industry through the integration of cutting-edge technologies. By combining their expertise, Procore and innDex created a seamless end-to-end solution to streamline many of Henry Boot Construction’s processes leading to a 59% reduction in induction time and a 50% reduction in core site management. The Cocoa Works project is now the first Henry Boot Construction project to be 100% paperless, setting a new standard for collaboration within the supply chain and the use of the integration has now been mandated across all new HBC projects moving forward.
The I-System and Eco Lync
Invisible Systems
Eco Lync is an energy management system that collects data and information on construction sites and uses it to control energy and reduce waste. An Energy Management System like Eco Lync reduces peaks in energy demand automatically, enabling a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Eco Lync is able to manage both the demand and supply across sites. When multiple energy supplies are available, such as a generator or direct grid power, Eco Lync will select the most efficient. Selected loads are automatically shed, meaning action is taken within seconds.
Empowering construction through data
MachineMax
MachineMax has revolutionised the equipment management industry, supporting construction, plant hire and civil engineering businesses with a value-added solution that connects them with a cutting-edge platform and telematics sensor technology. By tracking critical metrics such as utilisation, fuel consumption, and emissions, MachineMax empowers customers to make informed decisions that boost productivity and efficiency. The platform normalises and aggregates data from various sources and telematics providers, providing complete fleet visibility from a single location, including self-powered wireless sensors for non-connected equipment. MachineMax has over 70 customers globally, including HS2, Montel Civil Engineering, Shell, Flannery, and Zeppelin CAT, with over 25,000 connected machines, helping customers save on fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, increase revenue, and decrease operating costs. By consolidating data from multiple sources, MachineMax is transforming the way companies operate. With a unified view of their fleet, companies can optimise their operations, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve their net-zero goals.
3D digital environment for HS2 Euston Station
Sensat and Mace Dragados Joint Venture
Mace Dragados Joint Venture (MDjv), entrusted with constructing Euston Station on behalf of HS2, partnered with Sensat to streamline data collection and visualise the data as a 3D digital environment. MDjv needed to efficiently manage the intricate site and connect various subcontractors while ensuring up-to-date information for enhanced planning and decision-making. Together, MDjv and Sensat created a digital 2D and 3D replica of the central London major infrastructure hub. Sensat's visualisation platform facilitated the integration of critical site information, resulting in significant achievements such as the timely identification of design encroachments, improved efficiency in temporary works, and the detection of clashes between evolving site conditions and designs.
Decarbonising construction
Qflow
The past 12 months of product development has focused on making the QFlow data accessible and valuable. This has led to powerful integrations with industry logistics and BREEAM tools to reduce construction waste and carbon, and resulted in >85% reduction in time spent collecting data, >90% improvement in data quality and availability and real time tracking of embodied carbon and waste compliance. Leading clients including Landsec, HS2 and Multiplex are reaping the benefits of these developments, and the future of Qflow is set to push the decarbonisation of construction even further.
Automated Quality Assurance for Highways Construction
Highway Data Systems and Partners
This entry represents a significant step forward in the automation of road construction quality assurance. The technology includes systems used to track delivery vehicles from production plant to site; monitor the movement and temperature of materials during the paving process; analysing rolling temperatures, roller pass counts and mat coverage. Data was scrutinised by the project team, which led to a clearer understanding of the paving process and the development of new process control framework that will allow the full automation of asphalt site quality assurance in Scotland.
The work embodies an IOT approach to quality assurance, including a world first method compaction compliance specification. The work will improve construction quality leading to improved pavement life, whilst protecting workers from dangerous situations, reducing CO2 and saving money on construction costs. Data generated will be used to enhance asset management and deterioration modelling providing better value for the public purse.