How We Automated Construction Workflows In a Physical Access Control System (PACS)

Description

SmartBuilding is an automated platform where construction organizations automate supervision, staff management, documentation, and construction access control.

Technologies

Next.js, Express.js, GraphQL, Redux, React.js, MySQL, Socket.IO

Our role and company services

Web Development, Backend, Support

Idea

Initially, the client tracked the workflow of dozens of objects using regular paper journals with hand transferring into Google Docs files. The idea was to replace the old-school methods by building a unified digital workspace for everyone involved in the construction process.

The challenge

The client had several goals for the project. The first one was to make sure that a supervisor can quickly obtain data about a single construction worker anytime. The next step was to automate documentation, notifying staff about work quality and safety violations.

The ultimate goal was to deliver a multi-layered CRM infrastructure allowing supervisors to control the entire workflow: from workers' activity to document management. Our foremost contribution was to create an automated access system allowing users to keep track of each and every action taken on the construction site and minimize risks associated with the human factor.

QR code

A QR code is attached to the worker's helmet — by scanning the code, the manager receives access to the full profile:

  • Information about employees, contractors, subcontractors
  • Purpose of stay at the construction site
  • What areas of the site they are allowed to access
  • Who allowed access and when, as well as who let them in
  • Safety briefings
  • Recorded violations

This data can be exported in text format and used as a work report.

API integration

The project works through the API, which allows not only using the internal code but also integrating the product with existing systems.

Overview of interface and functionality

Access control list

Access Control List provides clients with multi-layered access configurations — users receive rights for viewing, managing, and editing worker profiles.

Interface-wise, it looks like an intuitive dashboard where people can sort through entries, preview the locations, and monitor the construction progress. The access level and, consequently, the available functionality depend on the user role.

Access applications

The platform allows creating object access requests in the form of electronic applications instead of physical paper applications.

Construction objects and site areas

The project stores a massive database of construction objects. It allows general contractors to get full control over the ongoing processes and helps maintain engineering documentation in the future.

The objects are displayed on the dashboard. One can quickly find the necessary one, apply changes, or delete the object. In case the deleted object gets relevant again, we implemented the soft delete functionality. It means that the deleted object is not displayed in the dashboard but remains stored in the database.

Each object has multiple areas with different access levels. The Site Areas section features a dashboard with full information about each area of the construction site, showing the current workflow and the access timing.

QR scanner

Each application is assigned with a unique QR code facilitating access based on the user role. The code contains information on the worker's profile with a photo, work admissions, and violations.

QR code is used at the checkpoint as admission to the construction site. Supervisors can scan the code on the worker's helmet to control their work and possible violations. On top of that, surveillance cameras scan the codes to detect unauthorized access immediately.

Safety briefings and violations logs

Access to certain areas requires attending relevant briefings: from basic safety training to specialized orientations for hazardous works. The system shows if the worker has attended the necessary ones and allows assigning them.

If a worker violates the rules, it would be displayed in the violations log. When a new violation is detected, the system automatically sends the report to the employer.

Testing

The Rocketech team conducted the performance, load, and interface testing throughout the workflow. Also, we tested business logic and made a few interface adjustments along the way.

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Numbers

15
times cost reduction
Our solution turned out to be 15 times cheaper than the analogous product developed by Smart Building's direct competitors.
2
months in development
With the combination of Agile and Scrum best practices, we managed to develop a complex platform from scratch in 2 months.
200+
users per object
An average object can handle a load of 500-800 employees and a few hundreds of guests every day. The system can withstand an unlimited amount of objects.

Results

The platform revolutionized the workflow of construction management companies by moving it from paper logs to a stable up-to-date PACS system.
The product is universal and adaptive for other projects and industries: coworking spaces, commercial premises, etc. Access control to the offices or private premises and integration with access systems are just a few examples of possible implementation scenarios.
The solution has disrupted the market with a unique solution for full construction work automation.
The platform has attracted several construction companies already at the MVP stage.

Talk to us!

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