The benefits of 3D laser scanning for construction are becoming more and more apparent. This technology is saving money, simplifying model and layout design, and speeding up the time it takes to complete projects.
As with all innovations however, laser scanning comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why it is critical to keep these best practices in mind as you adopt this technology for your construction business:
Ensure your IT infrastructure can handle the technology
Laser scanners range in price from $3,000 to $300,000 dollars, so they aren’t cheap. Beyond the cost of the initial hardware and software, you may need to upgrade your existing software and applications, servers and data storage, and even your PCs, laptops and tablets.
Shop around and before you commit to a product, ensure you are well aware of all the hidden and unexpected costs that can pop up.
Invest in employee training
The fanciest technology in the world won’t mean a thing if your employees don’t know how to use it. Training can’t be some quick, on-the-job session either. 3D scanners are highly sophisticated pieces of technology, and you need to provide significant training.
Experts suggest designating one team of employees who become experts in laser scanning, as well as training a back-up team who can step in if the workload becomes too much.
Show employees the value of the technology
As the business owner who has done the research, you may be fully aware of how 3D laser scanning technology can drastically improve how you operate. That doesn’t mean your employees will feel the same way however. Some may resent that they are expected to learn something new for a system that wasn’t broken to begin with. Others may just be resistant to change. Others may fear they are being replaced by technology.
During your training sessions, make the benefits of using 3D laser scanning clear to increase your crew’s buy-in, and their commitment to learning how to use it.
Plan and prepare
Once you have the new technology in place and your employees up to speed, you need to create a strategy for how you will use your laser scanner for each project. Fully understand the space you are scanning, know the deliverables your customer expects, and evaluate your time line. Don’t force it just because you have the technology. Use it when it will save you time and money or help you better meet your customer’s needs.
Collect more data than you think you will need
It makes much more sense to collect everything you need—or think you might need—at once, when you have the equipment set up and ready to go. You don’t want to be forced to go back and complete additional scans to capture all the data you need. When it comes to laser scanning, more is usually better.
3D laser scanners can change how you operate your construction business, but they are only as good as the people using them. Investing upfront in overhauling your IT infrastructure and training employees will allow you to maximize the benefits of laser scanning technology.