Exocore
Custom-built construction data acquisition and valorization platform, using the latest tech stack, enabling the collection and utilization of construction metrics for improving quality, planning, and operations.
Client Overview
The client is based in Canada and is in the construction sector. It offers end-to-end support to help meet the client's goals in construction projects. The construction data and metrics the business provides to its clients help improve construction quality, planning, and operations. They wanted to build a dedicated cutting-edge construction project management platform to streamline their service.
Client Requirement
The aim was to integrate a custom-built platform that could centralize data, automate processes, and provide real-time insights using the latest tools. The platform would serve as a solution to the client's issues .
-
Data fragmentation
As business grew, our client had to engage more human resources to process a large amount of data generated by various stakeholders (contractors, subcontractors, suppliers). Often these data came from separate systems or formats, creating silos hindering effective communication and collaboration. All this affected delivery and decision-making.
-
Data quality and scalability
Quality suffered as data volume increased and in the absence of a centralized data management platform. As a result, there were significant project delays, rework issues, and missed opportunities.
-
Compliance and reporting
Ensuring regulatory compliance and generating accurate reports is a time-consuming process that can be error-prone without a centralized and automated platform.
Challenges
The Proquantic team was mandated to design a one-stop, simple, yet robust solution for all construction data needs. The aim was to create a construction project management software solution that helped businesses achieve cost and time savings. Every construction touchpoint, from design to operation, had to be mapped for seamless performance and 360-degree service delivery.
Working on a stringent deadline, our developers and managers had to develop a fair understanding of the construction industry. Apart from the above challenges, we faced some critical technical roadblocks, which are listed below.
-
Data Standardization
With data coming from numerous sources in varying formats, creating a standardized and interoperable data structure was a significant hurdle.
-
Multiple Stakeholders
We often had to interact with multiple stakeholders, including contractors, engineers, and clients, with diverse requirements. It was challenging to satisfy these needs and create a user-friendly platform.
-
Real-time Data Processing
Handling and processing large volumes of real-time data without latency, ensuring up-to-date information for decision-making.
-
Security and Compliance
Ensuring the security of sensitive construction data and compliance with industry standards.
Solutions
Using the ASP.NET Zero framework, we developed a robust platform with .Net Core, MVC, jQuery, and SQL Server. The platform is powered by Microsoft Azure Cloud Services .
| Technology Layer | Technology Used |
| Framework | ASP.NET Zero |
| Backend | .Net Core |
| Frontend | jQuery |
| Database | SQL Server |
| Cloud | Microsoft Azure Cloud Services |
Let’s break down our approach to this project.
-
Custom Software Development
- Backend: Created a scalable, secure backend infrastructure using .Net Core.
- Frontend: Developed an intuitive and responsive user interface with MVC and jQuery.
- Database: Implemented a robust SQL Server database for efficient data management.
-
Tackling Core Challenges
- Tackling Core Challenges: Developed a custom ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipeline. It helped us to normalize diverse data formats, ensuring consistency and reliability across the platform.
- Real-time Data Processing: Leveraged in-memory data grids to handle large volumes of real-time data, enabling rapid processing and real-time analytics.
- Security Measures: Implemented advanced encryption techniques and compliance checks to protect sensitive data and ensure adherence to industry regulations
-
Feature Implementation
- Integrated Viewer: Developed a sophisticated 3D model and point cloud viewer to visualize construction data.
- Workflow Automation: Automated closure workflows and flexible approval processes to streamline operations.
- BIM Integration: Enabled seamless scan-to-BIM functionality for accurate building information modeling.
-
Multiple Stakeholders
The delivered platform consisted of the following features listed here
- Closure Workflow
- Drawing Markups
- Store 2D/3D Data
- 3D Model and Pointcloud Viewer
- Deliverable Workflow
- Flexible Workflow Approval
- Project Deliverable Print Out
- Scan to BIM
- Market Integration Roadmap
- Warranty Follow-Up
- Project Isolated Data
- Equipment Management
- Building Events
- Maintenance
- Inventory
- Warranty Management
- Building Systems
Results
The delivered platform served as a single source of truth, integrating data from various sources and making it accessible to all stakeholders. Our custom solution significantly enhanced the client’s construction data management capabilities, resulting in:
- Operational Efficiency: Data collection and reporting were automated, significantly reducing manual effort and minimizing errors for the client. With streamlined workflows, productivity increased by 45%.
-
Data Accuracy: Advanced analytics features helped the client make data-driven decisions and simplified project management. Improved data accuracy and reliability led to desired project outcomes.
-
Security and Compliance: Enhanced data security and compliance with industry standards, building trust among stakeholders.
-
Sales and Adoption: A 35% increase in platform adoption among construction teams and a 40% rise in sales of the client’s services.
Final Thoughts
The solution brought proven benefits for our client by transforming their data acquisition and valuation processes. It's easy to use and delivers on its promise. The client now has more time to focus on improving construction quality and planning.