In a recent enlightening episode of our Brevity Technical Webinar series, we were joined by Gye Simkin, our New Projects Lead. Gye, with his deep expertise and hands-on experience, provided valuable insights into the world of remote inspections and PS4s for commercial interiors. The webinar was presented on July 13, 2023, and it served as a platform to delve into this fascinating, relevant topic in our industry.

Understanding Construction Monitoring

Construction monitoring and PS4s, as Gye explained, plays a vital role in the compliance pathway. The main goal here is to make sure that engineering designs are carried out as planned on the construction site. Usually, engineers visit the site to ensure that the right materials and construction methods are used.

In New Zealand, the construction industry recognizes five different levels of construction monitoring. These levels depend on various factors such as the size of the project, its complexity, associated risks, and more. For example, lower-risk projects like office fit-outs may only need CM2 level monitoring, while high-risk, large commercial projects might require the highest level of monitoring, CM5.

The Rise of Remote Inspections

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic pushed our industry to innovate, leading to the development of remote inspections. As Gye highlighted, remote inspections have become an efficient and quick solution that many projects now officially recognize. Remote inspections offer the flexibility to be used independently or combined with traditional on-site inspections, depending on each project’s unique needs.
The technology required for remote inspections is both simple and widely available. A member of the project team, familiar with the specifics, can carry out the inspection using a device that supports video calls. This inspection is conducted under the remote guidance of an engineer.

Easy Steps to Schedule a Remote Inspection

To make the remote inspection process more user-friendly, Gye shared an easy way to book an inspection through our website.

  1. Input your project number: Start by entering your project number on the booking page.
  2. Choose the type of inspection: Next, select the inspection type that fits your project.
  3. Select your engineer: You can pick the engineer you prefer to work with from our experienced team.
  4. Set a date and time: Finally, pick a date and time that suits your schedule.

Answering Your Questions: The Q&A Session

In the interactive Q&A session, Gye answered a range of audience questions about using remote inspections. He noted that the level of construction monitoring needed is generally decided during a discussion between the engineer and the client, taking into account factors such as council requirements.
Regarding the use of remote inspections for racking projects, Gye confirmed that they are indeed suitable. While live video calls are the preferred method, photographs may sometimes be enough, depending on the project details. Google Meet, Zoom, and Teams are popular platforms for conducting remote inspections.
For those concerned about having a stable connection for a video call, Gye suggested taking photos instead or potentially arranging an on-site inspection.

Looking Ahead

As the construction sector continues its digital transformation, it’s clear that remote inspections are becoming an essential tool for effective project management. Keep an eye out for more insightful content in future sessions, where we will continue to discuss the latest trends in our industry.