Pepper Construction Integrates KNAACK® DataVault(TM) with StratusVue Software for Mobile Jobsite Technology Implementation
Secure, Real-Time Data Access Significantly Improves Communications and Efficiencies on the Jobsite
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. - KNAACK announces that Pepper Construction successfully completed a mission-critical data center project for a global company headquartered in Chicago using one of their latest product innovations. The general contracting and construction management firm integrated KNAACK's recently introduced DataVault product with the project's cloud-based document management software, StratusVue, to complete the highly-successful project in less than six months.
The data center's owner had two goals: speed to market and the potential to expand. The 27,000 square-foot green field enterprise data center features 7,800 square feet of white space, a high-volume air-cooled design utilizing a 48-inch high raised access floor and a parallel redundant UPS design, and mechanical and electrical systems designed to N+1 with a Tier 3 fault tolerance. The initial phase opened with enough equipment to mirror an existing site and allowed for an estimated ten years of expansion capability.
Project Challenges: Mission Critical and Timeline Driven
To meet the deadline and collaboratively bring the project to life, the team needed a solution that would streamline communications and improve efficiencies across the jobsite. There were a lot of moving parts from both the programming and design phase to the execution phase. "We were working on an active headquarters campus, work was being done onsite every day and because of the visibility and impact of this particular project, we needed to execute the project flawlessly," said Kevin Bredeson, Director of Virtual Construction at Pepper Construction Company.
Beyond the extremely fast-paced timeline, the project had several unique challenges, including the facility's location, the high-profile importance of the project and the environment of the campus. Pepper Construction was using Building Information Modeling (BIM) on this project and wanted to leverage the technology as much as possible to create additional efficiencies. Mobility was also a key factor in selecting this solution.
Solution: Integration of KNAACK's DataVault Solution with StratusVue's Cloud-Based Software
To meet this need, Pepper Construction beta tested KNAACK's new DataVault product, designed to connect jobsite professionals to information by providing the industry's first fully protected digital plan storage solution for onsite job management. Powered by StratusVue's cloud-based document management suite, which the project was leveraging, the combination gave Pepper the ability to bring technology to the field safely and ensure the project could be managed more efficiently. It provided an opportunity to get critical, current project information within feet of where the actual work was happening. Prior to that, field superintendents would need to walk back and forth between the jobsite and trailer, often traveling 5-10 minutes each way, just to access specification needs or updates.
Right away, the Pepper Construction team began seeing value from the combined solution. Instead of spending half of the time in the project trailer, the information was accessible on the jobsite for execution. "There was a need for real-time data where the action is, but before we had struggled with how to get it there efficiently," stated Bredeson.
Impact for the Jobsite Build: Faster Access, Improved BIM Integration, Quicker Implementation
The combined KNAACK DataVault/StratusVue solution allowed Pepper to access information in real-time. It provided the confidence that the information was up-to-date on buildable plans and allowed Pepper to focus on the work vs. waiting on responses. It provided a substantial benefit for the field team and the speed to market was the driving factor in the Pepper implementation.
To maintain the aggressive schedule and to meet the needs and expectations of this high-profile customer, the combined technology solution provided a tangible outcome, resulting in a full project build in less than six months. Benefits included:
   -- Faster access to the data. By putting the information into the hands of
       the trades people working on the jobsite, the data could be viewed by
       several people on a large monitor and reports, specs, and drawing
       details could be printed as needed. This provided significant value
       versus a group of people huddled around a mobile device or traveling to
       the trailer every time there was a question.
   -- Increased confidence and reduced mistakes. Because specifications and
       drawings can change, it's critical to have access to the latest
       revisions and addendums in real-time. This eliminates the potential for
       communication errors and ensures that everyone on the jobsite is working
       from the latest designs.
   -- Improved BIM Integration. Access to their models on the jobsite was
       particularly helpful for the mechanical and electrical trades, because
       the ability to see a 3D representation of complicated configurations
       ensured better accuracy. Standing in the location where the work is
       being done helps the teams visualize it because they now had access to
       the model within the build space.
   -- Reduced wait times. On a fast-paced project, the amount of time spent
       waiting for RFI responses to be communicated to the field can be a
       significant hindrance to on-time performance. The StratusVue/KNAACK
       solution allowed superintendents to check a RFI status themselves right
       from the location of work, and to begin implementation as soon as the
       answer was confirmed - saving immeasurable time.
   -- Improved durability, security and mobility: While some contractors have
       built their own custom solutions to protect electronic equipment in the
       field, these solutions are often expensive and inadequate for proper
       jobsite use. The KNAACK DataVault product came to market at a critical
       time for Pepper Construction because it allowed for software
       integration, was mobile, rugged and built to securely withstand jobsite
       conditions. Even simple items like being able to move the DataVault
       through door frames was critical when working on such an aggressive
       timeline.
The KNAACK DataVault/StratusVue solution was used by everyone working on the jobsite--from the project managers to the superintendent to the labor field teams. The project began in July 2013 and was completed in December 2013. Bringing the combination of a technology and storage solution together, the efficiency and productivity of the Pepper Construction teams more than doubled. Previously an on-site manager would spend half of their time in-transit or in the trailer. They were now able to spend a much higher percentage of their time on the jobsite. To learn more about this successful project and the companies, visit www.wernerworldwide.com/datavaultcasestudy.
ABOUT Pepper Construction
Pepper leads the construction industry with an energy and ambition uncommon in our time. As a general contracting and construction management firm, we seek out new methods and technologies that support your vision with a practical approach, and we apply our 87 years of expertise to ensure the precision, quality and confidence that comes from working alongside a partner that's dedicated to performance.
As a family-owned and operated company, we take building personally. So in each of the broad spectrum of markets we serve, we're always looking for ways to be more responsive. Our team members are committed from preconstruction through project close-out, ensuring the most effective application of knowledge from design to construction. Because part of looking forward, is looking after what matters most--our customers and their interests. For more information, visit www.pepperconstruction.com.
ABOUT KNAACK®
KNAACK, a WernerCo brand, is the industry leader of jobsite storage equipment, including storage chests, field stations, rolling work benches and hand tool boxes. KNAACK products are designed and built to the highest standard. Well beyond traditional tool storage and security, KNAACK innovation takes jobsite protection to the next level. KNAACK products are manufactured in Crystal Lake, Illinois. For more information, visit www.knaack.com.
ABOUT StratusVue
StratusVue is a technology company that enhances collaboration and efficiency for the commercial construction environment through its fully integrated suite of cloud-based software solutions. Its state-of-the-art platform, developed specifically for the construction industry, provides role-based project and document management for all stakeholders from design through building operation. The StratusVue System is comprised of three integrated, cloud-based software solutions: BidVue - Invitation to Bid / RFP Management; PlansandSpecs - Project and Document Management; and BIMfx - BIM-enabled Closeout and Turnover to Operations. For more information, visit http://www.stratusvue.com
Media Contacts:
Marquita Kordes, Werner Co., 724-588-2000 Ext 2704; kordemr@wernerco.com
Angie Maddox, Seed Factory, 404-996-4041; angie@seedfactorymarketing.com
Source
KNAACK
Web Site: http://www.knaack.com
