devato, Author at Plexxis

Smart, Connected and Protected.

We’ve blogged before about the many technological advances hitting your local construction site. By leaps and bounds, we’re witnessing an industry as old as time itself (the first known building considered “constructed” dates back to a site in Turkey between 9500-8000 BCE) launch into the 22nd century with technological advancements in a number of areas.

The connected, or “Smart,” hard hat is a further example of construction site innovation that works hard not just at protecting the wearer but also in providing useful information on location, motion, temperature and as a communications tool. What’s smart, connected and offers protection too? A hard hat that works hard on the construction site!

The first hard hats appeared on construction sites in 1919 and were produced employing a process involving steam and canvas. Now provided by employers, hard hats are predominantly fabricated from high density polyethylene or thermoplastics materials and for safety reasons, should be replaced about every 5 years. We’re all familiar of course with the most common colors that signify specific job functions on the construction site, but “fashion” is now making a statement as this gear can also be found in an array of “camo-coloured” options as well.

What’s changed most significantly however, (and most recently), is the role of a hard hat. It’s purpose is no longer simply focused on protecting a worker from falling overhead debris or even electrical hazards, rather, it’s evolving as a crucial tool that integrates and delivers up to date information contributing both to worker safety and worker & job site efficiencies.

Intelligent hard hats provide sensor-based information such as contextual awareness of surroundings, audio-visual communications, wireless connectivity and hands-free video or audio calls, to name just a few of their options. Offering real-time positioning, they can help to warn workers of hazardous conditions on the job site or more directly, monitor the temperature of the wearer to help improve worker health and safety. Workers who are on remote work-site locations can communicate directly with off-site experts to handle challenging situations or even to notify when they are in need of help. A smart, connected hard hat helps to warn workers of moving equipment nearby while it also assists logistics teams to manage inventory control, worker safety planning and even time and attendance monitoring.

Knowit recently offered this summary of the use of smart hard hats as tools on the construction site that will:

Help to minimize the risk of accidents on the job site
Help to improve team leadership and work planning
Help to achieve more effective health and security monitoring and
Help to provide a “clearer workforce overview and better equipment monitoring including tracking and electronic timestamps.”

Smart, protected and connected workers are also able to contribute to onsite data collection that might enable positive reinforcement of on-the-job training techniques in real time. It may even enhance and improve the type of on-the-job training that employees receive, resulting in greater efficiencies. As well, utilizing smart hard hats could enable time and motion studies that will eventually contribute to further increases in efficiencies while still maintaining worker safety. Yet another positive potential outcome of hard hats that work hard!

When it comes to worker safety however, the very reason that hard hats were invented in the first place and the most significant aspect of a connected and smart hat is that with many models, the press of just one button will signal a call for help that can be received immediately – whether directly on the job site or sent from a remote work-site so that help can be summoned. Most are designed to work over cellular AND Wi-Fi networks as well as offline, ensuring employees are not only working smarter but safer too..

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

How we kick “same old same old” to the curb

In the Avengers, each character brings to the table extraordinary powers and spectacular talents.

No superheroes are exactly the same and the key is this: when “Avengers assemble” they become an extraordinary force to be reckoned with.

Drax has brute strength. Antman has that amazing shrinking ability – enabling him to go anywhere and do anything without being seen. Black Panther has genius-level intellect, superhuman strength and really sharp claws.

But what kind of special powers does it take to succeed at Plexxis?

After all, as a team, each one of us possesses a special talent that makes us all bigger, faster, better – and unbeatable. Ask anyone in our company and they will tell you how we are all unique individuals, but we are stronger together!

We asked some of our own Plexxis Avengers to expand a little on what it really takes to make it here.

Taking pride in your work – and helping your team succeed

Another quality that characterizes Plexxis superheroes is a drive to produce the very best quality work. No clock watchers, time wasters or prima donnas here. Everyone is motived to put their best foot forward on behalf of their team.

“If you’re looking for a job, but want to work nine to five, clocking in, doing your hours and clocking out, you’re not going to make it here, says Mike Atkins, Field & Estimating Specialist.

