The power of reality capture for mechanical contractors

As reality capture technology advances, it continues to transform the construction industry—with mechanical contractors set to gain substantial benefits. By providing accurate, up-to-date digital replicas of construction sites, reality capture is helping mechanical contractors improve coordination, reduce risk, and increase efficiency.

Reality capture in a nutshell

Reality capture is the process of creating a digital model of a physical space, and can be done using a variety of technologies, including 360° cameras, laser scanners, and drones. The data collected by these devices is then processed to create a 3D model or other digital representation of the space.

Key benefits of reality capture technology for mechanical contractors

Mechanical construction is a complex and challenging field. Contractors are responsible for installing a wide range of systems, including HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical. 

These systems must be installed correctly and on time to avoid costly delays. Reality capture delivers a visual record of your build through time, helping mechanical contractors stay on top of progress and improve their project outcomes. Here are top examples:

• Reduce risk: Reality capture provides a complete, as-built record of the building which can be used to verify work-in-place, track progress, and resolve disputes. Armed with this documentation, mechanical contractors can reduce risk and avoid costly litigation.
• Improve coordination: Mechanical systems need to be coordinated with other trades, such as electrical and plumbing. OpenSpace reality capture can help ensure that all trades are working from the same up-to-date information, which can prevent clashes and rework.
• Increase efficiency: Reality capture can automate many tasks that are traditionally done manually, such as progress tracking and punch list creation. That means mechanical contractors have more time to focus on other important tasks. Reality capture also streamlines field-to-office communication by enabling team members to report on-site issues in a matter of seconds.

Reality capture use cases

Knowing what’s happening on a project is critical for success, and reality capture delivers image-rich documentation mechanical contractors can count on to stay informed and on track. Here are a few of the most important use cases for reality capture solutions like OpenSpace:

• Pre-construction planning: You can use reality capture to document existing buildings to help plan new construction or renovation projects. Mechanical contractors can virtually navigate the site to identify potential problems early on and avoid costly rework.
• Progress tracking: Reality capture solutions enable you to track project progress with anytime, anywhere access to your site. And by comparing as-built images from two points in time, mechanical contractors can see how the project is progressing and identify any potential delays.
• Quality control: Reality capture can help manage quality control by creating backup documentation you can use to reference in an inspection—on-site or virtually. Also, with side-by-side comparisons of as-built images to BIM models, mechanical contractors can identify any discrepancies and ensure that the work is being done to the required standards.
• As-built documentation: When you use reality capture to document your site, you can use that data to create as-built documentation of completed projects—helpful to reference for facility management and future renovations.

Choosing the right reality capture solution

Like any technology product, it’s important to choose the reality capture platform that meets your needs. When researching a solution, here are some key factors to consider:

• Ease of use and processing speed: If your teams find a technology difficult to use, it’s likely to “sit on the shelf.” Look for a platform that’s simple to implement and easy to use, even for those who aren’t tech savvy. OpenSpace delivers unmatched ease of use and processing time—users can view their images mapped to product plans in 15 minutes on average.
• Reliability: It’s important to be able to count on your reality capture platform to work consistently and deliver accurate data. Make sure your solution does what you need and does it well. OpenSpace has very little downtime and it works as expected.
• Cost: When looking at cost, be sure to look at the cost of training and support in your comparisons. OpenSpace takes a flexible approach to calculating subscription prices, based on the products needed and construction volume. As part of our pricing, We also offer discounts for bundling products and higher construction volume. As far as support, OpenSpace has 24×6 support lines, advice in an online support portal, and free on-demand classes in OpenSpace Academy.
• Integrations: Determine if your reality capture solution integrates with other software you use. For example, OpenSpace integrates with other construction management software like Procore, PlanGrid, Revizto, and BIM 360.

OpenSpace: A Leading Reality Capture Solution for Mechanical Contractors

OpenSpace is a powerful reality capture platform tailored for Mechanical Contractors in construction. So, what exactly is OpenSpace? It’s a cloud-based platform that simplifies capturing, analyzing, and acting on jobsite data—all while being affordable, user-friendly, and highly accurate. With features like BIM Compare and Split View, Mechanical Contractors can easily compare 3D models to design plans, streamlining workflows, enhancing coordination, and reducing risk. 

Reality capture with OpenSpace helps Mechanical Contractors save time, reduce costs, and improve project quality. Interested in a personalized demo? Click here to learn more!