Drawings and specifications in paper form were traditionally used to facilitate communication between Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) professionals throughout the life cycle of a project. These companies are now adopting technology-based tools to capture construction data digitally and plan in a virtual environment. By taking advantage of these powerful planning tools, you’ll see increased efficiency, reduced costs, and lowered risks – all while producing a higher-quality build.
The trend of utilizing digital data has increased AEC firms’ need to store, manage, and share data in a secure environment. As the AEC industry adapts to the rapid digitization of construction operations, there is an increase in data storage, growth, usage, and security needs.
A 2022 study by Egnyte discovered these trends in data across a broad selection of their AEC customers. At GPRS, we are also seeing these trends.
- Use More Files for Decision Making
AEC firms store and act on more files than any other industry. The typical AEC firm manages 2.49 times more files than any other industry in the Egnyte study. The construction industry, which historically has been more accustomed to blueprints, is now turning to point cloud data and BIM models.
- Data Volume Growth is Exponential
On average, the participants in the study quadrupled their data storage, from 0.9 TB in 2017 to 3.5 TB in 2021. This growth points to increased digitization in the AEC industry, as well as the usage of larger document types, like BIM and CAD files.
- Data is Scattered Across Platforms and Devices
The number of individual files stored by AEC customers grew by 23.4% from 2017 to 2021. These files are often stored across several repositories, including file servers, public clouds, and other applications. The biggest barrier to productivity for companies is accessing data quickly and trusting that it is up to date. Firms are looking for secure content management systems to address this issue.
- Usage Patterns Vary Widely Across Disciplines
Owners, architects, engineers, and general contractors utilize many file types throughout the lifecycle of a project. General contractors access files at the lowest rate, but they share files at the highest rate. BIM files make up nearly 13% of all storage for architecture firms, but that figure drops to 3.3% for general contractors.
- Data Security Issues Vary by Company Size
There is an increase in data security issues as AEC firms increasingly find themselves storing proprietary project information – and the target of ransomware attacks. Companies must develop security and data management protocols to organize and protect their data.
Companies are experiencing significant gains by having digital data at their fingertips, but many of them are still struggling to keep pace with the changes in the industry. At GPRS, we expect data volumes to continue to grow in the years ahead. The challenge will be maintaining and managing project data.
How GPRS Helps to Manage Digital As-Builts
SiteMap® is GPRS’ solution to managing digital as-built construction data. SiteMap® is a cloud-based software that allows you to store, review, and securely share your GPRS project data from any computer or mobile device.
SiteMap® delivers up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive as-built records of site assets from all GPRS services – including utility locating, concrete scanning and imaging, 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, drone photogrammetry, and mapping & modeling services.
All this project data is aggregated, organized, and stored in SiteMap®, making it the single source of truth for your job site. Any file size and type can be quickly accessed and securely shared with your team, eliminating information silos and the mistakes they can cause.
How is the Security of My Data Maintained in SiteMap®?
Security is paramount, and an ever-evolving aspect of any software. Our team of professionals is dedicated to protecting your information at all costs.
GPRS has taken every possible measure to make sure that your data is secured within SiteMap®. Whether your data is “at rest” and stored within our interface waiting for future reference, or if it’s “in use,” constantly being updated and shared, we follow best practices that conform with leading security standards in order to make sure that your information is completely protected.
To further prove our commitment to data security, SiteMap® follows OWASP standard practices of data management protection. Another certification SiteMap aims to attain this year is ISO standard 27001, in which a third party evaluates the system with an objective perspective to attest to the fact that SiteMap® is abiding by leading standards.
From a customer perspective, there are also several features we’ve implemented to ensure all the information uploaded to the SiteMap® system is kept completely safe. By embracing multi factor authentication methods, anytime a new user creates an account or logs in thereafter, they must verify their identity within the system.
How Can I Learn More About SiteMap®?
Every GPRS customer receives a complimentary SiteMap® Personal subscription as part of our commitment to keeping your projects on time, on budget, and safe. Contact us today to experience the next evolution of GPRS’ ongoing mission to help you plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GPRS Offer Nationwide Service?
Yes! GPRS is ready to rapidly respond to any site in the U.S., usually within the lead time of only one or two days. Additionally, we can be on-site short-term or long-term, depending on your needs. With over 500 Project Managers stationed across the United States, GPRS has an unmatched nationwide service network that makes it quick and easy for you to find an expert Project Manager in your area.
How Does GPRS Conduct Utility Locating?
GPRS uses the most advanced ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating technology to conduct utility locates. We provide complimentary high-resolution maps in the form of PDF, KMZ, and SHP files with every utility locating project we perform. Our Mapping & Modeling Team can create highly detailed 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models. These drawings are professional, digital CAD documents referencing up-to-date aerial imagery or your site plan overlay. You also receive a complimentary SiteMap® Personal subscription, where subsurface as-built data is uploaded in minutes for immediate use.
How Does GPRS Perform Concrete Scanning?
For concrete scanning, GPRS Project Managers use GPR technology to scan, detect, and mark the location and depth of rebar, conduits, pipes, grade beams, post-tension cables, concrete thickness, and more directly on the concrete structure or slab. Field markings can be captured with the Matterport Pro3 or a 3D laser scanner to create a virtual tour, 2D CAD drawings (2D plan sheets and 2D floor contour maps), and a 3D BIM model of the site to create a permanent record of our findings.
What is a Digital Twin?
Digital twins in construction are accurate virtual models of physical assets, structures, and systems, and are captured with 3D laser scanning or photogrammetry. They provide construction professionals precise data to aid in project planning, execution, and ongoing maintenance. Digital twins eliminate the need for site visits, expedite decision making, and increase efficiency.