How Time Lapse Equipment Can Help Your Construction Project

Watching experts build something from scratch has always been a fascinating process. That’s what makes construction projects so captivating. With so many people cooperating, there’s something intriguing about everyone getting involved in each step of the process. Recognizing the appeal of a behind-the-scenes look, innovators and project managers have turned to time-lapse technology to capture the intricacies of construction projects. If you’re interested in this technology, you can find out more about manufacturers in the construction industry that specializes in time-lapse equipment. This technology goes beyond merely capturing shots and recording clips of the construction process; it provides a comprehensive view of every detail.

However, time-lapse technology offers more than just visual appeal. It serves several crucial functions in a construction project, starting with:

1. Monitors Progress

Projects must meet deadlines to avoid client dissatisfaction. With timelapse equipment set up on-site, it records all construction activities, providing a comprehensive view of the project’s progress. The footage from your timelapse equipment provides an overview of everything. Some believe that surveillance cameras aren’t any different. But considering they’re positioned at out-of-the-way spots with fixed angles, only a portion of the site can be captured unless multiple cameras are installed everywhere. Timelapse equipment can be repositioned to capture different perspectives or areas of the construction project.  All you have to do is inform the contractor to reposition it if it’s in the way.

Example: In the construction of this building, time-lapse technology was used to monitor the progress of the project. The project manager was able to identify a delay in the delivery of materials and quickly rectify the situation, ensuring the project stayed on schedule.

2. Serves As A Detailed Guide

Planning for a construction project takes extensive time and preparation. In fact, many factors contribute to its completion, from the construction team to the materials used. But new hires might be assigned to new projects. Even if they underwent training, human error is inevitable, especially with their lack of experience. Timelapse equipment records the step-by-step process of previous projects, serving as a reference for new workers. There’s no need to rely on discussions when trainers have thorough visual materials to show them.

Example: A construction company used time-lapse footage from a previous project as a training tool for new hires. This visual guide helped the new workers understand the process more effectively than traditional training methods.

3. Identifies Danger Zones

Construction projects come with inherent dangers. With massive construction equipment and unpredictable environments, anything can happen. Identifying everything might be challenging, given how many issues are often found at the site. And the more unstable the site is, the more the project gets pushed back. Undoubtedly, everyone’s safety on-site must be prioritized. Timelapse equipment records everything, helping pinpoint risks and weak points. On top of that, it runs in real-time, giving the opportunity to tackle these issues proactively instead of waiting for an incident to happen first. Thus, it reduces any delays in the schedule.

Example: During the construction of a bridge, time-lapse technology identified a potential landslide risk in one area of the site. This early detection allowed the team to reinforce the area, preventing any accidents.

4. Shows Off Milestones

Showing only the finished product is a worn-out marketing strategy. That’s one of the challenges marketing teams must overcome. What they tend to look for is a connection to resonate with. A finished build doesn’t possess that since it’s already perfectly polished. But presenting the complete construction process will take too long—not to mention how long it’ll take to edit it into manageable documentation. Time-lapsing enables the presentation of the complete construction process in a few minutes, showcasing highlights during construction.

Example: A construction building used time-lapse footage to showcase the construction of a landmark building from start to finish. This footage was used in their marketing materials, providing a unique selling point for their services.

5. Avoids Unease

Like surveillance cameras, it’s easy to forget there’s timelapse equipment set up, especially in a busy environment like a construction site. All you have to do is position the equipment where it gets a full shot of the site, and everything’s good. Workers can only be reminded it exists when they’re supposed to move it out of the way.

6. Reduces Costs

Hiring professionals to handle documentation takes up some percentage of the budget. Because aside from capturing shots and video footage, they’re responsible for editing. Meanwhile, timelapse equipment already enables you to speed up the recordings. Thus, it’s much more efficient.

Example: A cost analysis showed that by using time-lapse technology, a construction company saved 20% on documentation costs compared to previous projects where professional photographers were hired.

7. Builds Trust

Transparency is a must for relationships, whether in a professional setting or personal. Since the workers and managers are the only ones at the scene, the client might struggle to grasp what’s happening. They only rely on what little they can see whenever they visit or the status reports submitted. Through timelapse, they can stay in the loop and know what to expect under your management.

Example: One client of a construction company expressed appreciation for the transparency provided by time-lapse footage, stating that it gave them a better understanding of the construction process and increased their confidence in the company.

Takeaway

Construction projects, while lengthy and complex, are also fascinating endeavors that showcase the power of collaboration and innovation. However, ensuring their smooth execution can be a challenge, requiring not just hard work but also the willingness to evolve and adapt to new methods. Using time-lapse technology is a great addition to the project. Because aside from monitoring progress, it even showcases highlights for marketing purposes. It also serves as a compelling visual record, capturing the project’s evolution from start to finish and highlighting key milestones. By embracing this technology, we can meet the challenges of construction projects head-on, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and success.