INDUSTRY BLOG

From Paper to Progress with GIS-Powered Construction Management

UtiliSource is an end-to-end, turn-key products and solutions provider, transforming client challenges into field-first solutions.

Challenge

UtiliSource faced significant operational challenges. The billing process was notably lengthy, often taking up to four weeks to complete, which hindered cash flow and delayed payments to subcontractors. Real-time tracking of construction progress was difficult, leading to inefficiencies in managing restoration tasks and related issues. The reliance on paper-based processes resulted in inconsistent data collection from field crews, complicating the comparison of billing units to actual construction progress. These challenges underscored the urgent need for a streamlined and efficient system to enhance operational effectiveness.

Partner

GEOGRAPH Technologies LLC, an Esri Gold partner, was instrumental in the development of UtiliSource’s BuildSource system. Leveraging CrescentLink, their end-to-end software solution, GEOGRAPH was able to customize maps and create a comprehensive management and visualization tool specifically designed for fiber optic networks.

Solution

To address the identified challenges, UtiliSource developed a GIS-based construction management system named “BuildSource,” powered by CrescentLink and Esri technology. By organizing telecom data effectively, the solution facilitated the creation of tailored maps that provided clear representations of network status. This integration significantly improved workflows, enhancing network tracking, project accuracy, and overall operational efficiency. This innovative solution integrates a robust tech stack, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and various tools such as ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Dashboards, and Web Maps. BuildSource offers real-time updates on construction progress, billing, and cleanup tasks, thereby enhancing overall efficiency. Construction crews utilize ArcGIS Field Maps to collect field data directly from mobile devices, ensuring that equipment placement, project metrics, and progress are updated in real-time. This data is automatically synced to a dashboard, providing management with clear visibility into project status, costs, timelines, and issue tracking. Additionally, the system automates billing processes, generating weekly reports based on field data, and can be offered as a service to other companies utilizing CrescentLink data.

Results

The implementation of BuildSource yielded significant improvements across UtiliSource’s operations. The billing cycle was reduced from four weeks to a streamlined weekly process, greatly enhancing cash flow. Real-time updates improved project visibility and communication, making the management of restoration processes more efficient. The accuracy of billing and construction data saw a remarkable increase, with only a 1.5% discrepancy between billed and engineering data.

Furthermore, the system enabled real-time edits back to the engineering team, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of project information. Overall, the transition from paper-based processes to a digital solution not only improved accountability and visibility in the field but also laid the groundwork for further integration of GIS technology into the construction industry, enhancing workflows and operational efficiency across multiple projects.

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About the author

Esri AEC

The AEC Team, part of Esri's Industry Solutions marketing department, shares GIS news, trends, and technology updates for architecture, engineering, construction, environmental consulting and survey professionals in multiple industries. The team works with colleagues across Esri divisions (solutions, professional services, product and more) to provide the best support for our customers and partners.

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