In the dynamic world of manufacturing, maintaining or increasing efficiency throughout the evolution of a factory is paramount in a growing production business. This is where as-built plant layout plans and Building Information Models (BIM) are pivotal in helping line engineers and production managers. Knowing all of the exact measurements of your building and its installed equipment are not just tools for organization; they are necessary for calculated growth. The advent of 3D laser scanning has revolutionized how these layouts are captured and plans are created or updated. With the ability to expediently measure existing facilities with astounding accuracy, 3D laser scanning ensures that every square inch of a factory is accounted for, paving the way for seamless integration of new equipment and optimized use of space. Factories that use 3D scanning and as-built modeling firms have a competitive advantage over others, knowing exactly what equipment is installed where, and the ability to quickly configure the most efficient new layouts when new equipment or space is added.

Every Building Element And All Equipment At Your Fingertips

It All Starts With A 3D Scan

Using 3D laser scanning, we are able to quickly gather all the visual and measurement details required to develop as-built plant layout drawings. The 3D scan uses Terrestrial Laser Scanners (TLS) that measure every millimeter of an existing plant and its installed equipment. In addition to the measurement data, 360-degree photos are also taken to create a virtual tour. In most cases, the on-site capture process is non-invasive and doesn’t require a plant shutdown. Regular operations can be ongoing while the 3D scan is taking place.

The 3D scanning creates a pointcloud file, which contains all the spatial measurement data and 360-photos. This file can be kept offline by any project stakeholder and viewed as a virtual tour. Spot measurement can also be taken using the pointcloud file.

Then The As-Built Plans Are Created

With the pointcloud, all measurement and visual data is available to our architectural drafters remotely – so no secondary visits are required to develop accurate plant layout drawings.

In a well-developed Building Information Model (BIM), all architectural and structural building components are present. After adding the installed equipment all the plans can be created in CAD and PDF formats. We can export floorplans, reflective ceiling plans, elevations, and section drawings from a BIM.

Enhanced Space Utilization

By providing a detailed and accurate view of the current factory layout, plant layout drawings enable engineers and production managers to identify underused areas or potential bottlenecks. This leads to smarter space planning, essential for accommodating new machinery or optimizing workflows.

Streamlined Communication and Planning

Together, the pointcloud file and detailed plans serve as a common language among different departments. Engineers, production managers, and maintenance teams can work in unison, as these plans offer a clear and comprehensive view of the factory’s current state and future upgrades. This synchronicity is crucial for minimizing downtime during expansions or reconfigurations.

Improved Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount in factory settings. Detailed layout plans and BIM, developed through precise 3D scans, ensure that new installations comply with safety standards and regulations before installation takes place. They also help in creating safer workflows and emergency egress, enhancing overall workplace safety. As a quick example, even an unlevel floor from repetitious forklift use can cause unforeseen issues and injuries. With 3D laser scanning, floor levelness can be determined and addressed clearly and quickly.

Every Factory Should Be 3D Scanned

In essence, the integration of plant layout plans and BIM, empowered by 3D laser scanning, is not just about adapting to the present; it’s about future-proofing factories. It allows for a level of precision and foresight previously unattainable, fostering environments where innovation is not just possible but encouraged. For factories, this marks a significant leap towards operational excellence, ensuring they not only meet today’s demands but are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Ontario’s Leading As-Built Plant Layout Provider

Contact us today to explore how 3D Laser Scanning can expedite the growth or reconfiguration of your factory and have a competitive advantage over other operators. We’re always excited to hear from different industries. We work throughout the Ontario and Quebec regions.

In today’s fast-paced industrial real estate landscape, the use of 3D Matterport Virtual Tours is revolutionizing the way building owners, operators, and managers conduct their operations. Especially with warehouse and office real estate, these cutting-edge tours offer three pivotal benefits that enhance the industry’s efficiency and convenience: In this blog post, we dive straight into them using one of our latest warehouse virtual tours we created for Sarah Vanberbelt of Paradigm Commercial Properties and Nick Hannah at Lennard Commercial Realty.

Step Inside A Warehouse Virtual Tour

Empowering Building Owners:

A 3D Matterport Tour provides building owners with a digital snapshot of their property’s existing conditions before occupancy. This invaluable resource not only aids in lease negotiations but also equips lessees with a clear vision of how to return the building to its base condition at the end of their lease. It streamlines the leasing process, reduces disputes, and fosters a more collaborative relationship between owners and tenants.

Efficiency for Building Operators:

Building operators can effortlessly share digital copies of their facilities with key project stakeholders, including engineers and contractors. These tours transcend geographical and physical boundaries, enabling remote access to multiple facilities at any time. The result? Faster decision-making, more streamlined maintenance, and seamless project coordination.

Enhanced Property Management:

Property managers gain a powerful tool in their arsenal, allowing them to showcase properties to potential tenants even when in-person viewings are challenging. This is especially valuable for national occupiers and companies with a widespread presence. 3D Matterport Tours provide a cost-effective, immersive, and convenient way to explore and digitally share properties, ultimately attracting more tenants and optimizing occupancy rates.

