ETH Zurich: Construction documentation software accompanies new building

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Recording Contractual Deviations with Construction Documentation Software

How ETH Zurich efficiently records contractual deviations for the new BSSE Department building with PlanRadar

ETH Zurich was founded in 1855. With around 23,000 students, it ranks as one of the largest universities in Switzerland and is one of the most famous educational institutions worldwide. Work on the new Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) building is underway at the Basel site. The project cost is CHF 200 million. PlanRadar’s construction software is being used to document contractual deviations during the project.

In contrast to our experience with Microsoft Excel, by using PlanRadar we always have a complete overview of the current state of affairs in the event of anomalies.

Michel Haugg, Head of Technical Facility Management at the Basel site of ETH Zurich

The problem: recording data with Excel is inconvenient and time consuming

Michel Haugg is Head of Technical Facility Management at ETH Zurich’s Basel campus. His responsibilities include implementing a precise, rapid and reliable technical service. As part of his work, he also oversees the recording of irregularities in the new D-BSSE building, which is scheduled to be completed in 2022. During this work, deviations from the agreed construction process are precisely and reliably documented. Michel Haugg explained that this work required a great deal of effort in previous projects: “Contractual deviations were originally recorded with Microsoft Excel and separate photo documentation, which led to an unclear mess of lists.” What the team needed was a solution with which all facts could be recorded and documented together with all the relevant information.

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200

million project cost (CHF)

4

employees using PlanRadar

100

per cent to schedule

With PlanRadar, we benefit from simple and quick recording of contractual deviations.

The solution: PlanRadar’s construction documentation software as a digital tool for recording contractual deviations

How did ETH Zurich decide on PlanRadar construction documentation software as a tool for digitally documenting facts? “I used PlanRadar to support a test project worth CHF 2 million. It convinced me, so I recommended using this software for our large project to record contractual deviations,”, said Michel Haugg. The result is that 4 project team members and a number of observers now use PlanRadar to carry out various tasks related to processing irregularities, including defect recording, communication, task management and reporting. To manage these tasks, the team uses various features of the tool, including the audio recorder, plan comparisons and flexible ticket function. As the general contractor is providing the new build and ETH Zurich will receive a ready-to-use building, the project team is recording technical data in parallel to the construction process. By using PlanRadar’s construction documentation software, they have constant access to a full overview of the project, including a view on where problems could occur in the future.

The result: construction documentation software speeds up processes and provides a perfect overview

According to Michel Haugg, the results speak for themselves: “With PlanRadar, we benefit from quick and easy recording of contractual deviations”. Digitally documenting defects and snags not only saves time but also reduces the misunderstandings that occur during communication between project participants. With the construction documentation software, the project team has all the resulting issues carefully under control, including over longer periods.

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The result: construction documentation software speeds up processes and provides a perfect overview

ETH Zurich uses PlanRadar for these tasks:

Recording contractual deviations and snags

All irregularities are recorded as text, videos, images and audio, pinned to digital construction plans and sent to all project participants in real time.

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Recording contractual deviations and snags

Photo documentation in just one tap

With PlanRadar, workers can collect complete and linked photo documentation directly on site with their mobile phones.

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Photo documentation in just one tap

Managing contractors

Using PlanRadar, contractors receive instructions and feedback in real time, so you can coordinate efficiently. Subcontractors can access the platform free of charge!

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Managing contractors

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