Our client, a leading construction firm in the state of Georgia, USA, needed a cost-effective solution for tracking the construction progress of >300 single-family units.
This case study shows how we used our Power BI expertise to visualize the construction progress of the units, but it also shows how Power BI alone wasn’t enough - and how we built an end-to-end system that achieved our client's goal, from data creation to data visualization.
Our client was already using construction management software. They were too big not to use one.
The problem?
The software wasn’t tailored to this use case, it didn’t have mobile support and no reporting capabilities. They also looked into alternatives but didn’t find anything ready-made that they could use.
This resulted in:
After careful assessment, we found out that It wasn't just about tracking the on-site progress and project-related costs.
Our client needed a way to track progress over time and compare it with the schedules.
To solve this, we needed a detailed system to track every change users made in the application.
We figured out we needed two technologies for the job:
After detailed discussions and considering our client's requirements, we decided to build an application that would have four tables.
Complete Site Management in Coda: The system in Coda allows users not only to view the current status of tasks but also allows for easy management of all tasks, units, and costs, creating a digital copy of the construction site.
Scalable Operations: Our client can manage projects of any size with ease, as our application handles over 20,000 tasks across 350 construction lots, showcasing its scalability and adaptability.
Interactive Site Work Map: We also used the project's site work sketch to create a map that allows for tracking work progress, giving the constructor a clearer picture of the project's evolution.
Proactive Progress Tracking: Our application, powered by Power BI:
No fancy talk. Just real results:
A bunch of companies talk about data solutions, but Datanauts actually delivered.
Our construction projects were stuck in paperwork hell until they showed up. Their no-nonsense approach cut through the clutter, transforming our paperwork chaos into streamlined processes.
After careful assessment, we figured out we needed three technologies for the job:
Power BI for the data visualization and Coda to build the application was perfect for our client's requirements.
However, a crucial piece was missing – a seamless way to transfer data from Coda to Power BI.
This led us to the Big Question: How do we establish a connection between Coda and Power BI?
In a nutshell, we solved it with a "Data-Transfer-Mechanism" using the Coda API and Google Sheets AppScript.
The result? Hourly data collection in Google Sheets, forging an invisible link between Coda and Power BI. Seamless, slick, and problem-solved
It doesn't stop there – Using the Power BI application, we were able to feature visuals that empower seamless tracking of progress both vertically (by unit) and horizontally (by task).
The entire interface is designed to be interactive, transparent, and user-friendly.
Another standout achievement is the creation of an interactive site work map.
Using the project's site work sketch as a foundation, we crafted a map to monitor every inch of progress. This gave the constructor a crystal-clear view of the project's journey, enhancing decision-making and project management.
