How 3D scanning helps businesses save time and money throughout the project lifecycle

For lead decision-makers in construction and facilities management, accuracy, efficiency, and cost-savings all play a massive role in the success and profitability of a project. Thankfully, many of the strategies and types of technology used to improve these factors have evolved to help make managing projects and facilities around the world a much more possible task today. Among these leading technologies is the practice of 3D scanning, which can have a tremendous impact during the design, construction, and maintenance phases of project lifecycles. Here is a closer look at what 3D scanning is, its key benefits for facilities and project managers, and several different ways it is used to deliver impactful results.

What is 3D scanning?

3D scanning is an element within the greater scan-to-BIM landscape, which refers to the practice of digitally capturing the layout, contours, and measurements of a physical space and then using that data to create intelligent 3D models. These models can then ideally be accessed from anywhere in the world to streamline information-sharing and decision-making throughout your organization. During 3D scanning, the scanner collects key information about every surface within its field of view, helping stakeholders visualize their sites along with all relevant data to inform the best way forward. Several scans from many different directions are often required to obtain the most comprehensive dataset about an environment. Technology certainly aids in this process, as does utilizing a dedicated field service team to carry out the image and data capture process thoroughly and efficiently. 3D scanning is often used to gather data on an existing structure, to inform a new-build project, to create a record of a site’s surroundings, or to capture the state of a building before demolition.

Benefits of 3D scanning

3D scanning carries numerous benefits for organizations and their project teams, primarily due to its ability to dramatically reduce travel time and cost while also delivering detailed and accurate data accessible from any internet-ready device. The primary benefits of 3D scanning include:

• The ability to virtually place yourself within any one of your facilities at any time and from anywhere in the world
• The ability to thoroughly inspect sites without having to have boots on the ground
• Drastic improvement of time management and resource allocation
• Saved time and money on travel
• Improved and expedited decision-making
• Execution via a certified team of technicians to perform high-quality scans on your desired timeline

With 3D scanning, managing and inspecting dozens or even hundreds of sites at once is now possible through the cloud-based IDS platform. 3D scanning can also help produce as-built drawings for spaces where none are available, which may be needed by the engineers. If you had acquired a space and the previous owner couldn’t provide as-built plans, 3D scanning could help create them to inform any modifications that need to be made.

Types of 3D scans

As mentioned above, 3D scanning results in the creation of a detailed and highly accurate model that can then be accessed to help make decisions. These models may take several different forms, but three of the most common and highly usable are 3DVR tours, 3D point clouds, and 3D mesh models. 3DVR tours utilize terrestrial scanning to create a “dollhouse” walkthrough of a property to allow you to view spaces remotely, record and view measurements, and share insights with key decision-makers. With the IDS platform, all of this is enabled within one secure location easily accessible from anywhere in the world. 3D point clouds consist of geometric samples on the surface of the scanned environment. Each point position has X, Y, and Z coordinates, with the points able to be used to extrapolate the shape of the environment during a process called reconstruction. 3D mesh models create precise, data-driven virtual representations of properties in order to increase visibility into them and to aid in the progression of project lifecycles in a way that is informed, accurate, and efficient.

Streamline decision-making through 3D scanning with IDS

Immersion Data Solutions provides efficient, full-service image capture solutions for our clients to create fully immersive virtual representations of your facilities. We serve as a true extension of your strategic team, partnering with you to provide tailored solutions and responsive support at every project phase. Contact us today to start saving time and money through the use of our industry-best 3D scanning solutions.