Planit Measuring

Streamlining Building Scanning with AutoCAD Plugin Integration and LiDAR Sensors

Client

Planit Measuring

Industry

Construction & Real Estate

Services

Custom Integration, UI/UX, QA

Tech Used

Swift, Xcode, Apple RoomPlan API, Hololens

Clutch Review

5.0

Overview

As digital technology development continues momentum, it becomes increasingly challenging for companies to keep up to date. This is particularly evident for businesses that aren't directly involved in software development or deeply intertwined with IT services.

Planit Measuring, a high-tech engineering company, realizing this challenge, sought technical support from Focus21 to develop new software as part of a collaborative partnership.

Client

Planit Measuring

Industry

Construction & Real Estate

Services

Custom Integration, UI/UX, QA

Tech Used

Swift, Xcode, Apple RoomPlan API, Hololens

Clutch Review

5.0

About the Client

Planit Measuring is an engineering firm that offers a wide range of services in the fields of architecture, property management, and civil construction. Their primary focus is environmental scanning as well as digital representation of spatial data related to the architecture of residential and commercial spaces, surrounding infrastructure, and other objects.

For each project engagement, the company deploys two specialized teams. One team is dispatched at the customer site for capturing the required data with laser rangefinders, LiDAR scanners, and various other devices. The second team is based at the home office to continuously process all the gathered data produced by the on-site team.

Planit Measuring then uses the collected data in conjunction with AutoCAD software to produce three-dimensional building information models (BIM). However, given that each of their projects is unique and often requires additional software solutions, Planit realized they needed help from outside and thus turned to the specialists at Focus21.

Challenges

Complex Point Measurements

Drafting two-dimensional or three-dimensional floor plans necessitates intricate point measurements, often lacking simplicity and efficiency. This complexity adds to the challenge of accurately capturing spatial data.

Time-Consuming Site Sketching

Dispatching teams equipped with heavy gear for on-site sketching proves time-consuming and inconvenient for clients. The process adds logistical challenges and impacts operational efficiency.

Error-Prone On-Site Measurements

Pressure to complete measurements quickly results in on-site teams making mistakes, detected only during data compilation at the office. This leads to additional site visits, escalating production time and costs.

Post-Processing Complexity

Projects requiring detailed three-dimensional models face challenges due to the extended post-processing of data from specialized laser scanners. This complexity adds to project costs and resource allocation.

Software Compatibility Issues

Many scanners utilize proprietary software and unique file formats, necessitating additional processing and manual steps. This compatibility issue complicates the workflow and contributes to increased expenses.

Planit Measuring building surveyor utilizing AutoCAD alongside digital measuring devices to generate precise building floor plans.
Previous user interface for PMTools in AutoCAD
Above is a view of the PMTools interface that the field workers use to create the floor plans in AutoCAD.

Process

User Research and Analysis

Focus21 conducted interviews, surveys, and field shadowing sessions to understand user behaviors and pain points. Key findings included issues with the disorganized PMTools toolbar and manual referencing of industry standards.

Heuristic Evaluation and Backlog Generation

Desired improvements were prioritized based on a heuristic evaluation, leading to a detailed product backlog. Top priorities included organizing the toolbar, automating manual processes, and enhancing UI/UX elements.

Solution Design and Proposal

Solutions were developed and implemented for each backlog item, such as adjusting the toolbar hierarchy and introducing automation tools. UI/UX enhancements were also proposed to address visibility and usability issues.

Development and Implementation

Solutions were developed and implemented iteratively, focusing on priority items. This included adjusting the toolbar hierarchy, automating processes like parking space creation, and enhancing UI/UX elements.

Testing and Validation

Finally, the Focus 21 team conducted rigorous testing and validation, including user acceptance testing (UAT), to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the implemented solutions. Feedback from UAT sessions was used to make further refinements.

Documentation and Training

Comprehensive documentation and training materials were developed to support users in adopting the updated software effectively. Clear communication channels were established for ongoing support.

Solution

From their partnership with Focus21, Planit Measuring's surveyors have gained the ability to use AutoCAD directly in the field using Windows tablets. This has significantly simplified the measurement process as they now can collect data from laser rangefinders and draft plans in real-time.

