Today’s construction sites are changing—and COP is one of the companies leading the way with Technology in Construction. From GPS-controlled equipment to pipe lasers, drones, tablets, and specialized apps, we utilize the latest technology to manage every aspect of our construction projects from bidding to completion.
By utilizing many of the technologies that we use in our personal lives on the job site, COP has gained many advantages. Our teams have the latest equipment that keeps them connected with each other in the field and makes their jobs easier—all leading to greater efficiency, higher quality, enhanced safety, and increased collaboration.
Some of the innovative tools and equipment we use include:
GPS systems. The addition of GPS systems to COP’s equipment fleet has resulted in greater efficiency and allowed operators to have a greater understanding of the entire project. Using GPS on excavators, blades, and dozers gives operators more control and allows them to be more productive. With GPS, project information is being loaded directly into the machine that is being used. This information allows the operator to see—in real time— what needs to be completed, minimizing the need for multiple people to be monitoring the task.
GPS also allows project changes and troubleshooting to be completed remotely from COP’s main office. This not only helps with efficiency, but is a great safety enhancement as well, as potential issues can be resolved before they occur.
Drones. We use a DJI Air 2S drone in both Utah and Montana to record conditions at the construction site throughout every phase of a project. Prior to starting a project, we record pre-work conditions at the site, allowing us to identify potential risks to our crews and the property owners. Once construction has commenced, drones allow us to record progress throughout the duration of the project. Finally, we use the drone to get aerial photos of the completed project.
Cloud-based technology—tablets and apps. Devices that utilize cloud-based technology have contributed to increased efficiency and collaboration for COP. Employing tablets that utilize many different apps (e.g., Tyfoom, Field Time, Microsoft OneDrive, and Bluebeam) has enhanced communication between the office and the field and has enabled us to produce quality documentation in a very efficient manner.
All of our Project Managers, Superintendents, Project Engineers, and General Foremen use iPads for taking notes, photos, and videos as well as for reviewing drawings, completing daily reports, performing job safety analysis, and fulfilling other daily tasks. With Tyfoom, a training and communication app, we can reach workers in the field at any time to share pertinent information and documents that keeps them up to date on any and all developments.
With these devices and software, field personnel have access to all project documents in one central location. This allows them to review plans, specs, submittals, purchase agreements, and subcontracts while also enabling them to keep proper documentation of the project.
Keeping pace with innovations and utilizing advanced technology has kept COP on the leading edge of the construction industry. Employing the latest technology in COP’s day-to-day operations has resulted in a faster, simpler, safer, and more productive work environment—and more satisfied employees!