“You have to take pride in your work. And when you’re done your work, you have to take pride in your team’s work too. Everybody’s looking around and I’m going down the hallway and seeing what others are doing and helping them out. You have to want to help.”

Hunger for challenge. Fearlessness in the face of adversity

Plexxis is no workplace for the “easily discouraged.” People here look at every obstacle as an opportunity – and also own up if they fall short. Our Solutions Specialist, Elizabeth Barton, remarks on that spirit of fortitude and soul of truthfulness that every Plexxis employee must possess.

“I think it takes a lot of internal drive. You want to always be the kind of person who’s pushing the limit, who always wants to do more, do better – and truly excel,” says Elizabeth.

“It takes someone who finds a lot of enjoyment in difficult challenges –having the opportunity to solve them with excitement and enthusiasm.

“But the right fit at Plexxis is also someone who values strong and really open relationships with their coworkers. At the end of the day, if you make a mistake, it’s that someone who is going to own up and acknowledge it, then move on and learn from it.”

Taking chances. Reaching for opportunity

Are you a risk taker? Someone who seeks out new opportunities and is willing to go out on a limb, even risking failure? Then you might have what it takes to join the Plexxis team. Kyle Porter, our Full Stack JavaScript Developer, weighs in on this:

Have you got what it takes to join forces with Plexxis?

If so, we would love to hear from you.

Submit your resume and let the adventure begin.

See our current career opportunities.

Beautiful melodies. A driving beat. And total synchronicity.

The Plexxis culture is anchored in a superhero attitude – trust, hard work, honesty, camaraderie and collaboration. And metaphorically speaking, music certainly plays a role in our superhero universe… just as it does in the Marvel world.

Take the X-Men’s Dazzler. She entered the scene as a disco-singing hero. Born a mutant with the ability to transform sound into powerful blasts of light, singer Alison Blaire (aka “Dazzler”) uses her superpower to enhance her performances.

And if you follow Marvel, you’re sure to be familiar with Theresa Cassidy (known her as “Siryn”) – the mutant daughter Banshee of the X-Men. The two superheroes share the same mutant gift of a “sonic scream” which enables them to generate powerful sound waves that can shatter buildings. The ability to shriek certainly translates into some fine singing skills… well at least a sound that is undeniable and memorable!

When you join the Plexxis team as a superhero, you certainly won’t have to sing or play an instrument. In all likelihood, though, you may enjoy and appreciate music.

After all, this is a culture that puts an emphasis on working in harmony. Striking the right chord with our clients. Building and deploying our innovative software in perfect syncopation. Most importantly, you’ll be performing alongside a band of talented players who together produce uplifting and inspiring results. In many ways, we are a bit like a symphonic orchestra, each with an essential part to play to produce a great concert.

But what type of music would Plexxis be…if Plexxis were music, that is? A hard-hitting rock song, a crooner classic or an Italian opera? Maybe something altogether different?

Most importantly, will it be your vibe to work at Plexxis?

We asked some of our gifted band members to chime in:

All that jazz.

“I was a band geek in high school… in the classical band, and the jazz band,” says Kyle Porter, Full Stack JavaScript Developer.

Techno dance party.

“It would have to be some electronic or techno, says Mike Atkins, Field & Estimating Specialist.

“You have different elements that make up a song. Elements that if heard on their own, would certainly have a particular quality to them, but they’re not going to sound great. But those things come together and make an actual song that sounds good, has great energy, and actually gets people going and ready to move.”

Organic sounds from nature.

“If Plexxis, was music, it would be low-fi or low fidelity music. Low-fi music captures natural things that happen in the world — sound of the wind, chirping birds or the scratch on a record,” says Elizabeth Barton, Solutions Specialist.

A mega hit compilation.

Finally, there is the uniqueness that is Plexxis. A one-of-a-kind culture. For Mike Stade, our Infrastructure Specialist, that’s the tune we play:

“Its bluegrass. It’s unique. It’s like nothing else. And it hits really high notes,” says Mike.

Ultimately, the musical style of Plexxis is however you might choose to hear it. One thing is certain: Working here allows you the opportunity to create pleasing results as part of a supportive group of talented team players.

Does working at Plexxis sound like music to your ears?

