Modern Workflows in Construction
Tools of the Modern Trade
Let’s explore some important workflow tools and how they’re helpful.
Traditional methods of solid waste processing used at A.K. Warren
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM creates and manages information for construction projects. It is cloud enabled, and supported by a data-rich environment that can include material properties, manufacturer details such as product and warranty information, material and labor cost information, energy efficiency data, maintenance schedules, and environmental impact information. These models create a digital representation of a completed construction project across its lifecycle, starting in the planning stages and moving across the finished project’s operating life. The wealth of information that BIM modeling provides enhances the collaboration of everyone on the project team.
There are a number of factors which should definitely be factored into your app selection, including:
- Project complexity: For complex water treatment facilities, a robust and versatile platform like Revit or MicroStation might be preferred.
- Team expertise and workflow: It doesn’t matter how powerful the app is, if your team isn’t prepared to use it to its full advantage. As you’re looking at options, factor in your team’s current software experience and how projects get done in your company.
- Your budget: There’s a range of options out there. Think about what you can afford, as well as ‘needs to have’ versus ‘nice to have’ functions. There’s also a number of payment options ranging from open-source to subscription models and beyond.
- Interoperability: BIM is only one part of your tech suite. Make sure you’re building an integrated system.
Construction Project Management (CPM) Software
Construction Project Management (CPM) Software: These are cloud-based platforms that streamline project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation. Offering real-time progress tracking, collaboration tools, and risk management features keeps everyone on the same page and helps to ensure that projects stay on track.
The complexity of the projects your company completes should be a driver in your app selection, so options have been listed that way in the following section.
SAGE 100 – Contractor (2022)
Caliagua has chosen Sage 100 Contractor based on the overall complexity of the projects we build. Although its chiefly an accounting, job costing, and project management app, Sage 100 Contractor also has some DMS functions such as attachment capabilities for transactions-related documents, document storage (depending on the app version), and basic search functionality, based on keywords or associated records. Since it’s so robust, we’re able to use it a number of management areas, like equipment and project management as well as its core use in accounting where it supports our general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and job costing.
Primavera P6
For project scheduling, we rely on the comprehensive features available with Primavera P6. These include:
- Gantt charts: Visual representation of project timelines and dependencies.
- Network diagrams: Detailed visualization of project logic and critical path.
- Resource allocation: Effective management of labor, equipment, and materials.
- Baseline planning: Establishing a project baseline for performance measurement.
- Situation analysis: Evaluating the impact of changes on project schedules.
We’ve seen that it’s been widely adopted by many of the subs and owners we work. So, once again, its good for collaborating. Other advantages we like include:
P6 covers the entire project lifecycle, from planning and scheduling to execution, monitoring, and control.
- It incorporates tools to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
- Integration of cost data with project schedules for effective cost control.
- Scalability and flexibility to match our continuing growth . There are even options for further systems integration and program customization.
Winest
Caliagua selected Winest for project estimating after reviewing a number of different apps. For us, it increases our accuracy, streamlines the bidding process, and provides us tools to analyze actual project profitability versus the front-end proformas we create during the bid process.
Procore – For large/ complex projects
Procore has a solid reputation for robust functionality and scalability, and they have one of the better apps in this category. It’s like the “Swiss Army” knife of CPM apps for project planning, scheduling, budgeting, communication, document management, and field collaboration.
Monday.com or Smartsheet – For mid-sized projects and collaboration:
Monday.com: One of the best things about this app is how customizable it is. This allows for creating custom workflows, managing tasks and deadlines, and fostering team collaboration through features like discussion boards and file sharing. Its flexibility makes it adaptable to various project sizes and management styles.
Smartsheet: This spreadsheet-like CPM platform offers features for project planning, scheduling, resource management, and collaboration. Smartsheet is an affordable option for smaller construction projects and teams familiar with spreadsheets.
Drone Technology: Caliagua uses drones that are equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for rapid site surveys, and progress monitoring. At some point, we can envision generating 3D terrain models too.
Enhanced Site Surveys and Inspections
Drones can capture high-resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data to create detailed topographic maps of water treatment plant sites. This information can be used for excavation activities, and to identify potential environmental concerns.
Improved Efficiency and Communication
Progress Monitoring and Documentation: Regular drone flights can capture visual data showcasing the construction progress of new treatment plants or upgrades to existing facilities. These visuals can be used to generate progress reports for clients, stakeholders, and internal project management purposes.
Communication and Coordination: Real-time video feeds from drone flights can be used for virtual site visits, facilitating communication between on-site personnel, engineers, and remote project managers. This allows for faster decision-making and improved coordination during construction.
