In the dynamic field of construction, the quest for innovation and efficiency is never-ending. One company that has been at the forefront of integrating technology into construction processes is McCarthy Building Companies, a 100% employee-owned company with a rich history and a forward-looking vision. At the heart of McCarthy’s mission is the concept of “the connected jobsite,” a challenge that Senior VDC Director Alex Belkofer and his team have embraced head-on.
The Challenges of Connectivity in Construction
“The challenges that we’ve had on the jobsite really since the beginning of our time using construction technology was always the round-tripping of information from office to field,” Belkofer shares. “It’s ‘BIM-to-field-and-back or bust,’ because if it doesn’t make its way to the men and women on the jobsite, then we’ve not fully realized our potential.”
The vision for McCarthy is clear – to create a seamless flow of information, a model that not only enhances decision-making but also elevates the efficiency and effectiveness of construction projects.
A Strategic Partnership for Innovation
McCarthy’s search for a solution led them to Hexagon, initiating a partnership driven by the need for a comprehensive reality capture solution that combines hardware, software, and a mutual understanding of McCarthy’s needs.
“Our partnership with Hexagon really began years ago when we were looking for the best reality capture partner to do business with,” explains Belkofer.
This collaboration has equipped McCarthy with tools like the Leica ScanStation P50 terrestrial laser scanner, the BLK2GO handheld imaging laser scanner, and advanced software solutions vital for construction verification and real-time problem-solving onsite. The company has also begun using the Leica core wall survey control system for vertical alignment.
The Role of Technology in McCarthy's Success
At the core of McCarthy’s technological integration is the aim to enhance accuracy and expedite decision-making across construction sites. Belkofer highlights the significance of this approach, stating, “Most of the technologies that we put in place are a combination of office and field staff coming together looking at the best solution possible to make decisions quick, efficient, and as real-time as possible.” This synergy between technology and human insight ensures that project timelines are met with precision and excellence.
“Digital transformation is really the idea of distilling down complex information into its simplest form, getting people to absorb information super quick and then make an even faster decision,” Belkofer explains.
“The digitalization of our workflows is paying off every single day,” he adds. “We are saving hours on the job site on a repeatable basis with our digital workflows, from model-based field layout to building information modeling, making its way to the jobsite through the VDC process. You name it, we’re saving hours. It’s pretty much become table stakes for us.”
The Future of Construction Technology
McCarthy is not just focusing on current technological trends but is also looking toward the future. From leveraging autonomous technology to exploring augmented reality and artificial intelligence, the company is committed to staying at the cutting edge of construction technology.
“Autonomous means with reality capture, with augmented reality, machine learning, artificial intelligence – all those things are trending upward right now,” Belkofer asserts, underscoring McCarthy’s commitment to continuous innovation.
A Winning Synergy
The partnership between McCarthy and Hexagon represents more than just a collaboration; it’s a strategic alliance that enhances the entire lifecycle of construction projects.
With a culture deeply rooted in innovation and a partnership geared toward technological advancement, McCarthy is set to continue its legacy as a leader in the construction sector, making the connected jobsite a standard for projects worldwide.
“The Hexagon relationship with McCarthy allows us to realize those tough challenges, those benefits together,” Belkofer says. “And for us, it just makes work fun.”
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