We would love to hear from you.

Submit your resume and let the adventure begin.

See our current career opportunities.

Something new to use alongside the tried and true

Society rewards innovators. Inventing something new is not only a great intellectual feat — it can set up the individual, or the company doing the innovating, for financial success. This drive for intellectual and financial greatness has caused the world’s economy to grow exponentially and is the reason objects like computers and cell phones can be affordable.

The construction industry is no different, and people continue to search for stronger, more sustainable, and more cost-efficient materials to complete jobs with. With an ever-growing number of people concerned about the environment, and while there’s always going to be a place for bricks, cement, and wood, exploring new and advanced and sometimes more eco-friendly building materials will also play a vital role in the construction industry of the future.

There are so many materials to explore that to touch on them all would make a long read! That said, here are just a few examples of what innovation in the construction industry looks like around the world. It’s not just about advanced software, drones, and 3D drawings but the actual materials as well.

Consider these:

Biofoam

One material that’s finding a place in the world of construction these days is biofoam. A rigid biofoam composite is made up of polymeric foams obtained from functionalized vegetable oils and synthetic/lignocellulosic fibres.
We may not have to understand the science behind them to know that they work and can be used in housing construction as cavity wall housing insulation as an alternative to traditional sandwich composites.
Advantages include the fact that a biofoam is more likely to be biodegradable and sustainable.
Biofoam is something you could offer to your clients if you’re looking to be a little more eco-friendly. Plant-based rigid foams (biofoams) allow developers to obtain the benefits of rigid foams without negative environmental implications. Due to them being plant-based, they biodegrade much more quickly and healthily. Additional materials can also be added to biofoams to make them more moisture-resistant and/or fire retardant.
Other uses in the construction industry include using biofoams for shock absorption and noise reduction.

CLT

What is it and how is it used? CLT refers to cross laminated timber.
The simple explanation of CLT is that it’s a building system based on using large, multi-layered, solid wood panels designed to compete with traditional solid-mineral based building materials.
Here’s what we mean:

- As an engineered timber product, it has great application in load bearing situations both in, and out of plane. It’s considered more stable and less likely to become deformed under pressure from such outside influences as moisture. This is because it is made up of multiple layers which are cross-grained (stacked in alternating directions) adding to their strength.
- CLT has a certified life span of approximately 60 years but there are examples in Europe of timber homes built similarly and which are still standing 700 years later! Yes, you read that right.

3D Concrete

If you think you’ve heard everything, we have just one question; have you heard about 3D concrete? It’s available now and it is a product that is strong yet flexible, takes less labour intensive person hours to work with and dries quickly. Let’s start with the first point:

Strong but flexible
- This refers simply to the fact that because the concrete is extruded according to a specific software application, the variety of building styles is very flexible and can include curves, intricate patterns, and designs. So, flexibility in the design of your structure is wide open! It also dries quickly and made of materials like super-plasticizers included in the concrete material, it’s strong and durable too. Printed in layers, it literally builds strength on top of strength.
Less labour intensive
- Depending on your perspective, this is a positive or a negative. There is the potential for a loss in manufacturing jobs in a sector already facing shortages but this of course, could result in labour cost savings. Additionally, saving time, effort and in some cases material costs will also result in a cost savings.
Long term viability
- Yes, it dries quickly, and strength is derived from a layering effect but does it last? Well there are some schools of thought around this. A concrete block constructed home is expected to last for about 100 years without significant need of repair.
- A 3D concrete construction build is anticipated to last the same amount of time AND in some circumstances is considered the more environmentally friendly option. Less Co2 emissions arise from its use (by as much as 60%) and there is less waste. Because you don’t need much in the way of materials on the job site, or even transportation and infrastructure to support a traditional onsite build, there is less manufacturing waste this way.

As we referred to earlier there are a myriad of other materials we could talk about, and perhaps in another blog we’ll take this further!. There’s artificial spider silk, considered stronger than steel, and bioplastics that offer a significantly reduced bio footprint with fewer emissions but a range of design choices due to their flexibility. Then there are nanomaterials that might sound like the stuff of science fiction but are yet another source of new and innovative materials used in manufacturing and construction that we are sure to read more about in the future.

