TECHnically Speaking Part 3 | Technology After Construction
This is the third installment of a three-part series where Balfour Beatty-Carolinas explores the innovation that technology brings to the life of a project – before, during, and after construction.
The benefits of integrating technology into project closeout can best be seen rather than described.
The paperless workflow that is maintained through preconstruction and construction phases culminates in the final element of the project closeout. In traditional project closeout, owners find themselves with stacks upon stacks of binders and endless loose papers. Even the most organized individual needs a room to store all of the information that is turned over at the end of a project. Through digital, paperless closeout, we not only eliminate the need for a rolodex system in the facilities office, we put any and all information right at the owner’s fingertips. We see value in simplicity and our owners experience confidence in understanding their building.
Through record modeling, all information pertaining to architectural, structural, and MEP elements are bundled together. Linking the maintenance, operation and asset data to the as-built model provided to the owner of facility manager. The improved documentation enables future renovation or expansions to be handled more seamlessly.
We’re always looking beyond Day One. Our efforts don’t end when the ribbon is cut or when the doors first fling open. We consider the months and years down the road, when owners and occupants have settled into their new surroundings—when lights begin to burn out, when filters need replacing. As Relentless Ally for our clients, we give owners the tools to keep their facility operating at its best for years to come. Through our asset management system, items are linked to a record model to assist in the maintenance and operation of a facility. For us, this looks like barcodes. Items in a building that will require maintenance over time receive barcodes that link directly to item data, such as ordering information, installation instructions, or warranty records.
We take pride in being a part of the life of the projects we build, and supporting the owners of those projects for years and years to come.
This article was first published in Building with Purpose-Carolinas, a newsletter and blog published by Balfour Beatty Construction’s corporate communications team. Balfour Beatty U.S. has three offices in the Carolinas — Charlotte, Raleigh and Charleston. For more information, visit https://www.balfourbeattyus.com/local-teams/charlotte.
