Key Takeaways from STRATUS Innovate 2023

TLDR; STRATUS Innovate 2023 was an incredible success. Presentations are available to view here. There are three upcoming webinars and a shop tour lined up to expand more on the topics from the conference!

STRATUS Innovate 2023 brought together over 80 contractors in the MEP trades, and they shared insights, ideas and innovations for data-driven pre-fabrication. Here are some of the subjects and the notable strides STRATUS is helping contractors take.

Leadership Evolution: Jake Olsen Announced as the New CEO

Todd Liebbe, GTP Software’s founder, kicked off the conference with very exciting news: the leadership at GTP will be transitioning from him to Jake Olsen as the new CEO. Todd remains an active member of the team, but Jake’s leadership will take the company to new heights and the transition ensures that the company’s trajectory remains aligned with its commitment to innovation and progress.

Perfecting Work Packages: From Start to Finish

The keynote presentation of “Perfecting Work Packages” was delivered by the new CEO himself, Jake Olsen. The session stressed the significance of evaluating pre-fabrication from a comprehensive standpoint—from its inception to its culmination. By embracing this holistic evaluation, it leads to more streamlined and successful projects. Using the example of a potato, he showed how measuring production in small, manageable packages offers better control over project dynamics. By isolating specific areas for measurement, they can identify bottlenecks and address issues promptly. This approach provides a clearer understanding of project progress and empowers teams to make real-time adjustments that drive efficiency. Then he showed how dashboards along with tracking statuses, which serve as digital counterparts to traditional paper-based reporting systems, capture real-time data, presenting project progress in a visual format.

The Evolution of SPC Mechanical's STRATUS Workflow: Efficiency Redefined

The implementation of SPC Mechanical’s STRATUS Workflow has brought about a transformation in the efficiency and effectiveness of SPC's project operations. STRATUS has seamlessly integrated various stages of the project lifecycle, ranging from initial planning to the final field installation process. What initially began as a tool for planning and data collection has now evolved into an all-encompassing platform that addresses quality control, spooling, reviews, communication, tooling integration, prefabrication, and field installation.

SPC Mechanical Corporation is partnering with GTP Software and opening the doors to their expansive 120,000 sq ft fabrication facility, providing an exclusive opportunity for a private shop tour. Use the link below to request to attend, or join this webinar with SPC to see what you can expect!

Construction Logistics: JH Kelly & STRATUS Containers

JH Kelly harnessed the power of STRATUS containers for a project involving 500 truckloads of material transported 1,400 miles; this included 95,000 linear feet of pipe, 14,500 tons of structural steel, coordination across multiple fabrication shops, and a strict no-ground-touch installation requirement. JH Kelly's innovative solution involved two types of containers: Trailer containers and Area containers. Tailer containers were used for new loads from the shop, the container details included trailer information and photos from when it shipped. Meanwhile, area containers organized on-site warehouse materials and laydown yard trailers, maintaining inventories of items like pallets and carts. This adaptation of containers in STRATUS not only optimized material transportation but exemplified how innovative thinking can overcome complex construction challenges.

The Power of Sequential Numbering: Labeling

Jesse Gorman, from Postler & Jaeckle, highlighted the value of sequential numbering and lettering to help provide an arrangement of assemblies. He showed how they use labels for coordination, leveling, temporary pieces and weld maps. He addressed compatibility, with a focus on addressing challenges. Specifically, in adhering labels to surfaces like cast iron by using tape reinforcement and he discussed the value of thermal labels as a preventive measure against fading, further ensuring the longevity of critical information.

Join our upcoming webinar where our Customer Success Team will walk through different label ideas, options, and best practices.

Field Orderz: Bridging Innovation and Efficiency in Construction Workflow with STRATUS Integration

Chris Hronek's presentation showcased how Tweet/Garot is overcoming the hurdle of non-modeled work. By leveraging Field Orderz’s "smart sketching" feature and integration into STRATUS, hand-drawn field diagrams are transformed into digital drawings with dimensions and labels, followed by automated material order generation. This empowers jobsite teams to contribute drawings and material requisitions, enhancing the quality of the final product. After successfully producing 300 plumbing packages in their pilot project and ongoing expansion to sheet metal projects, Field Orderz stands as a testament to Tweet/Garot's commitment to innovation. As an extension of STRATUS, it enhances internal capabilities, exemplifying the company's dedication to construction excellence.