What all of this means is that the construction industry is changing – significantly. Whether companies explore these new alternatives as cost-savings measures, because they are good for the environment or to market them and their expertise to others in the industry, we feel one thing is certain – there’s bound to be something new in your next build, alongside the more tried and true.

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

In the Marvel world, superheroes never give up. There is something deep inside them that drives them, motivates them, and keeps them pressing on to the very last breath.

What fuels these super beings? It’s this: they live and serve according to a set of high-minded core values. These may vary from hero to hero, but they all embrace: perseverance, integrity, intelligence, strength of character – and loyalty. These values both guide and inspire all their critical “save the world” missions.

With great power comes great responsibility

Spider-Man is one example. At first glance, ordinary Peter Parker doesn’t seem at all like a superhero. Yet he becomes Spiderman, one of the most famous avengers of all, largely through his excellent values. His honesty, his mindset, and his dedication allowed him to redefine himself into this remarkable hero.

At the soul of Plexxis resides equally extraordinary values. Each and every one of our own superheroes, whatever their talents or job descriptions, wholeheartedly embrace them.

What does this really mean to the people who work here? Let’s find out in their own words:

“Plexxis resonates with my own personal values of hard work and showing up,” says Mike Stade, our Infrastructure Specialist.

Values that resonate personally

At Plexxis, it’s critical that every team member not merely adopt the company values, but actually embrace them in their heart. It is important that these values really resonate with everyone’s own personal credo.

More than specific skills, experience, and talents… we seek those very special people who share our values – and rally around a common purpose.

Our Full Stack JavaScript Developer. Kyle Porter sums this up well:

Values written in your own heart

These days, most companies, large or small, talk about values. It’s a corporate buzz word but the difference at Plexxis is that here they are genuine, actionable and at the very soul of our business. They are not just empty statements on a website, as Elizabeth Barton our Solutions Specialist explains:

“What makes our values unique is that they’re clear, concise, and they’re not whitewashed.”

“They express real actual values that we ourselves hold. When someone new joins Plexxis, they can see a plaque on the wall which has those values written down, giving them a clear indication of what we hold as important. I think, however, it quickly becomes clear that the more important place those values reside is inside each and every single one of us. There’s not a single person here who doesn’t espouse all of those values,” continues Elizabeth.

I was once asked if there was a value that I could live without using for one day. That was one of the hardest questions I’ve ever had to answer. Every single day, every single one is used by everyone!”

Values that help you innovate and impact lives

A final unexpected outcome of great values is that they empower everyone to do their best work. Grounded in principles of hard work, innovation, team play and truth, our Plexxis superheroes are able to pursue careers and accomplish their daring missions with momentum and meaning.

If we have a good idea or we think of an idea that can actually improve our daily life, we can bring it forward,” says Mike Atkins, Field & Estimating Specialist.

Do you also have strong values that include team play, pursuing innovation, and making a difference?

We would love to hear from you.

Submit your resume and let the adventure begin.

See our current career opportunities.

Fate. Sheer luck… or superhero destiny?

From the weird to the wonderful, the Marvel world is chock-full of fabulous stories about how superheroes got their powers. Many of these famous characters began their lives as common men and women, even nerds, before they broke through and transformed into their ultimate champion personas.

Take characters like UltraBoy (who first emerged as SuperBoy). His name was originally Jo-Nah, a normal guy from the planet Rimbor in the 30th century. One day, while flying through space in a starship, his vessel was swallowed by a “Space Whale.” This encounter with the beast completely changed his physiology, and he emerged transformed. Superhuman strength, speed, flight, and flash vision are among his many superpowers, but the catch is these powers can only be used one at a time.

But what about the origins of our own Plexxis superheroes? Most did not get here by taking a straightforward career path. They may not have been swallowed by a whale, but their stories are unusual, surprising – and serve as inspiring examples.

A philosopher’s dream job

For some, the seed for aspiring to greater things was sown in school – and it was Plexxis that allowed it to flower.

Elizabeth Barton, our deep-thinking Solutions Specialist, began her life as an academic, studying political and ancient philosophy at University.

