P2S Magazine Issue 3 | Page 11

Incubator initiatives help us get our jobs done more efficiently and consistently. They help us keep ahead of the technology curve so we can let our clients know if there’s an emerging technology that they might benefit from. The Incubator has also hatched new internal programs for hiring, onboarding and mentoring new employees. The process for approval of an Incubator idea is very similar to a venture capital type shark tank where the best ideas get chosen and then employees are challenged to come up with a way to develop the idea. The concepts focus on the technical side of our business, but also the operations side, giving our technical employees the opportunity to gain exposure to concepts of business that may not typically see until later in their careers. So the incubator doesn’t just develop ideas, it develops our employees. It sharpens their abilities and gives them new skills that help them in their careers and make them better project managers and team members. It gives them new opportunities, more avenues for growth, and gives them a different mind-set on how they approach project delivery. What is a notable project in which an Incubator idea directly benefited the client? JDM: The San Diego State Central Chiller Plant Upgrade was one of the first projects where an Incubator idea really contributed time and cost savings for the client. As we started to work on the project, we realized that there were multiple sets of as-built drawings documenting renovations and expansions from different decades and completely different contractors. We decided that instead of generating a baseline drawing from the two- dimensional as-builts, that we could use our 3D laser scanning services to help capture real-time conditions of the current installation. The 3D laser scanner is a high-powered camera that captures images and ultimately converts these into our BIM model in Revit. The process helped ensure we started with a good foundation to help minimize RFIs and change orders. In addition, this up-front effort allowed us to focus on the more technical aspects of the project in lieu of spending time generating a BIM model from the original as-builts. 3D laser scanning has become a standard for us on infrastructure projects. You mentioned you were the lead for Internet of Things Device Security initiative. Tell us about this project. JDM: This is also something that when it launches, will also directly benefit clients on projects. The Internet of Things (IoT) is this rapidly expanding interconnectedness of devices and systems to each other and to networks via the internet. There are many positive aspects with being able to connect more devices to gather data and control systems, but it leads to similar types of security vulnerabilities that we’ve been seeing for a while in traditional internet connected devices like desktops and mobile. Our job is to develop P2S best practices to secure these IoT devices and connected systems. As technology continues to evolve, we are seeing more systems being placed on the client’s network. These include HVAC controls, building automation systems, power systems, lighting systems, and building security systems, among others. What we’re doing is coming up with protocols to educate our clients and provide solutions that improve the security of these integrated and connected systems. Things we’re looking at are which manufacturers offer the most secure products, what security protocols and procedures are most effective at improving network security, and what actions do human operators and integrators need to take to keep security as high as possible. What else are you excited about that’s coming through the incubator pipeline? JDM: There’s an initiative to take our laser scanning services to the next level with upgraded field capture equipment, new software for improved BIM coordination, and 3D photography that would upgrade our current capabilities. We’re also working on more standardization, developing companywide construction administration guidelines. What do you see for the future of the Incubator? JDM: The Incubator model has evolved from when it first began but it’s always been a volunteer organization. The company supports the work the Incubator does but it’s the members who are taking the time to develop their ideas and present them to the Incubator teams. These volunteers have put in the effort to not only challenge the status-quo internally at P2S, but also the greater AEC industry. Incubator members will continue to innovate and find ways to improve existing ways of doing things. Members will continue to think and behave as leaders and develop great ideas. We’re trying to make the Incubator accessible to more staff with a new call for volunteers and I think that we’ll continue to grow this program while providing opportunities for our employees. 11