Batson-Cook Selected as Finalist for AGC-BITS Award for Use of Vela Systems Mobile Field Software
Vela Systems field software on Tablet-PCs enables faster field operations, cost savings; Enthusiastic field personnel featured in YouTube movie.
Burlington, MA, March 10, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Vela Systems, developer of mobile field software for the AECO industry, today announced that the Batson-Cook Company was recognized at the Friday 3/6 session of the Association of General Contractors (AGC) national conference in San Diego as a Finalist for the AGC Best Information Technology Solutions (BITS) Contest.
According to the AGC, “the Construction Best Information Technology Solutions (BITS) Contest showcases the most innovative uses of technology to solve a particular business problem. This award is given to the Contractor who demonstrates how the technology solution they've employed has helped their company overcome a hurdle and make them more successful. “
Batson-Cook was selected for the award due to their ongoing use of Vela Systems Mobile Field Software on The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park, Columbus, GA. The National Infantry Museum and Solider Center is a 190,000 square foot, first class national monument featuring interactive exhibits, an 80-ft. rotunda, 3D Imax theater, and restaurant. This project is expected to have a grand opening in the spring of 2009.
Batson-Cook has enabled superintendents, project managers and executives with Vela Systems field software to provide field access to plans and to automate the QA/QC, work-to-complete and punch list processes. Having electronic access to documents in the field and marking them with Vela’s innovative “digital pushpins” are enabling significant time savings while improving the communication between all parties on the project.
Field personnel have been enthusiastic about the technology. For example, Batson Cook Assistant Project Manager Mark Higginbotham and Superintendent Chuck Williams can both be seen on video at the Vela Systems website describing the benefits of using Vela Systems in the field.
The project time and cost savings have been impressive. “By automating the field inspection process, our Superintendents are saving 2-3 hours/day that would normally be spent back in the trailer, typing up field notes. This time can now be spent out in the job, helping to manage the work. Maybe even more importantly, at the end of every day the subs know exactly what they need to do, there is no delay and no confusion as to each subcontractors’ responsibilities.” said Chuck Williams, Project Superintendent, Batson Cook. Paul Meadows, Batson Cook Project Executive adds, “In today’s economy, margins are slim and we’re looking for any way we can compete. With Vela, we’ve decreased our turnaround time for quality and work-to-complete inspections by over 50%. This is significant in terms of project schedule and our costs on the job. At our current rate, we expect to save 1-2 weeks on this project, for a total savings from $50,000 to $75,000. This increases our margin.”
“We are thrilled that Batson-Cook has been chosen as a finalist for the BITS award by the AGC,” says Vela Systems CEO, Tim Curran, “Vela Systems’ software helps our customers save time and money on projects by automating construction where it happens – in the field. The recognition of these results by the AGC is a testament to Batson-Cook and its leadership.”
About Batson-Cook
Batson-Cook began in 1915 in West Point, Georgia. Over the last century, we've met the challenges of construction projects across every major industry, making us a leader in the southeastern United States. Today we operate as a General Contractor, Construction Manager, Design-Builder and Program Manager with over 300 highly trained professionals in four regional offices. Supported by the latest technology, our staff offers Innovative cost saving solutions for a seamless construction process.
About Vela Systems, Inc.
Vela Systems construction field software automates the execution and oversight of field activities on construction and capital projects for architects, engineers, contractors and owners. Instead of carrying a field notebook and paper plans or specs, jobsite users work with Vela Systems software on mobile computers to electronically access documents and to complete field reports, QA/QC inspections, worklists, punchlists, update the BIM and many other critical field activities. Vela's customers routinely 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. Construction happens in the field - Automate it™.
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According to the AGC, “the Construction Best Information Technology Solutions (BITS) Contest showcases the most innovative uses of technology to solve a particular business problem. This award is given to the Contractor who demonstrates how the technology solution they've employed has helped their company overcome a hurdle and make them more successful. “
Batson-Cook was selected for the award due to their ongoing use of Vela Systems Mobile Field Software on The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park, Columbus, GA. The National Infantry Museum and Solider Center is a 190,000 square foot, first class national monument featuring interactive exhibits, an 80-ft. rotunda, 3D Imax theater, and restaurant. This project is expected to have a grand opening in the spring of 2009.
Batson-Cook has enabled superintendents, project managers and executives with Vela Systems field software to provide field access to plans and to automate the QA/QC, work-to-complete and punch list processes. Having electronic access to documents in the field and marking them with Vela’s innovative “digital pushpins” are enabling significant time savings while improving the communication between all parties on the project.
Field personnel have been enthusiastic about the technology. For example, Batson Cook Assistant Project Manager Mark Higginbotham and Superintendent Chuck Williams can both be seen on video at the Vela Systems website describing the benefits of using Vela Systems in the field.
The project time and cost savings have been impressive. “By automating the field inspection process, our Superintendents are saving 2-3 hours/day that would normally be spent back in the trailer, typing up field notes. This time can now be spent out in the job, helping to manage the work. Maybe even more importantly, at the end of every day the subs know exactly what they need to do, there is no delay and no confusion as to each subcontractors’ responsibilities.” said Chuck Williams, Project Superintendent, Batson Cook. Paul Meadows, Batson Cook Project Executive adds, “In today’s economy, margins are slim and we’re looking for any way we can compete. With Vela, we’ve decreased our turnaround time for quality and work-to-complete inspections by over 50%. This is significant in terms of project schedule and our costs on the job. At our current rate, we expect to save 1-2 weeks on this project, for a total savings from $50,000 to $75,000. This increases our margin.”
“We are thrilled that Batson-Cook has been chosen as a finalist for the BITS award by the AGC,” says Vela Systems CEO, Tim Curran, “Vela Systems’ software helps our customers save time and money on projects by automating construction where it happens – in the field. The recognition of these results by the AGC is a testament to Batson-Cook and its leadership.”
About Batson-Cook
Batson-Cook began in 1915 in West Point, Georgia. Over the last century, we've met the challenges of construction projects across every major industry, making us a leader in the southeastern United States. Today we operate as a General Contractor, Construction Manager, Design-Builder and Program Manager with over 300 highly trained professionals in four regional offices. Supported by the latest technology, our staff offers Innovative cost saving solutions for a seamless construction process.
About Vela Systems, Inc.
Vela Systems construction field software automates the execution and oversight of field activities on construction and capital projects for architects, engineers, contractors and owners. Instead of carrying a field notebook and paper plans or specs, jobsite users work with Vela Systems software on mobile computers to electronically access documents and to complete field reports, QA/QC inspections, worklists, punchlists, update the BIM and many other critical field activities. Vela's customers routinely 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. Construction happens in the field - Automate it™.
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Contact
Vela Systems, Inc.
Jeff Scholes
9788849319
www.velasystems.com
Jeff Scholes
9788849319
www.velasystems.com
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