In the fast-paced world of construction, effective data management and communication are crucial for project success.
Challenge
Aldridge Electric manages electric transmission line projects for major utility providers, focusing primarily on transmission line and substation construction installation. Aldridge Electric faced significant challenges due to an inefficient spreadsheet workflow. When detailed scheduling data arrived from subcontractors, the reliance on spreadsheets made tracking construction activities cumbersome. Subcontractors submitted various KMZ files, leading to a chaotic environment where outdated files were often mixed with current data. This decentralized data system hindered the team’s ability to access accurate information, increasing the risk of delays and costly errors. As projects grew in complexity, the need for a more robust, transparent, and dynamic system became evident. Aldridge Electric required a solution that could centralize data, provide real-time updates, and facilitate seamless communication among project managers, field staff, and executives.
Partner
To address these challenges, Aldridge Electric partnered with Dawood Engineering, an Esri business partner known for its expertise in ArcGIS and innovative GIS solutions. Dawood Engineering has a strong reputation for delivering cutting-edge technology and was well-positioned to help Aldridge Electric leverage its existing ArcGIS licenses effectively.
Solution
Dawood Engineering developed a leading-edge GIS-based right-of-way (ROW) project portal tailored to Aldridge Electric’s needs. This new SaaS tool replaced the outdated spreadsheet workflow, enabling real-time map-based monitoring with dashboards. Following an eight-step Agile methodology, Dawood Engineering trained Aldridge Electric staff on how to utilize the portal effectively. The solution integrated various tools such as ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS Dashboards, ArcGIS Survey123, Arcade, and Python, transforming Aldridge Electric’s workflow into a centralized web-based platform. This allowed stakeholders to monitor progress, track construction and permitting statuses, and make informed decisions based on the latest data. The implementation of the GIS portal not only improved operational efficiency but also empowered Aldridge Electric to develop additional GIS solutions independently.
Results
The collaboration with Dawood Engineering revolutionized project management for Aldridge Electric, particularly for electric transmission line projects spanning over 100 miles in the Midwest, by optimizing previously unused GIS licensing. The introduction of a GIS portal transformed Aldridge’s Right of Way (ROW) workflow, centralizing project data into a single platform that reduced errors, improved communication, and accelerated decision-making. This real-time data access allowed for the quick identification of critical issues, thereby mitigating risks, delays, and costly overruns. The transition from outdated KMZ files to a geo-enabled workflow ensured that all team members had access to accurate project data, which improved collaboration and tracking accuracy. The ROW portal now effectively manages three projects, 220 permits, and numerous structures and parcels, providing comprehensive oversight and saving time and resources by cutting unnecessary interactions. Dawood’s training empowered Aldridge to independently utilize ArcGIS, enabling them to develop their own solutions and create tailored dashboards for various project management needs. These dashboards track essential elements, such as Business Process Identification Numbers (BPIDs), ensuring timely acquisition of properties and permits, thus preventing delays. The integration of real-time data from environmental coordinators streamlined access to critical information, enhancing safety and minimizing conflicts with property owners. The collaboration between Dawood and Aldridge through ArcGIS Online fostered a unified approach to project management, allowing both field and office teams to work from the same data, thereby addressing potential issues proactively and ensuring smooth project execution. Currently, approximately 40 users across various roles, including project management and field teams, actively utilize the GIS solution. The success of the initial implementation has led to plans for expanding GIS use within Aldridge’s estimating group.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Aldridge Electric and Dawood Engineering have established a new three-phase contract to further enhance their GIS capabilities. The first phase will focus on creating a GIS portal for Aldridge Electric’s estimating team, integrating ArcGIS Survey123 and dashboards for data input and project tracking. Subsequent phases will introduce jurisdictional data layers to track permit requirements and supplier locations, as well as a project data schema for consistent KMZ data standardization.
The success of this initiative serves as a model for other engineering and construction firms looking to enhance their operations through digital transformation.

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