“I was interested in asking the really big questions: what is good? what is justice? Philosophy was like “the eternal March around the walls of Jericho.” You’re always wanting to get to this final solution answer, but you can never quite get there, says Elizabeth.

“What really inspired me was bringing philosophy down from the heavens (as Cicero would say) back to the earth to be able to address the actual needs of people. I really wanted to be able to take what answers I had to those big questions and try and give them a practical application. I searched hard to find somewhere that would give me that opportunity.

When I read about all the things Plexxis is and does, it struck me immediately. I had to stop what I was doing and find out more about this company. The more I learned and was exposed to the people here, I realized that this was exactly where I could pursue those big questions… and make a real, actual differences in people’s lives.”

A caring attitude that shone through

In some cases, our Plexxis’ superheroes came to us from vastly different careers, via chance encounters where their special powers – and Plexxis “fit” — were unmistakable.

This was certainly the case with Mary Rivera, Accounts Receivable. She transitioned to Plexxis from a career in childcare.

Not the job I was looking for…

How an accountant became a software programmer

For many Plexxis employees, unexpected stories revolve around how they are hired for a job here requiring different skills than on their resume.

This was the case with Kyle Porter, an accounting professional who interviewed initially for a customer service position – but who was ultimately recruited for software development. He’s now a Full Stack JavaScript Developer and has been with Plexxis for more than five years.

“I mean, at first, I looked at, and thought there’s not a chance. I didn’t have a car, It was a 45-minute drive outside the city,” says Kyle. “

But I did the interview, went home, and thought it was okay. It was not a job that I was looking for.

Christmas Eve, I was visiting my parents. I got a phone call and it’s Chris, the Plexxis CEO on the line who says ‘Hey, I looked at your application and we want to get you in to interview again for a software position instead.’

I’m thinking, why do you want me for a software position? I’ve no experience. I have an accounting background. What am I going to do for you for software?

He told me that Plexxis has a better track record of taking people with accounting backgrounds and teaching them how to develop software than they do taking software developers and teaching them accounting.

I thought, all right, I’ll give it a chance. Years before I had done web design at college but nothing serious. One of my supervisors, Ali, has an accounting background and was their blueprint for pulling someone from accounting and putting them into software.

I sat with Ali for a little while and talked about what that transition was like and decided, yeah, I’ll go for it. Five years later I’ve moved across the country with Plexxis. I love what I do. I think it had it all worked out in the end.”

From chance encounters to focused career searches, a sudden discovery or natural chemistry, there are so many different ways people have come to work at Plexxis.

What will be your unexpected story?

Got what it takes… and interested in joining the Plexxis team?

We would love to hear from you.

Submit your resume and let the adventure begin.

See our current career opportunities.

Robotic exoskeletons were first invented in 1965 but did not make their way to the construction industry until 2015.

What are Exoskeletons?

Also known as Exosuits, they are a form of wearable technology equipped with motorized “muscles” that help with heavy lifting, weight distribution, posture correction, and other bodily functions to help reduce any strains or damages to the human body. The exoskeletons’ designs mimic the internal working of a human’s skeletal system.

There are essentially two types of exoskeletons, active and passive.

Active exoskeletons require batteries and actuators and need to be recharged after a certain time of use.
Passive exoskeletons are designed to enhance power and support without using batteries and actuators. They are more popular as they can be used and worn all day without the hassle of batteries running out and recharging them daily.

Exoskeletons are growing game-changers as they provide safety and support for construction workers while lifting heavy objects, squatting, holding heavy machinery for a prolonged time, and moving heavy objects. Routine activities such as lifting heavy objects or operating heavy machinery in any construction job can make workers prone to long-term injuries (such as musculoskeletal disorders) and decreased morale. These injuries can lead to a shortage of experienced resources within the industry.

There are multiple types of exoskeletons, each serving a different purpose:

Mounted Arm Exoskeletons

This type of exoskeleton consists of a spring arm which is connected to a lower body Exosuit, and a counterweight. The spring arm can hold a heavy tool, and the weight of the tool transfers to the ground allowing construction workers to complete their tasks much quicker without their bodies having to bear the weight of the tool. The mounted arm exoskeleton is a stand-alone tool and is not required to be worn on the body. Construction workers can control the arm by placing their hand at its end.

