14 | Digital tools aid efficiency OpenSpace is helping wider project delivery teams view construction progress, check work quality, and resolve issues. Kalmar Construction T T Kelly Deeks REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Digital technology is helping Kalmar Construction save time and travel costs, improve quality assurance, and give clients and consultants a detailed, timestamped, visual record of construction work as it progresses, with benefits extending from faster decision-making to resolving disputes. Kalmar Construction commercial manager Thomas van Roekel has been named a finalist in the Digital Technology category of the 2026 Building People Awards for using digital tools to make construction projects more efficient, including Metlifecare’s Oakridge Retirement Village in Kerikeri. His use of OpenSpace, an AI-powered visual capture platform, is helping wider project delivery teams view construction progress, check work quality, and resolve issues without having to travel to site. Thomas describes OpenSpace as Google Maps for construction, allowing people to virtually walk through a building using regularly captured 360-degree site images. “We do that one or two times a week, and you can walk through a construction project without the need to be on site,” he says. The technology has been particularly useful on the Kerikeri project, which involves consultants working from different parts of the country. Instead of travelling to the site for meetings or to resolve issues, Kalmar can share visual information remotely of what is happening as construction progresses. That reduces travel time and associated costs, while also cutting carbon emissions and allowing decisions to be made more quickly. Thomas says the system has benefits beyond project meetings, providing a practical tool for quality assurance and helping teams identify whether work has been completed correctly without needing to inspect every detail in person. 525 Mt Wellington Highway, Mt Wellington | 2 Jomac Place, Avondale | 1 Shakespeare Road, Milford 09 588 4045 - www.kitchenmania.co.nz KITCHENS BUILT TO LAST - DESIGN. QUALITY. INSPIRATION • PAPERHANGING • WATERBLASTING • SPRAY TEXTURE • ANTI GRAFFITI • SPECIALIST FINISHES • WATERPROOFING • FIREPROOF COATINGS • ZOLATONE APPLICATION • TRADESMAN QUALITY • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE PAINT APPLICATION SPECIALISTS WITH COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & DOMESTIC PROJECTS DECORATING LTD 09 438 5337 admin@mcnabbdecorating.co.nz 2024/25 GOLD Site images are captured as part of the team’s regular activities, then organised into a visual record that can be revisited as the project develops. Time stamps allow users to compare different stages of construction and see how work has progressed. “It is extremely powerful being able to provide detailed, accurate information,” Thomas says. Kalmar introduced the technology across the company, training staff to use it and incorporating the different skills and experience within its teams. “Digital tools are only as good as their users. This is where we can add value to our company and to the people we work with.” As commercial manager, Thomas sees particular value in having a reliable record when problems arise. The visual history can help teams understand what happened, investigate issues, and establish how to move forward. It can also be useful when dealing with insurers or resolving disputes, where accurate, time-stamped information provides a clearer account of events on site. The benefits extend to consultants and clients, who can access detailed project information without repeatedly travelling between sites. Kalmar has built a reputation around providing value for its clients and securing repeat business. Thomas sees digital tools as another way to deliver that value, improving the flow of information while helping projects run more efficiently. The technology has applications across construction, from project delivery and quality assurance to health and safety and business operations. “Having accurate information available in real time is particularly valuable in construction, where delays cost money and clear communication can help keep work moving.” Thomas van Roekel. The power of the written word. New Zealand Business News, delivered to you.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=