New ‘tool’ allows Elm to minimize input, maximize output

By Tim Rzeszutek

If you have worked with me, or read any of my previous articles, you may have a perception that I really like technology, to which I would say is not entirely accurate. Rather, I like things that add value.

One time I was going down this rabbit hole of a complex spreadsheet to analyze an investment property. I asked a pretty successful investor what they thought of this to which they said, “If you have to do crazy math on some complex spreadsheet to make an investment seem worthwhile, chances are you can find a better investment.”

This comment, along with other advice and experiences, has guided me a lot in running and managing projects. I would say these experiences have influenced what I like to think is my, “keep it simple,” type approach to managing, which are: to have a plan; communicate well; execute efficiently; and continuously learn how to do the first two better, which will only increase efficiency and value will inherently be created.

So, after trying to convince you above that I’m not a tech guy, I’m going to tell you about some new technology we have invested in that helps improve our planning and communication. The platform is called Matterport. You may have heard of this if you recently purchased a home. A lot of realtors are creating what is known as “Matterport Spaces” to allow potential buyers to complete virtual tours. The platform is extremely easy to use. The data collection and upload to create the space is fast. Finally, sharing of the space is just a few clicks of a mouse, which falls right in line with my “keep it simple” mantra.

Now, I have you wondering: how does this apply to what we do? Well, that’s quite simple. The best planning and communication usually happen in person, onsite, walking the job. I believe in this hands down and I’m not quite sure Matterport or anything else might ever change that. I do believe if I can walk five times as many jobsites a week with our crews virtually, with only sacrificing some of the actual benefits of being in that location physically, then I minimized my input while maximizing my output. I can think of a handful of other benefits to this, but instead of rambling on in an article that might already be too long, I suggest you reach out to Annie Brozini or myself to get our thoughts.

Currently, we have a project we scanned for Subcom in Newington, NH. This customer is building a new room for an existing production line to be moved to and wanted to minimize the effort of creating an as-built of what they had while maximizing the field crew team’s ability of reassembling in this new area. Adam Norcross knew we had some tools that could probably aid in accomplishing this, and after a site visit and review of the clients needs we determined that a laser scan of the facility in addition of a Matterport scan was probably their best approach to seeing this move successfully.

The laser-point scan will allow us to create a layout file for the use with our total station. The Matterport scan aided Annie in confirming equipment location in the point cloud file and layout file creation. The Matterport file has also been shared with our electrical team and Subcom’s other subcontractors responsible for the machine move so they can reference this to confirm previous connections and layout details. Relocation of this line is planned for Q3 of this year.

If you interested in viewing a Matterport Space, follow the link below to discover sample spaces. If you’re interested in learning more about its benefits, you can follow the link to their website. As always, if you have any questions track me down through email, my cell, or at the shop. I always love talking about value!

Matterport Discovery Spaces: Matterport Discover

Matterport Website: Capture, share, and collaborate the built world in immersive 3D (matterport.com)