Power Gloves

Power gloves serve a similar purpose as a mounted arm exoskeleton. These gloves are fitted around the hand and can support the user’s hand/arm while holding heavy machinery or tools. Power gloves improve one’s capability to work faster with their arm. One of the power gloves available on the market is the Bioservo Ironhand. This glove can detect the user’s natural movement and boost power proportionately to the object’s weight.

Arm Support Limb

This exoskeleton is most convenient for masons as it allows for lifting and placing mason blocks and tools without straining the body. Even though it is an arm support limb, it does support most of the upper body. One of the tools currently available is a hybrid tool, meaning it is both an active and passive exoskeleton and requires little power to function. This tool provides ergonomic arm support and can make a weighted object feel much lighter than it is.

Chairless Chair

A Chairless Chair is a lower body exoskeleton that made its way to the exoskeleton market in 2014. It was essentially manufactured to support those who perform heavy physical labour each day and may want to sit down occasionally during their shift but do not want to carry a stool/chair to work. The Chairless Chair is worn on the lower body and does not hinder walking/movement. The wearer can bend down in a sitting position at any level, and the exoskeleton bends in a chair position while supporting the user’s body weight. A Chairless Chair is also helpful in providing knee and back support for tasks that require crouching and standing, such as installing drywall or drilling.

Overhead Exoskeletons

Overhead exoskeletons offer extra support for the arm, neck, and shoulders while workers perform overhead work such as installing sprinklers, overhead piping, fastening overhead cables or conduits, etc. These exoskeletons are usually passive and do not require batteries to operate. One of the overhead exoskeletons available in the market is the EXO-O1 Overhead Exoskeleton. It weighs just under 4.4 pounds and thus can be worn all day, providing support without hindering any movement. It has proven helpful in delaying arm/shoulder fatigue among construction workers.

Whole Body Exoskeletons

Some exoskeletons are designed to be worn on the entire body. They support the wearer by reducing strain and improving strength which increases productivity. Whole body Exosuits are usually active Exosuits that run on batteries. Some whole body Exosuits can enable the wearer to lift about 200 pounds without straining.

The introduction of exoskeletons in the construction industry over the last decade has proven extremely useful and is now gaining rapid popularity as they open doors to greater productivity and safety. Watch this space for updates on how exoskeletons continue to change the construction industry!

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

Infectious enthusiasm, self belief, and commitment.

Want a supernatural punch of inspiration? Tap into the positive attitude of Marvel’s superheroes to fly higher, in life and work!

Although they may only be fictional, superhero stories can serve to remind us of what it takes to achieve more and push the boundaries of what you are and can be.

Superheroes demonstrate powerfully how the greatest obstacle to success is a negative mindset.

Think of the personal strength of Wolverine, the innovative brilliance of Dr. Strange, the charisma of Wonder Woman, and the super intellect and philanthropic spirit of Iron Man. It’s these personal characteristics that drive them – rather than their fancy vehicles and weapons – and have made them the superstars they are.

As Batman says, “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.

At Plexxis, we look for people who above all things embody that special superhero attitude.

Ours is an environment where with a positive mindset you can truly come into your own, triumph over obstacles, and save the universe!

Here’s how some of our employees describe it:

Everyone’s ideas are heard – and encouraged.

“At every other job I’ve had the staff suffers from self-imposed boundaries and toxic mentality, like, oh, I don’t have to worry about that. It’s not part of my pay grade,” says Mary Rivera, Accounts Receivable.

Mike Stade, our Infrastructure Specialist, appreciates the encouragement he gets to think outside the box – and receive constructive, honest criticism:

“If I have an idea, I’m never afraid to bring it up or run it by someone,” he says.

“I personally like people to poke holes in my ideas. So, I’ll come up with an idea and ask my boss, ‘hey, tear this to shreds and see if you can find any holes in my thinking.’”

“I know I’m going to get honest and very professional opinions on my ideas. I also know I’m going to get very supportive advice. That’s a big thing too: knowing I have a, a really great team of people that I can share my ideas with, help me build them up — and construct new ones.”

