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Improving Project Transparency With Data Visualization

Article

Garrett Capellen
Integrated Project Planning Operations Manager

S&B worker at a construction site using data visualization on a tablet

Emerging data visualization tools offer clear 3D models for highly complex projects. Forward-thinking engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms integrate 3D modeling into their proprietary computer programs and toolsets for efficient and predictable EPC activities, correlation of all work processes, and collaborative planning. More importantly, the graphical representation of data brings clients greater project clarity and understanding, instantly bringing their investment to life.

Clear construction, execution, and progress

Visualization illuminates the project and gives access to everyone (no matter where they sit) to see the construction progress and results in real time. Engineers, craft professionals, and clients more clearly and easily understand the 3D models than imagining the project from a 2D drawing.

Emerging 3D modeling also provides an immersive experience in the field, allowing superintendents and auditors to promptly see the project's status with color code features. For example, online status updates remain critical for complex pipe jobs. S&B provides a status visualization feature that color codes pipe components received, erected, tested, and posted in real-time to keep a project on schedule. In addition, access to this type of data allows for greater collaboration across the project and among partners to identify trends and manage cost-reducing efforts.

Drive field productivity

Auditors use tablets to bring up a project's real-time progress and walk the field. The data visualization coupled with wireless devices offers a huge advantage over printed hard copies of workbooks and 2D drawings. Schedulers can also link the data visualization to track the components and assign construction schedules for installation work packages for safe, predictable, measurable, and efficient work.

Supervisors can also use the data visualization on tablets or onsite technology hubs or smart shacks to confirm materials, and equipment is on-site, look ahead and adjust work accordingly. Ultimately, data visualization supports a well-defined plan that drives the project through the entire EPC lifecycle, from early design to materials delivery to construction activities and ultimately to commissioning and start-up of the facility, on or ahead of schedule.

Manage with Certainty

Project owners increasingly demand transparency from their EPC partners. S&B not only uses these data visualization tools to demonstrate to customers visually a project's real-time status but also gives stakeholders instant access to vital project information. S&B integrates data directly with its proprietary databases, adding even greater value to S&B's project reports and project management systems. When team members have access to the information they need, project owners can be confident of a project's successful delivery on time and within budget.

That's why working with the right integrated EPC partner with advanced tools, and industry experience remains critical to get the job done. S&B draws on the team's extensive construction expertise to develop an execution plan that optimizes construction means, methods, and sequencing. Learn more about S&B's proven expertise here.

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