Picture a bustling construction site, where efficient communication tools are as essential as the building materials themselves. Delays can often result in significant financial losses, making efficient connectivity on-site more critical than ever. This is where optimising temporary connectivity in large-scale construction projects becomes essential. According to a KPMG report, only 50% of construction projects are completed on time, demonstrating the need for advanced connectivity solutions to bridge the gaps to help projects run to schedule.
Understanding Temporary Connectivity Needs
The Connectivity Challenge
Construction Project Managers are often tasked with overseeing large projects that span several acres, requiring stable and widespread internet access. Keeping all devices connected gets even tougher when you have to support hundreds of them, just to run high-demand apps like video calls, cloud project management, and real-time data processing. Optimising temporary connectivity in large-scale construction projects involves creating reliable networks that can adapt to the changing nature of construction environments, thereby preventing delays and ensuring that teams are aligned on objectives.
For example, during the shutdown phase at the Newhurst Energy Recycling Facility, a simple yet effective solution was found. Using a commercial-grade dual WAN 5G router paired with an externally mounted antenna combined with nine cloud-managed access points, provided uninterrupted WiFi for all staff on site.
Environmental Factors
Construction projects often occur in areas with challenging environments, whether it’s the outskirts of town centers or remote locations with minimal infrastructure. These environmental factors can obstruct signals and create dead zones that disrupt connectivity.
For instance, at the Hitachi Zosen Inova site in Erith, the configuration of a large welfare village required a special configuration to overcome the flat spot for mobile coverage as 4G and 5G solutions were not sufficient. By using multiple mobile and satellite connections, the project achieved the necessary bandwidth and supported hundreds of users. This demonstrates how optimising temporary connectivity in large-scale construction projects can be achieved even in complex environments.
High Demand for Connectivity
With the increasing integration of digital tools, construction sites have become hubs of technology where every department, from engineering to logistics, needs reliable connectivity. Large-scale operations, such as 3D modelling and collaborative platforms like BIM (Building Information Modelling), require substantial bandwidth and minimal latency. For instance, reliable WiFi enabled the Hitachi Zosen Inova project to keep things running smoothly, making sure everyday tools like Microsoft Teams were always up and running.
Key Elements in Implementing Temporary Connectivity
Site Assessment and Planning
Effective temporary connectivity solutions begin with meticulous site assessments. It’s essential to look at the physical setup, and the unique challenges of the landscape, and spot any possible bottlenecks.
For instance, when setting up connectivity at Newhurst, understanding the physical configuration allowed for the efficient placement of access points. This thorough planning phase is key for optimising temporary connectivity in large-scale construction projects.
Connectivity Needs Analysis
Every construction project presents a unique set of connectivity needs influenced by its size, timeline, and technological demands. Carrying out a detailed analysis can help the selection of appropriate technology solutions to determine whether a 4G/5G network is sufficient or if satellite backup is necessary. In the case of Hitachi Zosen Inova, leveraging an analysis that incorporated both mobile and satellite technologies ensured robust performance and flexibility.
Rapid Deployment
Once a plan is established, a swift deployment strategy is essential to avoid operational delays. Teams can move from planning to full operation in a matter of days, ensuring that infrastructural projects remain on schedule. Rapid deployment is key to optimising temporary connectivity in large-scale construction projects, minimising downtime, and maximising productivity.
Key Elements in Implementing Temporary Connectivity
Leveraging Wireless Technologies
Wireless technologies offer unparalleled flexibility and scalability for construction sites. With recent advancements like WiFi 6 and private 4G networks, you now have options that can quickly be deployed and offer broad coverage. Making the most of these technologies is key to optimising temporary connectivity in large-scale construction projects, providing solutions that grow with project needs.
Using Portable Solutions
Portable connectivity solutions, such as mobile hotspots or temporary cell towers, offer adaptability and ease of installation. These are especially valuable in remote locations or during the initial phases of construction before permanent infrastructure is in place. Setting up a temporary cell tower allows for full coverage without having to depend on outside providers.
Anticipating and Planning for Challenges
Anticipating potential connectivity issues allows managers to devise pre-emptive solutions, ensuring continuity. Identifying issues early in a project is key to a quick and easy resolution. This helps project managers keep things running efficiently and avoid expensive delays.
Maintaining Reliable Support
Ongoing support is crucial to manage a network’s health and respond to issues promptly. Whether it’s over-the-phone support or a dedicated technician on-site, reliable support services enhance the overall connectivity strategy.
Regular Network Monitoring
Tools for regular network monitoring provide insights into performance metrics such as latency, bandwidth usage, and connection stability. Regularly analysing and optimising the network keeps it strong and efficient, allowing you to tackle any issues before they become problems.
To sum up, best practices should be implemented to ensure network security, manage access permissions, and update equipment firmware regularly. Protecting your data from unwanted access boils down to having top-notch encryption and secure access points.
If you’re looking for expert advice on setting up rock-solid, temporary connectivity solutions tailored to your construction needs, get in touch with the WiFi experts at Fli-Fi. Email us at enquiries@fli-fi.com or call 020 3778 0454.
