Spotlight on technology: introducing the Trimble MX7®
Efficiency is the name of the game
In an age where time is of the essence, and the success of a project often relies on how quickly and effectively a business can respond to the needs of a client, organisations need to be one step ahead of the game if they are to remain competitive. That’s why at Complete Utilities we’re constantly reviewing our processes to ensure that the services we provide are being carried out by the most efficient means. We are always looking for ways to improve how we do things, and that’s why we prioritise investment in resources which help us provide a better service to our customers.
We knew that if we wanted to deliver clients’ projects more quickly, then we needed to speed up the manual survey process without compromising on accuracy. Traditional surveying is a slow and dangerous activity due to the manual, human element, which is why we turned to technology to provide a safer and more efficient solution: enter the Trimble MX7®.
Mapping the future
The Trimble MX7® is a mobile mapping system used to capture precisely positioned street-level imagery. Vehicle-mounted and designed to obtain high volumes of information while travelling in normal driving conditions, the Trimble MX7® enables fast and productive capture of road, infrastructure, and city environmental data.
Using inertial referencing and global navigation satellite system (GNSS), the MX7’s six five-megapixel cameras, can capture up to 30-megapixel 360° panoramas. The high-quality accurate imaging is ideal for use in projects requiring comprehensive surveying. Not only is the process faster and more efficient but because it uses live mapping it is also more accurate, meaning we can effectively plan excavations, monitor progress, anticipate challenges, and find solutions before problems arise.
Once captured, the data is processed and uploaded to a portal with an OS MasterMap and merged with the client’s design. From this point, the feasibility of the design is assessed, and changes recommended if necessary. A schedule of works programme is then created within the portal, and a breakdown of material quantities and costs allocated to each activity.
The key to collaboration
Accessible to stakeholders from within and outside the business, clients can be assured of complete transparency as they view works’ planning, programming, and progress. Full visibility of the relevant data improves communication between project managers, operations, and logistics teams, and enables collaboration with other interested parties such as local authorities, highways agencies, resident liaisons, and cross-project planners.
The portal can show clients detailed geolocated surface type excavation cost proposals and provide justification for the proposals. And because we let nothing stand in the way of successful project completion, we’re also able to use the Trimble technology to identify potential risks (environmental; health and safety; economical; quality and compliance). Since we can use the Trimble MX7® to capture imagery of entire sites prior to commencement of works, this means we’re fully prepared and able to provide defence against illegitimate claims of damage during projects. On project completion, a detailed map of geolocated installation routes combined with geolocated imaging is recorded to meet auditing requirements.
The need for speed
With the Trimble MX7® we can survey up to 50,000 metres of geolocated street-level imagery per operational day, reducing our average network survey time by around 92 – 96%. In turn this reduces our average tender submission period by approximately 53% - particularly beneficial with projects that are especially disruptive or time-sensitive.
“Efficiency has always been a top factor of carrying out a successful county-wide Telecoms scheme” says Lewis Foulkes, Design and Survey Manager. “We’ve now been catapulted into the 21st century of the surveying world with the introduction of the Trimble MX7® and the portal that KMATIC have developed with us. The automation of the processes that don’t require any judgment, was very important to delivering time sensitive projects for our clients. The 360 imaging gives transparency of the task involved for all stakeholders of a project. This transparency aids effective project decisions across all facets of the scheme. We are looking forward to the next stage in KPortal’s development to bring geolocated information to our Operations to drive efficiency to the most profit-potential area of the business.”
The Trimble MX7® is a valuable addition to the growing range of specialist tools we have invested in at Complete Utilities, and its technology is intrinsic to the services that we can provide our clients. Combined with our extensive range of plant equipment, the Trimble MX7® means that nothing can stand in the way of us delivering a professional and reliable service.