Vela Systems, a developer of mobile field software for the AECO (architecture, engineering, contractor and owner) industry, today announced that Skanska USA Building is using Vela Systems installed on Tablet PCs to assist in the management and replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at Boston’s Harbor Towers, a pair of upscale, 40-story condominiums on the waterfront. Skanska is using Vela Systems to automate this process and provide greater visibility to the contractor, the owner’s representative and residents.
The Harbor Tower condominiums are the oldest and tallest residential towers in Boston. As program manager, Skanska wants to ensure that all parties are coordinated in the most expedient and cost efficient way possible so that residents are completely informed about every aspect of the HVAC installation and that work is completed to their satisfaction.
Vela Systems is the leading developer of mobile software that streamlines field administration for the AECO industry. Vela Systems’ software, which has been used on more than 300 projects from Las Vegas to Dubai, replaces the journal books and tubes of drawings traditionally used on construction sites with specialized software installed on rugged Tablet PCs. Vela Systems puts entire file cabinets of documents that were formerly stored in trailers at the fingertips of people in the field. Vela Systems’ modules accomplish specific tasks such as materials tracking, field reports, punch lists, owner walkthroughs and safety inspections. Vela Systems’ case studies demonstrate significant benefits, including project acceleration of over 30 days, reduction of over 150 days of personnel effort, and project cost savings in the millions of dollars.
With Vela Systems’ file sync, work list, owner walkthrough and customer service capabilities, workers review each unit, making notations directly on the digital floor plan displayed on the Tablet PC screen. They may also include digital photographs of rooms to clearly illustrate work issues and activities. When a work crew arrives to replace the HVAC infrastructure, the crew has access to the same document that was marked up during the walkthrough, complete with notations and images that detail the specific work path workers need to take to enter and exit, pieces of furniture they need to move and the condition to which they should restore the condominium. When the units are returned, Vela Systems is used with the occupant to manage any final work or quality items that remain. All of the information is collected electronically in the field, synchronized with a central server, and then automatically distributed to all job participants.
“Our responsibility is to the collective ownership of Harbor Towers to manage this project in as quickly and cost efficiently a way as possible,” said Ray Puskaric, project manager for Skanska. “In the past, we hired admins to collect, collate and type, which meant waiting for field information to be typed into a system. By automating the inspection and coordination process with Vela, we have saved weeks of time and significantly cut costs.”
“Our mobile software is revolutionizing how the AECO industry is getting work done,” said Tim Curran, Vela Systems’ CEO. “From automating the quality and safety inspections that take place while the job is in progress to ensuring that owners and residents are satisfied with the end-result once the job is complete, Vela Systems is bringing the power of technology into the field to save money, accelerate delivery and improve quality.”
About Skanska USA Building
Skanska USA Building Inc. is a leading national and local provider of construction, preconstruction consulting, general contracting and design-build services to a broad range of U.S. industries including life sciences, healthcare, education, high-tech, aviation, transportation and sports and entertainment. Skanska USA Building also provides pharmaceutical validation services to clients. The company, part of the Skanska AB global group of companies, is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, and has approximately 4,700 employees.
About Vela Systems, Inc.:
Vela Systems is The Leader in Field Software for the AECO Industry™. Vela Systems software streamlines and accelerates all field processes in construction and capital projects. By replacing their field notebooks with Vela software and Tablet PCs, Vela’s customers save 5-10 hours per week per user, accelerate project delivery by two days per month, capture the true Cost of Quality™ and reduce litigation risk through standardized documentation. Vela’s suite of modules includes field reports, safety inspections, work lists, punch lists, schedule updates and many other critical field activities. Industry leading architects, engineers, contractors and owners agree that Vela Systems helps them Work Faster, Collaborate Easier, and Finish Sooner™. To see how Vela’s customers are improving construction delivery from Las Vegas to Dubai, please visit www.velasystems.com or call 888.VELA.SYS.
