CASE STUDY

Polk Mechanical transforms
info@openspace.ai
openspace.ai

adoption of BIM in the field withOpenSpace BIM+

Polk is a leading mechanical contractor in Texas with over two decades of industry expertise and renowned for
fostering strong partnerships and delivering high-performance results. As part of a commitment to introducing
new techniques and tools in the mechanical services industry that make the company and its employees stronger,
Polk recently partnered with OpenSpace on the development of a new product aimed to improve office and fieldcoordination with building information modeling (BIM).

The challenge
Much of Polk’s construction uses BIM, which requires software and expertise to integrate the 3D model for
coordination, fabrication, and installation sequencing. Beyond the experts however, BIM adoption was limited in
the field due to the complexity of traditional BIM coordination software. Polk was looking for a way to get BIM
into the hands of the field in a way that made it easy to navigate the model, perform analysis, and coordinate withother team members on what was found in the analysis. Traditional methods led to time-consuming manual
checks and discrepancies between the design intent and as-built conditions. Without a new solution, theoperations team would continue to face hurdles in optimizing quality control procedures on their construction
sites.

1The solution
In pursuit of an innovative solution, Polk actively partnered with OpenSpace on OpenSpace BIM+, an intuitive
new product for field teams to view and navigate the project’s BIM model and address questions on-site. Ben
Brown, Vice President of Virtual Construction, and Brandon Burback, General Superintendent, played pivotal
roles in evaluating the tool's effectiveness within their construction day-to-day activities.
The criteria for Polk adopting any new solution includes seamless integration with existing processes, minimal
disruption to field tasks, and the ability to enhance field collaboration. Ben and Brandon emphasized theimportance of a solution that adds significant value without imposing additional burdens on the field team.
After active testing of OpenSpace BIM+ by field supervisors to project managers, positive feedback emergedhighlighting the tool's visual capabilities which enable seamless coordination between on-site inspections andthe model. More specifically, testers saw three key areas where OpenSpace BIM+ helps solve challenges:
1. BIM analysis and conflict resolution
Polk faced quality control challenges, often turning to multiple tools in an attempt to consolidate information.
OpenSpace BIM+ provides all the information they need in one place—a unified platform they can use to address
quality control issues efficiently. For example, Polk can jump to the area in question in the model using a Saved
View, overlay elements of the model into a field image, and streamline communication. According to Brandon,“OpenSpace BIM+ Saved Views enables us to access one spot, in one platform, and be able to quickly reference
that same location multiple times, significantly streamlining our quality control processes."
2. BIM coordination and progress tracking
OpenSpace BIM+ facilitates swift and precise assessment of installed components in comparison to the modeledplan and has proven to be invaluable in monitoring project progress. According to Polk, the benefits ofestablishing a visual link to the BIM model can’t be overstated—OpenSpace BIM+ is already playing a pivotal rolein tracking hours spent on various activities and validating progress against budgets. Ben shared, “Monitoringprogress against budgets and validating installations with the BIM model is crucial, especially for billing scenarios.
Saved Views allows us to quickly check and validate progress, ensuring alignment between hours spent andactual installation, offering a significant advantage for internal tools and subcontractor management."
3. Model management
Polk is taking advantage of a key enhancement to BIM Compare that comes with OpenSpace BIM+: the ability toimport multiple models such as a full building model or a focused tracking model showing MEP systems andstructure. After his experience with the new feature, Ben noted, “In the model viewer, the new functionality
allows for multiple models. For instance, we have a full building model and a tracking model for MEP systems andstructure. This feature lets you quickly switch views, providing immediate insight and functionality for a different
perspective on the space."

2The results
3.SinceModelmanagement
Polkbegan using OpenSpace BIM+, they’ve streamlined processes, enhanced quality control, and improved
Benand Brandon
aretakingadvantageof tothehitnewOpenSpace
adds to viewing
in BIM
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Field
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were able
thefunctionality
ground running
thanks toBIM+
the platform's
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theSavedabilityViews
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modelssuch asa fulla focused tracking
model showing
features likeand multiple
BIM Element
Overlay.
Benandbuilding
Brandonmodel
notedorimprovements,including:
MEP systems and structure. This feature provides a quick and efficient way to switch between different views of
the space, offering flexibility in visualizing specific aspects without the need for manual adjustments like hiding
ceilings.
More efficient quality control
OpenSpace BIM+ streamlined
Polk’s quality control
processes, minimizing
discrepancies between
modeled plans and actual fieldinstallations.

Enhanced collaboration

Easy scalability and oversight

Visual tools improved
collaboration between fieldteams and project managers,
fostering effectivecommunication.

With multiple model support,
the ability to save as manymodel views as needed, andproviding self-serve easy-touse access to BIM, Polk can
now monitor multiple projects
simultaneously and identify
deviations in real time.

As the partnership continues, Polk looks forward to leveraging OpenSpace for even greater efficiency with using
BIM in the field, leading to overall success in their construction projects.

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