Document Management Systems (DMS)
Construction Project Management (CPM) Software: These are cloud-based platforms that streamline project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation. Offering real-time progress tracking, collaboration tools, and risk management features keeps everyone on the same page and helps to ensure that projects stay on track.
The complexity of the projects your company completes should be a driver in your app selection, so options have been listed that way in the following section.
Raken
Raken has several features that give it some DMS qualities:
Centralized Storage: The app streamlines document access for things like contracts, permits, daily reports, photos, and videos in a central location. All project stakeholders have access to these files and we frequently reference these in our discussion with our field crew team members.
Version Control: Raken also tracks changes to documents, so everyone has access to the latest versions. This eliminates any possible confusion.
Search Functionality: Documents can be easily searched by keyword or project phase, making it easier to find specific information quickly.
Sharing and Collaboration: Raken allows users to share documents with specific team members or project partners. They can also use annotation tools to collaborate on documents and provide feedback.
Bluebeam
For our size company, Bluebeam is also a really solid document management tool. It facilitates and simplifies collaborating among all the project stakeholders, and we like its document storage, access, markup and review tools.
Other Document Management Apps
Besides the apps we’ve already reviewed, we know it’s important to stay current on additional apps that our owners frequently use. Across a number of projects, we’ve used Procore, CIPO and SharePoint. All these apps essentially do the same things in slightly different ways. They are used to upload, review, and process responses to items like submittals, RFIs, change orders, and schedules.
Google Sheets
Google Sheets has also given us an edge on managing our document flow. Built in-house by our COO and Project Manager, Cory Wolfrom, our COO and Project Manager. Every project gets one of these, and all internal stakeholders have access to it. This one document links many other important documents together. It simplifies and streamlines things for our teams. See the following graphic for a look under the hood.
Caliagua’s Culture of Continuous Improvement
Joining my father and brother in 1986 and bringing the micro-computers power to Caliagua was ‘cutting edge’ technology at the time. More recently, Cory Wolfrom’s addition to Caliagua has improved and added workflow processes with new & existing applications to further improve our Preconstruction & Construction activities. We have always emphasized commitment to continual improvement as one of this company’s core values. That’s why we can say with authority that establishing a ‘modern workflow’ goes way beyond app selection. Doing it successfully requires top-down commitment. Different organizations will take their own path, but important elements will include:
- Training and Development: Invest in training programs that equip PMs and PEs with the latest technologies and best practices in project management and data analysis. This empowers them to leverage the tools effectively and make informed decisions.
- Knowledge Sharing: Encourage knowledge sharing sessions within the team. This can involve peer-to-peer learning, presenting innovative project solutions, and fostering a learning environment.
- Performance Reviews: Include data-driven insights into performance appraisals to identify the areas where your team members are strong, as well as the areas that might need some work. Make these development areas part of their next year’s objectives.
- Embracing Innovation: Stay current on tech trends that are impacting the industry. For sure, your toughest competitors are. Leverage the competitive edge that some of these tools can provide you. Most engineers are naturally inclined toward innovation. Create an environment where engineers can experiment with new tools and encourage them to propose new approaches to project challenges.
How Modern Workflows Benefit Your Company
In 2023, Censuswide Consultants published a benchmark report called “How We Build Now: Technology Trends Shaping U.S. and Canadian Construction”. Based on a survey size of 1,005 construction industry representatives including owners, general contractors and specialty contractors, this report shows that expectations for both the number and the value of individual projects are rising. However, there are industry-wide issues which should be addressed. Adopting modern workflows will help general contractors overcome important opportunities.
Conclusion
Modern work flow technology, BIM, CPM and DMS, can play an important part in improving project profitability and achieving project completion dates. In fact, 47% of total industry respondents stated their organizations are in the midst of adopting digital formats and workflows. Where there is resistance, it comes from concerns related to data security, lack of software solutions, and the need to effect culture change in their organizations.
Better (data-driven) decision making is another benefit from adopting new technologies. On average, 64% of all respondents reported that their organizations are early in the data-based decision learning curve. This was especially true for smaller companies.
For forty-six years, Caliagua has been a leader in Southern California’s water and wastewater treatment construction industry. We pride ourselves on being committed to continual improvement and the results show in our finished work. We continue to adapt and develop new strengths just as our industry continues to evolve. If your organization is planning new projects where our core strengths are valued, we’d love to talk with you about it. Please feel free to contact Gus Bruner (gusbruner@caliagua.net); Cory Wolfrom (cwolfrom@caliagua.net); Ryan Ricard (rricard@caliagua.net) or ; Kari Mares (kmares@caliagua.net) to discuss our technology driven work flows.