Each measurement is automatically electronically recorded, eliminating any human errors from manual data entry. With a Focus21-developed plugin, surveyors can also review and verify floor plans onsite, identify concealed spaces, and if necessary, update CAD drawings.

A screenshot of a computerDescription automatically generated
Sample of UI redesigns in PMTools

While working with PMTools enhancements, the Focus 21 team also developed a Task Checklist outlining the items needed to be completed for a specific site. They also added a Stairs Suite module for staircase scanning and revamped the Wall Clean Up Tools functionality for wall interactions. 

In addition, a list of required enhancements (updates) for future implementation is maintained by Focus 21 in line with changes in legislation and the company's objectives.  As an example, a recent update was completed for the PM Tools application.  It included a revamped UX tailored for enhanced efficiency in field conditions, featuring intuitive, larger control elements containing a clear set of actions, devoid of glitches.

Conclusion

The initial outreach from Planit Measuring to the experts at Focus21 ultimately resulted in a long-standing partnership between the companies, facilitating regular collaboration. Our specialists continue to work on the company's projects with the goal of finding more efficient ways of conducting space scanning.

Example:  Independent Space Scanning for Planit Measuring Clients 

As devices for scanning surrounding spaces become more available and advanced, Planit Measuring's clients are increasingly considering the possibility of scanning their premises independently (on their own). To enable for Planit to fulfill this need for the clients, Focus21 integrated LiDAR sensors with specific iPhone and iPad models. Together, they create a realistic 3D representation of the space scanned. It is then processed by Planit Measuring specialists by incorporating the RoomPlan API through Apple's native development tools and the Swift programming language. 

As an aside, Focus21 developers have also tested Microsoft Hololens augmented reality headsets for Planit Measuring to work with 3D spaces.

The innovations described above help keep allow Planit Measuring to carve out new business opportunities and effectively bring them to life with cutting-edge solutions, that stay at the forefront of progress. With the help of Focus21, Planit Measuring is able to secure new contracts by processing vast amounts of information required more efficiently.

Mike Laurie

CEO and Co-Founder, Planit Manufacturing

"I worked closely with Ilya’s team on software development projects, and their work was exceptional. Focus21's technical expertise and professionalism were impressive, and their attention to detail was evident in the final product. They were responsive to my questions and concerns, keeping me informed throughout the development process. Their positive attitude and collaborative approach made the project run smoothly. I highly recommend Focus21 as a talented and dedicated software developer, an asset to any team or project. Thank you for the opportunity to work with such talented professionals."

Planit Measuring

Streamlining Building Scanning with AutoCAD Plugin Integration and LiDAR Sensors

Client

Planit Measuring

Industry

Real Estate

Core Technologies

Swift

Xcode

Apple RoomPlan API

Hololens

Services

UI/UX

Digital Transformation

Software Development

Overview

As digital technology development continues momentum, it becomes increasingly challenging for companies to keep up to date. This is particularly evident for businesses that aren't directly involved in software development or deeply intertwined with IT services.

Planit Measuring, a high-tech engineering company, realizing this challenge, sought technical support from Focus21 to develop new software as part of a collaborative partnership.

About the Client

Planit Measuring is an engineering firm that offers a wide range of services in the fields of architecture, property management, and civil construction. Their primary focus is environmental scanning as well as digital representation of spatial data related to the architecture of residential and commercial spaces, surrounding infrastructure, and other objects.

For each project engagement, the company deploys two specialized teams. One team is dispatched at the customer site for capturing the required data with laser rangefinders, LiDAR scanners, and various other devices. The second team is based at the home office to continuously process all the gathered data produced by the on-site team.

Planit Measuring then uses the collected data in conjunction with AutoCAD software to produce three-dimensional building information models (BIM). However, given that each of their projects is unique and often requires additional software solutions, Planit realized they needed help from outside and thus turned to the specialists at Focus21.

Challenges

Complex Point Measurements

Drafting two-dimensional or three-dimensional floor plans necessitates intricate point measurements, often lacking simplicity and efficiency. This complexity adds to the challenge of accurately capturing spatial data.

