Tons of construction mangers use tablets and smart phones to review plans. However, the large dimensions needed to view all details fully is what leads to a need for print out on 24×36 or 36×48 paper. As companies push for paperless, this hurdle of needing a large viewing area seems almost impossible to conquer. I soon realized there is a solution—a portable smart board that can substitute paper drawings. With printing costs and environmental concerns weighing in, I took particular interest in learning how feasible this option really is.
PaperLight, a portable smart board from Rollout, Inc. functions pretty similarly to a smart phone with zoom and touch sensors. The display is essentially a projector that hooks up to your computer and allows instant mark-ups on the projection. Its functionality is shown here: https://www.rolloutaec.com/PaperLight/. Not only are there strengths in reducing ecological footprint, but project updates are available to all parties involved in real time.
For times where tablets are possible, there is potential for valuable analytics. Tech Crunch emphasizes the all-too-common reality that there is little visibility to the field from the office. “One of the most frustrating things about running a construction company is that you are constantly writing these huge checks, but you have no idea what is actually going on in the field. No field computing, means no field data, which means you have no idea that your electrician, who you picked because he was 10% cheaper, is 30% slower than the other electrician you used last time. The Google Analytics/Palantir for construction is going to really change how things are done.”
The same paperless benefit can be extended to invoice routing and approvals. Through eliminating the risk of manual processing, unnecessary inefficiencies can be completely avoided. There is even opportunity for customization in the flow of approvals that allows for a smooth, clear process.
Another area paperless is a valuable pursuit is within daily timesheets for on-site workers. With staff who complete these forms and submit them to the office, there is timely data entry required on the administrative end. Remote timesheet entry can electronically transfer these hours and automatically update labor costs associated with a project.
Although we’re not there yet, complete paperless construction is a world that wouldn’t be as difficult as initially imagined. If the proper tools are sought and trained, long-term business success is within sight.
Sources referenced:
aec-business.com/towards-paperless-construction-paperlight/#more-5512
ledgerwoodusa.com/will-tablets-replace-paper-plans-in-construction/
How Tablets Will Transform Construction
http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/topics/law/construction-regulations/how-paperless-construction-management-benefits-your-bottom-line/page/0/1