Every Warehouse Deserves a Virtual Tour

The uses of 3D Matterport Tours for warehouses benefit every party involved in the successful acquisition, stabilization, and disposition of any building. That’s why it’s worthwhile, whether it’s a 5,000 square foot contractor garage unit or a 500,000 square foot logistics center. For lenders and appraisers, they are able to have multiple inspections of the real asset without follow-up site visits. The same goes for developers and landlords looking at a property. Building operators are better able to put projects out for tender by conducting virtual site showings or using the virtual tours to refer locations and job scopes.

In the competitive world of industrial real estate, 3D Matterport Virtual Tours are a game-changer. With benefits spanning from owner-tenant relationships to streamlined operations, property management, and wider industry use, they are a must-have technology for any warehouse or industrial facility.

For our example property, we didn’t stop at just the 3D Matterport Tour. We utilized our photography and aerial imaging services to create a portfolio of captivating images that emphasize the warehouse’s size, layout, and potential. These images serve as powerful tools to attract prospective buyers and investors, providing a visual narrative that complements the immersive 3D experience.

Ontario’s Leading 3D Virtual Tour Provider

Contact us today to explore how 3D Matterport Tours can help your industrial real estate business find new efficacies and have a competitive advantage over other properties and operations. We’re always excited to hear from landlords, building operators, facility management, leasing teams, and developers. We’ve scanned warehouses in the GTA, Montreal-Laval, Ottawa, Cornwall, and Kingston.

Virtual tours are a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes, as they can save time and money while increasing the effectiveness of training. These tours can be used repeatedly, freeing up veteran staff and management to focus on their work.

In addition, virtual tours eliminate risk factors by allowing new hires to get up-close-and-personal with even the most dangerous machinery without disrupting the work of current staff or halting facility operations. As the workplace adapts to the new normal, virtual tours are a valuable resource for the training and onboarding process.

We are 3D Virtual Tour Specialists

3D Virtual tours offer a unique and immersive solution to a wide range of industries. If you are interested and are looking to learn more or are ready to use 3D Virtual Tours in Ottawa, Montreal or Toronto, contact our team to schedule your scan.

The Power of Pointclouds: Electric Substation

Safety And Efficiency Advancements

Facility managers and engineers are responsible for inspecting and maintaining critical infrastructure and buildings over time. This process often involves multiple site visits by multiple disciplines and may require further investigation once deficiencies are identified. Point cloud technology offers a more efficient and safer alternative by allowing for a single site visit to capture 360-degree photos and accurate measurements. This data can be used to create virtual tours of an electrical substation and detailed repair and maintenance plans, reducing the need for on-site personnel and minimizing the risk of injury.

The Right 3D Laser Scanner For The Job

There are various types of 3D laser scanners available on the market, each with different distance, speed, and accuracy capabilities. At Point3D, we use the Leica Geosystems line of 3D laser scanners and carefully select the most appropriate device for each project based on its complexity, size, and accuracy requirements. This allows us to deliver accurate and reliable point cloud data to our clients.

How To Use Pointcloud 3D Data

Point cloud files can be seamlessly integrated into Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD as-built workflows, enabling the creation of various types of floor plans, including as-built models, MEPF clash reports, and floor flatness/levelness reports. If you don’t have an internal team to develop your pointcloud-to-BIM, we can design as-found models at the level of detail required.

Pointcloud File Formats

Point cloud files come in a range of formats, including both open-source and proprietary options. The appropriate format depends on the downstream workflow and point cloud software being used in visualization or as-built modeling. At Point3D, we can help you determine the right point cloud specifications to meet your needs.

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is a common method for producing point cloud data, which can be stored in a variety of file formats. These formats are designed to hold 3D point cloud data, as well as other 3D data such as images and meshes. They support a wide range of binary data types, including coordinates, intensity, color, and reflectance. To ensure optimal usability, point cloud processing is often performed to reduce file size.

Point cloud files offer a convenient way to share accurate site measurements and 360-degree images within an organization, improving collaboration and project management. Laser scanning for point clouds is a cost-effective and time-saving solution for electrical engineers, electricity providers, and substation operators who prioritize efficiency and innovation.

We are 3D Laser Scanning and Point Cloud Experts

With experience scanning hundreds of electrical stations, distribution substations, and network buildings, Point3D is the point cloud specialist you are looking for. Whether it’s for accurate as-found conditions facilities or for managing projects remotely, our clients in this space are saving time and money with Point Cloud services. Contact Point3D to learn more about 3D Laser Scanning for Point Cloud files in Canada.

Virtual tours have the potential for saving businesses of all sizes time and money, increasing the effectiveness of training, and can be used again and again, freeing up your veteran staffers and management to do their work. 

Eliminating the risk factors, virtual tours have the advantage of bringing new hires up-close-and-personal with even the most dangerous machinery, allowing your current staff to continue working and your facility to keep operating, making the onboarding process less intrusive and a lot safer. As the workplace adjusts to this new normal, virtual tours are the next frontier in the training and onboarding process.