Time-Consuming Site Sketching

Dispatching teams equipped with heavy gear for on-site sketching proves time-consuming and inconvenient for clients. The process adds logistical challenges and impacts operational efficiency.

Error-Prone On-Site Measurements

Pressure to complete measurements quickly results in on-site teams making mistakes, detected only during data compilation at the office. This leads to additional site visits, escalating production time and costs.

Post-Processing Complexity

Projects requiring detailed three-dimensional models face challenges due to the extended post-processing of data from specialized laser scanners. This complexity adds to project costs and resource allocation.

Software Compatibility Issues

Many scanners utilize proprietary software and unique file formats, necessitating additional processing and manual steps. This compatibility issue complicates the workflow and contributes to increased expenses.

Process

User Research and Analysis

Focus21 conducted interviews, surveys, and field shadowing sessions to understand user behaviors and pain points. Key findings included issues with the disorganized PMTools toolbar and manual referencing of industry standards.

Heuristic Evaluation and Backlog Generation

Desired improvements were prioritized based on a heuristic evaluation, leading to a detailed product backlog. Top priorities included organizing the toolbar, automating manual processes, and enhancing UI/UX elements.

Solution Design and Proposal

Solutions were developed and implemented for each backlog item, such as adjusting the toolbar hierarchy and introducing automation tools. UI/UX enhancements were also proposed to address visibility and usability issues.

Development and Implementation

Solutions were developed and implemented iteratively, focusing on priority items. This included adjusting the toolbar hierarchy, automating processes like parking space creation, and enhancing UI/UX elements.

Testing and Validation

Finally, the Focus 21 team conducted rigorous testing and validation, including user acceptance testing (UAT), to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the implemented solutions. Feedback from UAT sessions was used to make further refinements.

Documentation and Training

Comprehensive documentation and training materials were developed to support users in adopting the updated software effectively. Clear communication channels were established for ongoing support.

Solution

From their partnership with Focus21, Planit Measuring's surveyors have gained the ability to use AutoCAD directly in the field using Windows tablets. This has significantly simplified the measurement process as they now can collect data from laser rangefinders and draft plans in real-time.

Each measurement is automatically electronically recorded, eliminating any human errors from manual data entry. With a Focus21-developed plugin, surveyors can also review and verify floor plans onsite, identify concealed spaces, and if necessary, update CAD drawings.

A screenshot of a computerDescription automatically generated
Sample of UI redesigns in PMTools

While working with PMTools enhancements, the Focus 21 team also developed a Task Checklist outlining the items needed to be completed for a specific site. They also added a Stairs Suite module for staircase scanning and revamped the Wall Clean Up Tools functionality for wall interactions. 

In addition, a list of required enhancements (updates) for future implementation is maintained by Focus 21 in line with changes in legislation and the company's objectives.  As an example, a recent update was completed for the PM Tools application.  It included a revamped UX tailored for enhanced efficiency in field conditions, featuring intuitive, larger control elements containing a clear set of actions, devoid of glitches.

Conclusion

The initial outreach from Planit Measuring to the experts at Focus21 ultimately resulted in a long-standing partnership between the companies, facilitating regular collaboration. Our specialists continue to work on the company's projects with the goal of finding more efficient ways of conducting space scanning.

Example:  Independent Space Scanning for Planit Measuring Clients 

As devices for scanning surrounding spaces become more available and advanced, Planit Measuring's clients are increasingly considering the possibility of scanning their premises independently (on their own). To enable for Planit to fulfill this need for the clients, Focus21 integrated LiDAR sensors with specific iPhone and iPad models. Together, they create a realistic 3D representation of the space scanned. It is then processed by Planit Measuring specialists by incorporating the RoomPlan API through Apple's native development tools and the Swift programming language. 

As an aside, Focus21 developers have also tested Microsoft Hololens augmented reality headsets for Planit Measuring to work with 3D spaces.

The innovations described above help keep allow Planit Measuring to carve out new business opportunities and effectively bring them to life with cutting-edge solutions, that stay at the forefront of progress. With the help of Focus21, Planit Measuring is able to secure new contracts by processing vast amounts of information required more efficiently.

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