A national engineering magazine recently published an article entitled “Virtual Reality at the Intersection of As-built and Design” that focused on new innovations and technologies being introduced to the construction industry. The article highlights the use of powerful tablets, wireless communications, gaming technology, laser scanners and efficient data-processing algorithms to enhance precision construction. This is exciting as we are beginning to see movement again in the South Florida healthcare market in relation to new construction and renovations.The use of innovative tools and approaches can change the landscape of design and construction and allow for much higher expectations when it comes to the increasing need for projects to be both cost and schedule driven. With this in mind, it is imperative for South Florida contractors to be able to present their clients with ongoing proven innovative solutions.
Despite the recent economic challenges that engulfed our industry and nation, Suffolk Construction never stopped investing and believing in technology. But, rather than simply placing our bets on the technology “flavor of the month” or mandating the use of the next killer app, we took a much different approach. We engaged our employees and provided the necessary tools and platforms they needed to channel their own creativity and problem-solving skills, both in the office and on our project sites. These new ideas allowed our team members to better service their clients and also play the role of “innovation ambassadors” across the company. We made believers out of them, and they made believers out of everyone else. Soon enough, the floodgates of innovation opened up, and a contagious and organic spirit of creativity consumed our entire organization. The results have been nothing short of spectacular. Better yet, by nurturing an “innovation culture” at Suffolk, we were able to create a working environment that will not only spawn the next big idea, but will also help us evolve, anticipate change and create opportunities for sustainable growth and success.
Some of the many advanced technologies our trained professionals use include our On-Trac Project Center and SAFEtrac Safety Program. On-Trac is a proprietary customized online project site that electronically manages the flow of project plans and documentation. Team members have 24/7 access to the most current project information resulting in elimination of redundancy often found in many project websites. Features of this tool include added security, file update alerts and the ability to open files directly from the site with no downloading necessary. Our field management utilizes this tool via their iOS systems; company provided iPads and iPhones, further increasing the efficiency of document flow by immediately posting documents for review. This also eliminates printing and courier expenses, thus saving a great deal of money and time.To ensure that we maintain the highest of safety standards, Suffolk utilizes SAFEtrac – a safety inspection and analysis program accessed in the field also using our field teams’ iOS systems. This tool assists our safety team in predicting and preventing worker injuries while improving quality and productivity.
SAFEtrac is administered on every project and is distinguished by the quality and frequency of measurements built into the system. Our proven system works because we do not leave any aspect of project safety to chance. Predictive Solutions is a database of safety observations populated by safety managers, project managers, superintendents, and other field staff. The software organizes all observations and creates targeted reports on areas such as safety compliance, job site safety, subcontractor safety programs, sector-specific safety issues, and other areas. Predictive Solutions serves as a “Safety Net” by identifying hazards and unsafe trends before they become accidents. By identifying leading safety issues and indicators, the observations stored in the database help Suffolk identify specific areas for improvement and set benchmarks to improve best practices.
As a proven South Florida construction management firm, we acknowledge that as the market continues to turn itself around, there will be a continued need to find ways to transform the construction experience for our clients, and we are dedicated to continuously finding those innovative means.
