Trying to manage multiple construction projects in different regions and states is a challenge that most project managers know all too well. The problem is – project managers can’t be in two places at once, and a lack of visibility can lead to major problems. Security incidents, contractor no-shows, bad weather and safety protocol violations can all cause projects to go over budget and off-schedule, and without being physically present these issues can be impossible to manage.
THE NEED: MORE REAL-TIME VISIBILITY, LESS TRAVEL
Today’s firms are turning to construction cameras to help solve these challenges. Construction cameras can help project managers, GCs and owners gain real-time visibility across all of their jobsites from the convenience of their phones or tablet. Eliminating the need for frequent travel to various jobsites — saving the firm time and money.
When, MAPP, LLC was selected as the general contractor for the Liberation Pavilion, the final installment in the expansion of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA – they immediately knew they needed a camera that would provide them with total jobsite visibility.
The Liberation Pavillion is a six-story structure that explores the closing months of the war and immediate postwar years, concluding with an explanation of links to our lives today. The first floor, Liberation, provides visitors with opportunities to contemplate the joys, costs and meaning of liberation and freedom. The second and third levels focus on what the war means today, with exhibits developed through the lens of democracy and freedom. The first floor and parade grounds were completed in November 2022, just in time for Veterans Day and to kick off the first-ever Expressions of America experience.
The Expressions of America will be a permanent event at The National World War II Museum, launching on Veterans Day 2022 and consisting of a nighttime sound and light experience immersing audiences in reflections of World War II veterans.
FIRST STEP: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMERA FOR THE JOB
Before the project began, MAPP’s Director of Technology, Clayton Samson, decided to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the construction camera solutions available on the market.
MAPP provides preconstruction and construction services for commercial construction projects including retail, office, industrial, warehouse and distribution, hospitality, healthcare, banking and interiors. With more than 25 years under its collective tool belt, MAPP continues to forge ahead, building daily on its roster of successful projects and repeat clients.
But selecting a construction camera solution was no easy task. With so many options and vendors, it can be time-consuming trying to find the right camera to meet your needs. Luckily, after a quick consultation with TrueLook, Clayton felt confident that TrueLook’s Solar-Powered PTZ Camera checked all the boxes.
NEXT: THE PAINLESS INSTALL
One of the factors that influenced Clayton to choose TrueLook – was the ‘plug-and-play’ installation process and a variety of mounting options. The TrueLook camera arrived already pre-assembled and ready to mount. After the camera and solar panels were in place, the camera came online automatically and MAPP began capturing progress on the Liberation Pavilion beginning in December 2020.
When Clayton was asked about his favorite features of the TrueLook camera, he said “The durability and flexibility of the camera enabled us to capture the entire jobsite without interruption. The solar panels kept the camera running consistently, even during cloudy weather and at night.”
THE RESULT: TOTAL JOBSITE VISIBILITY FOR ALL
Once the cameras were online Clayton could see his jobsite in real time from the convenience of his mobile devices – enabling his team to check on weather conditions, deliveries, progress and more from anywhere. He also utilized the cameras to capture daily photos of the jobsite for documentation and a final time-lapse video of the project for marketing purposes.
Most firms overlook that jobsite cameras present an extremely cost-effective opportunity for creating marketing materials that pop. With a construction camera, you have instant access to high-quality photos and video footage at any time.
Clayton, commented, “TrueLook’s Camera and platform made our lives easier – we knew our site was secure and our camera was capturing photos and video for documentation and marketing materials.”