Good attitude means great work environment.

At Plexxis, mindset matters… a great deal more than any given skillset. For Kyle Porter, Full Stack JavaScript Developer, the fact that everyone chosen to work at Plexxis embraces that same positive, can-do attitude makes it a very special place.

“The unique thing about Plexxis is how they think about hiring for attitude … and how it results in a really cohesive environment, says Kyle.

“I don’t think I’ve ever worked somewhere where everyone’s on the same page and it’s very easy to interact with everybody. You just kind of instantly get along with them. I think that it’s a result of how they think about hiring people and not just finding the best person based on a set of qualifications, but how they’re going to mesh with everyone else.”

The bottom line is this. No one at Plexxis lets negativity be their personal kryptonite. We are all united in a “make it happen together” mentality that propels us forward like the superheroes we truly are.

Summing it up

Mike Atkins, our Field & Estimating Specialist:

Do you exude that superhero attitude… and want to join the Plexxis team?

We would love to hear from you.

Submit your resume and let the adventure begin.

See our current career opportunities.

Tracking job progress accurately and efficiently!

When it comes to tracking progress on a construction site, you want to make sure you’re looking at the project from every angle and while it’s important to not miss anything, that can be a time-consuming process for you and your team. Tracking progress can be a tedious activity – one that costs your team hours of checking and counting; hours that could be better spent on other, more profitable tasks.

Productivity in the construction industry has long been a challenge, industry wide. Everything from weather, to staffing, to materials shortages and more can all have an impact on productivity. Research tells us that this leads to inadequate monitoring of how a project is progressing at any given time and that’s a problem because as the saying goes, “time is money.¹” This is why industry leaders in project tracking are constantly searching for new and effective solutions to help with managing construction sites.

Some are discovering that there’s a different way to track projects. Using drones, 360 degree videos, even cell phones, when combined with the right software, is, at its core, about putting photogrammetry to good use. It’s a much more efficient way to make certain that people can see the full picture when it comes to measuring progress on job sites. But how does this work?

Let’s begin with understanding the concept of photogrammetry. According to Wikipedia, photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images and patterns². More specifically, in the world of construction, photogrammetry is used to enhance the speed and accuracy of data collection from construction sites to support progress measurement and project control.³

As noted above, photogrammetry can be utilized in a variety of ways. In the case of drone technology, when appropriately equipped, photogrammetry means taking a series of 3D, high-resolution pictures over an area, overlapping at various points in order to capture every vantage point, from every angle. The result is a 3D reconstruction of a project that has texture, shape, elevation, and height information that’s capable of providing an extremely accurate view of the site being surveyed. It’s both very cost effective and flexible. To be clear however, these are not your kid’s drones! A camera-equipped drone that can do photogrammetry will range in price depending on exact specifications. Their value comes in the cost savings reaped from using them effectively and efficiently. Drone Deploy for example provides survey-grade accuracy using RTK and GPS technology. Wingtra provides a “QuickStep” guide for comparing drone types. There are of course, many other brands too, with a wide variety of capabilities.

Another platform that offers similar technology but without the use of drones, is StructionSite’s innovative SmartTrack system. Using this technology, a site manager chooses the location on their job site they would like to check the progress of, then selects “VideoWalk” on their phone that’s connected to a 360-degree camera and has SmartTrack installed. Then, the manager will walk around the job site while the camera captures data. Here’s the best part: SmartTrack will automatically let the site manager know how much of the job is complete in that area, allowing them to compare the percent complete with labour data in order to obtain a production rate. This data captured during the VideoWalk is all automatically collected and presented to the user in a way that’s easy for them to use.

Let’s imagine the SmartTrack system being used in a real-world situation. Say you have a company that’s been contracted to drywall a large industrial building. Before SmartTrack, you might have needed someone, or multiple people, from your team to manually check how much of the building has been drywalled at a given time to create a progress report. This costs you valuable time and labour. With SmartTrack, you could walk through the building with the 360 camera, head back to your computer, and know exactly how much of the building has been drywalled so far and use that data to help make important decisions about the project moving forward. It’s a much quicker, and smarter, way of doing things.

