Dura Vermeer and Cadac find solution for out-of-date drawings
Construction errors due to the use of non-current drawings. This can happen in the construction world. Cadac developed a system for the infrastructure branch of Dura Vermeer with a QR code on the (printed) drawing so that supervisors and professionals can immediately check whether they are working with the correct construction drawing. The first experiences are very positive.
The search for the right construction drawing
An improperly placed concrete reinforcement. A formwork with the wrong dimensions. So demolition and a fresh start, resulting in substantial costs. 'Unfortunately, it happens, says Chantal Beuwer, process manager at construction company Dura Vermeer. 'The reason is that professionals use the wrong construction drawing. A construction drawing that has been modified and improved one or more times after printing. It is one of the causes of failure costs.'
Our customers and relations now see that we are leading the way with the QR code system. That we have our affairs in order with document management, which is saying something when you know that large infrastructure projects easily involve more than 1,000 drawings.
Chantal Beuwer
Process Manager - Dura Vermeer
Paperless era on the construction site
A printed drawing on the unwieldy A0 format on the construction site? What about digitisation? Chantal Beuwer laughs. 'Paper is indispensable on the construction site. Drawings are still printed out and unfolded on the construction site itself. Of course, those drawings are usually available on tablets or laptops, but not everyone can view them properly, the overview on a printed A0 gives more insight than zooming the drawing in and out on your tablet screen. In addition, valuable electronics are vulnerable in all kinds of weather. One day, the paperless era will also be a fact in the construction industry, but it is still a long way off.'
System integration with Cadac Connect
A fait accompli, then, that error-prone paper use, but no reason not to look for a solution. 'Actually, we have been discussing this with Dura Vermeer for more than five years,' says Ben Spreen, strategic account manager at Cadac. 'A system that automatically generates a QR code with each drawing released came up more often as an option, but development is complicated and costly. We also foresaw problems with integration with other software systems. That's why it stayed on the shelf for a long time. With the development of Cadac Connect, a platform that does link different systems, things have gained momentum. We knew it was possible and with the formal assignment from Dura Vermeer last year our engineers got to work.
The most up-to-date blueprint at your fingertips
The completion was at the beginning of May. And as with many ingenious inventions, the solution seems simple. 'There is now a QR code on every construction drawing of ours,' explains Chantal Beuwer. 'Everyone on the construction site, including our own employees as well as subcontractors and other stakeholders, can scan that code. "Green" means that they have the most current drawing in front of them, "red" means back to the site hut or their supervisor because the drawing is dated. Quite simply, yes. Immediately after commissioning, we had positive reactions from the construction site, especially because scanning is so user-friendly and easy. We conducted extensive testing with the Project Control department and the Design department, after which we instructed our quartermasters via SharePoint Online. Our quartermasters then gave instructions to everyone on the projects. I don't think there was anyone who couldn't follow it. One condition, if it's not simple, no one will work with it. '
The collaboration between Dura Vermeer and Cadac Group
Ben Spreen is happy with Chantal Beuwer's enthusiasm, but wants to say that a lot of work goes into the "simple" solution. 'Together with Dura Vermeer and one of our software partners, we have developed a system that automatically adds a QR code when you save a construction drawing in PDF. Now that is not so difficult, but there were a number of issues to be resolved. What are the triggers that let the systems know that they need to hold each other accountable? When do you want to place a QR automatically? When do you want to have a choice to place a QR code? How long can it take for the QR to be placed? Where will QR be placed? So the systems have to communicate with each other, at the right time with the right data, and we have succeeded in doing that in our new Cadac Connect system, an online platform.'
Careful data and document management
The issue of safety was also complicating, Chantal Beuwer adds. 'It is not the intention that when a QR code is read, the complete drawing is immediately visible, everyone can read the QR code, not everyone is allowed in our document management system. When reading the QR code with your phone, you will only see green or red, you cannot retrieve a new version. Our customers and suppliers also want guarantees about the careful management of data and documents. We also had requirements about where the QR code is printed on the paper. That doesn't look interesting on an A0, but it is when you fold it up to A4 size. The designers have managed to choose from six options each time. No, I understand very well that behind that "simple" QR there is a clever piece of innovation.'
Step forward in digitization and BIM
The QR code that now adorns every Dura Vermeer infra drawing not only saves costs and reduces frustration on the construction site. 'With consistent use, nobody works with dated drawings and information anymore,' says Chantal Beuwer. 'It may sound crazy because we are still talking about a code on paper drawings, but it is also a step forward in digitization and BIM. It is about data management as well as transition. Our customers and relations now see that we are leading the way with the QR code system. That we have our affairs in order with document management and that is significant when you know that large infrastructure projects easily involve more than 1,000 drawings. In construction, document management is key.'
Cadac as a partner for digital transformation
Ben Spreen is clearly proud of the project. "Of course," he says. 'As Cadac, we are the partner for the digital transformation for our customers. We help companies digitise. Developing new tools is time-consuming and costly, so you need partners who are also willing to stick their necks out. Dura Vermeer is one of those innovative partners that we have been visiting for more than 20 years. We have built a good relationship that benefits us both. We couldn't have wished for a better launching customer of the QR solution. We can now show other potential customers that it works, including with Cadac Connect.'