The History of Hensel Phelps
Founded in 1937 and based in Greeley, Colorado, Hensel Phelps is an industry-leading general contractor with a mission to deliver high-quality projects across various sectors, including aviation, healthcare, commercial, education and government. As an employee-owned company, Hensel Phelps prides itself on its commitment to excellence and innovation, striving to reach its centennial mark by continuously adapting to industry trends and technological advancements.
Planning the Build, Then Building the Plan with the Help of cmBuilder
Hensel Phelps' operational motto, "Plan the Work, then Work the Plan," encapsulates their approach to construction. This philosophy underscores the importance of meticulous planning and execution, which is crucial for delivering successful projects. By leveraging advanced technologies such as the cmBuilder platform, Hensel Phelps enhances this motto, ensuring every phase of construction is set up for success, from preconstruction through to commissioning and handover.
"It's that cradle-to-grave mentality. With cmBuilder, we're able to put the effort in during procurement, and then it rolls right into the preconstruction and construction phases. We're able to be consistent and use the same platform throughout the life cycle of the job. There's a lot of value in that,"
- Kyle Tomak - VDC Manager at Hensel Phelps
The Role of Technology in Modern Construction
Kyle Tomak, VDC Manager at Hensel Phelps, emphasizes the company's forward-thinking attitude towards technology adoption. With over a decade of experience at Hensel Phelps, Tomak has witnessed the evolution of technology in the construction industry. The company actively seeks out and implements technological solutions that address real-world challenges, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry innovation. Technologies like BIM, drones, laser scanning, and augmented reality are now integral to their project workflows, enhancing efficiency and communication across teams.
Adoption of cmBuilder: A Game Changer
The integration of cmBuilder into Hensel Phelps' operations marks a significant advancement in their digital project planning and execution. Combining modern web-based technology with best-in-class collaboration tools, cmBuilder provides a robust solution for site logistics planning and 4D simulations at the enterprise scale. This technology allows Hensel Phelps to visualize project phases and sequences in a dynamic, interactive manner, which is crucial for managing a broad spectrum of stakeholders on complex projects.
Enhancing Site Logistics Planning
Site logistics planning is critical in construction, ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated and that project timelines are met. cmBuilder enhances this aspect by enabling detailed 4D modeling, which helps visualize the project's progression over time. This capability allows Hensel Phelps to foresee potential issues and address them proactively, ensuring smoother project execution.
Effective Communication and Collaboration
One of cmBuilder's standout benefits is its ability to facilitate effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Hensel Phelps platform administrators can invite unlimited users into their cmBuilder account and significantly reduce the friction of project planning collaboration. By providing a visual representation of the project plan, cmBuilder ensures that everyone, from the project staff to the clients, has a clear understanding of the project's scope and timeline. This transparency reduces misunderstandings and fosters a collaborative environment, which is essential for the successful delivery of complex projects.
Consistency from Procurement to Construction
cmBuilder also supports Hensel Phelps in maintaining consistency throughout the project life cycle. The platform's use, from pursuit to construction in the field, ensures that the initial plans and visualizations presented to clients are upheld throughout the project's duration. This consistency is critical for building trust and ensuring the client's expectations are met without surprises. This is a crucial factor for measuring the success of new technology deployment on Hensel Phelps projects, as per Tomak.
Tech that Improves the Quality of Life for Project Staff
One of Tomak's most rewarding aspects of his role is seeing the positive impact of technology on the quality of life for project staff. Technologies like cmBuilder not only make the planning and execution process more efficient but also alleviate stress and workload on the staff. By streamlining workflows and improving communication, these tools enable project teams to work more effectively and enjoy a better work-life balance.
Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Construction Technology
Looking to the future, Tomak and his extended team at Hensel Phelps envision even greater reliance on technologies like AI and robotics alongside the continued use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and augmented reality. These advancements will further enhance their ability to deliver high-quality projects efficiently. Integrating AI components into construction software and using robotics on job sites will drive further improvements in project execution and quality of life for construction professionals. Hensel Phelps' adoption of cmBuilder exemplifies their commitment to innovation and excellence in construction. By leveraging advanced technology to enhance their planning and execution processes, they ensure the successful delivery of complex projects while improving the quality of life for their project staff. As they approach their 100-year milestone, Hensel Phelps continues to set the standard for innovation in the construction industry.
