Background
The engineering solutions company handling water supply and quality control wanted to enhance data sharing methods with clients and abolish storing data on disorganized local servers. The goal was to create a seamless data retrieval process for clients on their assets and facilities. This search led them to HoloBuilder™, now FARO Sphere XG.
Challenge
Before using 360° photos, the firm dealt with inaccurate and scattered project data. They decided to optimize processes through three objectives: improve collaboration with visualization teams by eliminating 2D field photos; obtain detailed and complete site photos to reduce site visit frequency; and implement a unified system to seamlessly archive and access project, asset, and facility documentation.
Solution
The firm piloted 360° photos on two projects. They documented dam conditions in Atlanta using the TimeTravel feature, creating a reliable progress record of each round of inspections. On a united sanitation district project in San Francisco, the client was offered 360° virtual site access, enhancing how they monitor on-site progress.
“It’s really been a wow factor for our clients, and it allowed us to deliver the quality we yearn to give to them. It’s helped so much with communicating designs to them. It’s absolutely a win-win, for us internally and for our clients.”
– Senior Principal Designer –
Results
Reality capture enhanced stakeholder collaboration with a transparent, unified platform. 360° photos made it easier for the firm to win over clients with immersive virtual site tours.
Improvements in Site Capture Workflows
- Minimized redundancy and documentation time through pre-planned site walkthroughs
- Enhanced collaboration without guesswork between field and office teams through a unified platform
- Context and details for stakeholders through detailed 360° photos
Ease of Use for Enterprise-wide Adoption
- User-friendliness means little training required
- Scaling the software across the entire enterprise
Efficient Design Coordination
- Easy analysis and comparisons of designs with real-time builds
- Simplified retrofit measurements, redesigns, and progress management
- Reliable as-built conditions for the facility‘s entire lifecycle
