Digitalization in scaffolding

Digitalization in scaffolding

Almost all industries and sectors are undergoing fundamental changes towards a digitalised way of working. The interest in digitalisation is growing steadily and is also becoming an important component of the construction and scaffolding sector. And the possibilities seem endless: starting with paperless offices, continuing with digital order acceptance, and going further with digital planning and monitoring of scaffolding. Especially the planning process is becoming more and more digital.

But how does digitalization in scaffolding actually work? Read on to learn more about 4 of the most exciting digital tools and methods.

1. The future of project planning: Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM is digitalisation par excellance – and it is already having a decisive impact on the construction industry. The model-based digital method optimises project planning, communication during the project, and project management – which also brings many advantages for us in scaffolding. If you want to learn more about BIM in scaffolding, have a browse through our blog articles on the subject:

2. Practical everyday helpers: scaffolding apps

Whether you want to book your next holiday, track your fitness, listen to music or simply play games – you can download apps for literally every situation in life. Of course, there are also apps especially for scaffolders. Good scaffolding apps can help you with planning, project management and the administration of scaffolding during their standing time.

With our free Scafom-rux scaffolding app, for example, you can calculate the parts required for your construction scaffold, modular scaffold or stair tower in no time. A few seconds later, the customer has their benchmark, and you already have a rough material list. You can even email it directly to us and make an order out of it.

3. 3D building visualisation with drones

Drones have decisive advantages when it comes to accessing hard to reach areas: they are small, light and, most importantly, they can fly. This allows them to measure and capture buildings from a variety of perspectives – in a much easier and faster way than using lift trucks or ladders for the same job.

What may sound like a nice gimmick, actually has a lot of benefits for you and your clients. The drones' images are converted into a complete 3D model of the building, which allows you to quickly identify all of its details and virtually scaffold it accordingly. Specialised software for scaffolding, such as CP-PRO or Scaffmax, can be used for this purpose.

With the help of the drone images and the appropriate scaffolding software, you can

• create scaffolding plans,
• view individual parts in 3D,
• determine the material demand,
• and plan scaffold assemblies.

You need technical support in this? Our team will be happy to help you.

4. QR-Codes for easier work preparation

A quick scan and you have all the information about your scaffolding material at a glance. Super practical, isn't it? What sounds too good to be true at first could soon change your work preparation from the ground up. In fact, the scaffolding industry has been working on solutions to simplify work preparation through digital solutions for some time. One possibility: QR codes that are attached to each scaffolding part.

In short, QR codes on scaffolding parts help you create unit and assembly lists and find scaffolding parts in your warehouse more quickly. You can simply scan each QR code with your smartphone or tablet. This can ensure that the right material is delivered to the construction site, delays are reduced, and efficiency is improved.

QR codes also make searching for a particular scaffolding part a thing of the past: they are provided with GPS tracking that allows you to easily locate each scaffolding part you have in stock. This finally saves you the trouble of endless walking tours around your warehouse.

How do you benefit from digitalization in scaffolding?

With all the technology that is driving digitalisation in the construction and scaffolding industry, you may be wondering how you can benefit from it all. To sum up, digitalization in scaffolding offers you:

• Better planning and control of scaffolding inventory and assembly. Design and assembly times can be reduced, and visualisation capabilities improved for you and your clients.
• More organised processes and increased productivity, as designs and scaffolding numbers are provided with greater reliability. The digital files can also be archived and catalogued to create a library of scaffolding drawings or models. This is particularly useful for recurring situations, such as annual turnarounds.
• Minimised costs and time in the long term, as the design process is simpler and faster, and errors can be eliminated immediately.
• Increased work safety, as the digital visualization methods help to prepare better for a construction site and avoid improvised solutions.

Digitalisation comes with changes, but also with great opportunities for scaffolding. And of course, we want to take them. If you are curious and want to learn more about digitalisation in scaffolding, simply click through our blog for more articles on the topic.