With digital transformation at the core of their operations, OHLA leverages BIM and other digital construction technologies to optimize efficiency, enhance collaboration, and ensure the highest quality standards in every project. To take their processes for site documentation, progress tracking, and as-built verification to the next level, the team, led by BIM management Lead Sergio Ramírez, has implemented OpenSpace across a variety of projects.
The challenge
To document site conditions, OHLA used a mix of tools and methods such as drones for infrastructure jobs, and solutions for simple site documentation and static timelapses. These tools, while useful, lacked the versatility the company needed to support remote site management.
A key limitation OHLA faced was the ability to compare and validate as-built site conditions against the design intent—without constant site visits. Subcontractors and remote teams needed an easier way to reliably track progress without physically being on-site. Sergio and his team began searching for a more versatile and user-friendly solution that could help them streamline access to site data from anywhere.
The solution
After carefully evaluating six different vendors, OHLA chose OpenSpace for its ease of use, scalability, and native integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud and Procore. “Additionally, the ability to remotely verify as-built conditions was a game-changer for our distributed teams,” says Sergio.
OHLA first introduced OpenSpace on school projects in Ireland, where its value quickly became evident. Teams rapidly embraced the platform, prompting expansion to more projects across the region. The ease of use combined with clear value resulted in a speedy transition from implementation to cross-team adoption. “The adoption process was smooth, and we quickly realized that OpenSpace could be applied to both building and infrastructure projects,” says Sergio. “It significantly improved our ability to document and track progress in real time.” As a result, the team now conducts site captures weekly across all active projects.
“The adoption process was smooth, and we quickly realized that OpenSpace could be applied to both building and infrastructure projects,” says Sergio. “It significantly improved our ability to document and track progress in real time.”
The results
Sergio and his team were delighted with the multiple ways OpenSpace helped OHLA transform key processes and have real business impact: “OpenSpace has become an essential tool in our digital workflow.”
Reduced site travel
Subcontractors and design teams can now easily verify work remotely, considerably reducing site visits and related travel costs. “By minimizing unnecessary site visits, we’ve significantly improved project efficiency,” says Sergio.
Faster site documentation
Documenting sites has become far less time-consuming: “The time saved in documentation has allowed teams to focus more on problem-solving rather than data collection,” Sergio adds.
Enhanced coordination
Remote teams across different countries can simply log into OpenSpace to see the current site conditions in almost real time, which dramatically improves team alignment and coordination. The ability to compare the BIM model to real-world conditions in seconds has transformed how OHLA verifies work and resolves potential issues.
With OpenSpace, OHLA has found a powerful partner in its digital transformation journey—empowering distributed teams, enhancing efficiency, and redefining how work is verified across complex infrastructure and building projects. The company plans to expand its use of OpenSpace further and is excited about the product roadmap, specifically new AI-driven features.
“The time saved in documentation has allowed teams to focus more on problem-solving rather than data collection.”