Users describe a process that is seamless, sharing how SmartTrack helps save teams significant time. “Using SmartTrack allows us to just walk the job capturing pictures, which are used for many other things throughout (a) project. We then come back to the office, and SmartTrack takes care of the rest. We just wait for the report to come out and see where we are on the job.⁵“

StructionSite was formally founded in 2016, by Matt Daly and Philip Lorenzo. VideoWalk came out in 2018, and SmartTrack in 2020. StructionSite’s senior product manager, Brianna Williams, said at the time of SmartTrack’s release that it would help people to quickly make smart decisions. “Our goal is to build a low effort, high-value production tracking solution that provides insights from site documentation to enable you to make better decisions faster. SmartTrack takes the grey area out of construction by bridging the information gap between the field and the office,” said Williams.

Photogrammetry is a powerful tool. From land surveying, engineering, and real estate use, through to military intelligence, medicine and even forensics, it’s commercial uses seem only to increase over time. As far as construction is concerned, it’s clear that photogrammetry has many applications in the industry and that it’s only a matter of time before more are found. Many in the construction industry are already seeing the benefits of using technology like SmartTrack, and you could be next. If you’re looking for an opportunity to increase efficiency and track job progress accurately, you may want to consider photogrammetry. It’s changing the construction industry!

*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.

Every successful business has its special superheroes. These are the people who get things done, make great things happen and who inspire and support others around them.

At Plexxis, we are proud of our superstars… but no-one here is an island unto themselves. Like the “Avengers Assemble” movies, we bring together the best of the best into eclectic and unstoppable teams. Our people may not come from other planets, but each has undeniable gifts and personal talents that bring formidable power to the team as a whole.

And that allows us to push our own limits, innovate wildly – and create some of the most exciting software in our sector.

As a new avenger joining forces together with us, you may not at first know that much about your peers. You likely won’t understand yet how you best complement others’ strengths and weaknesses. Over time, however you come to learn who the best person is for each challenge, how to best apply your unique strengths – and the shining, invaluable role you play as part of the whole.

Iron man might have genius level intellect, but where would he be without Captain Marvel’s strength, Black Panther’s speed and Black Widow’s espionage abilities? Together – with Wolverine, Groot, Scarlett Witch and a few more — they are invincible!

That’s kind of what it’s like that at Plexxis.

A team that’s “got your back”

Inspiration to succeed

Support is one thing, but our team environment offers more than that. To our Solutions Specialist, Elizabeth Barton, that avengers assemble model means not only does she feel supported – but also energized and driven by an amazing group of peers.

“I feel like I am part of a really solid set of friends,” she says. “People I have come to have relationships with and who are very strong together. I feel like I’m pumped to get up every single morning and go into the office.”

“It’s never something I dread. It’s something that I gain a tremendous amount of personal fulfillment from doing. That gives me a purpose in my life. It brings me a lot of happiness.”

No weak links

Another benefit of a strong team environment is accountability. Being motivated to do and be more. As Kyle Porter, our Full Stack JavaScript Developer describes, everyone has to pull their socks and be their best to drive success.

Keeping the wheels rolling

Unfailing dedication to one another is another characteristic of Plexxis’ team-oriented environment. It’s not about you, it’s about the success of your peers:

“One of the things I really like about this team is how everyone comes together quickly, willing to immediately just drop what they’re doing and help out to make sure things go smoothly,” says Mike Stade, Infrastructure Specialist.

“If they’re not going smooth, that gets righted very quickly. That’s one of the things that I see here: a very caring team and a very dedicated team.”

Meaningful relationships

So yes, being part of the Plexxis team is an opportunity to do and be more together. But ultimately there is a very human element. For Mary Rivera, Accounts Receivable, that sense of personal fulfillment she derives from working at Plexxis is the real deal maker:

There are so many reasons our avengers assemble model makes Plexxis an exciting and desirable place to work.

Ultimately, we are driven by a simple but powerful mission: to build teams and create products. Amazing teams…and pretty kickass products, by the way.

Got what it takes… and interested in joining the Plexxis team?

We would love to hear from you.

Submit your resume and let the adventure begin.

See our current career opportunities.