Start Virtual Training With Virtual Tours Today

3D Virtual tours offer a unique and engaging employee onboarding solution. If you are interested and are looking to learn more or are ready to use 3D Virtual Tours for virtual training in Ottawa, Montreal or Toronto, contact our team to schedule your scan.

At Point3D, we’re creating large Matterport scans at scale.

Since our beginnings, we at Point3D have been avid enthusiasts and proponents of everything 3D. The platform we trust the most for 3D Virtual Tours has always been Matterport. There just isn’t anything like it available on the marketplace and with the latest generation Matterport Pro2 camera (which we’ve named ours Matty), offers stunning 3D visuals with high-quality 36-degree views and is easily shared to any device with an internet connection. It’s not just single-family homes we’re scanning either. We’re pushing the envelope with Matterport scanning to create immersive 3D experiences for all sorts of creating and unique applications.

When scanning more complex or larger spaces with Matterport, our technicians use refined survey and laser scanning methodology to properly capture a space. While a single-family home may only take an hour with under 100 scans, some commercial and industrial real estate take days to scan with Matterport using over 1000 setups.

The biggest mistake new Matterport operators make is not introducing trusted survey methods into their workflow to make it easy for Matterport’s scan registration automation. A haphazard or “misaligned” scan will not impress their clients. Without proper scanning methodology, a square space can skew to one side inaccurately or be missing data.

We have experience with large Matterport scans in Canada and in the United States. We can scan using Matterport in complex and outdoor areas, and up to hundreds of thousands of square feet. Our team enjoys the challenge of scanning large open warehouses for space planning, entire buildings for commercial real estate transactions, and outdoor spaces for art/culture purposes.

Our Largest Matterport Scans

We’re proud to show some of the spectacular spaces we’ve had the opprtunity to visit and capture with Matterport 3D cameras. The platform has allowed us to share thousands of unique places with others online and in 3D. Over time, we’ve excelled in championing Matterport scanning and have since captured several large Matterport scans in Canada.

We are Matterport 3D Experts

Our team has captured large Matterport scans in Canada with a comprehensive understanding of 3D virtual tour technology. Trust the very best and most experienced Matterport Service Providers when a large Matterport scan is needed. Point3D services Ottawa, Toronto, or Montreal with large Matterport 3D Virtual Tours. No space is too large or too complex for Matterport capture as we can develop a navigation plan between 3D models for most applications, contact Point3D to learn more about this service.

This month we are touching on Warehouse Virtual Tour work we’ve completed for the Industrial Real Estate Industry in Ontario.

A warehouse virtual tour is a multi-functional digital asset for building owners and managers. Having a 1:1 digital twin of any space available for viewing anytime is a powerful tool to reduce vacancies, solidify brand confidence, and even increase orientation or overall productivity. Point3D has performed reality capture to many warehouses in Ontario for commercial real estate listings, brand digital marketing, and facility management. No size of warehouse is too small or too large for us to capture. In Ontario, we’ve created 3D Tours of crawlspace mechanical rooms to warehouses spanning hundreds of thousands of square feet.

Warehouse Virtual Tour for Space Planning

After all the work of finding the right warehouse, it’s time to move in. For manufacturers and production facilities, moving and installing their operations can cost millions of dollars. When installing new equipment in a new base fit-up or existing complex conditions, smart designers and engineers are using 3D Tours to see the existing conditions and learn how to optimize the space. With the tool, the spaces can be measured, viewed, and checked for walking clearance. Existing equipment can be spatially rearranged and configured virtually, other 3D models of equipment can also be imported. This helps the planning process move from vision to reality while reducing change orders and on-site issues when installing equipment in a new facility.

Warehouse Virtual Tour for Training and Orientation

Warehouse operations have been heavily impacted by the pandemic while demand is at an all-time high. This has resulted in competitive companies swallowing market share and growing intensely. When operating a warehouse in Ontario, safety is always number one and when hiring a ton of new staff, introducing them to workplace safety is important.  To expedite the onboarding of new hires, some companies are providing a 3D Virtual Tour of their warehouses to allow new hires to walk the space and with the use of multimedia labels, introduce company practices, policies, and equipment.

Warehouse Virtual Tour for Acquisition, Sale, Or Divestment

Industrial Real Estate is also still on fire in Ontario and shows no signs of stopping with this recent industrial real estate transaction in Ontario. So while it’s not possible to be everywhere at once, having a warehouse virtual tour gives building stakeholders the ability to see it from any angle, anytime. Interested buyers and potential tenants can take a look at floorplan and walk the entire space at their own pace. This freedom lets them truly understand if the space fits their needs, more so than real estate photography and video. And while this won’t serve as a replacement for a building inspection, it would provide insight into which areas require more due diligence earlier in the deal. This ultimately saves building owners and national occupiers costs for in-person viewing while quickening the speed to lease or sale.

We are 3D Virtual Tour Specialists

Warehouse Virtual Tours require a comprehensive understanding of 3D scanning and the right equipment. Trust the firm with experience in Matterport virtual tours for warehouses. If your Ottawa, Toronto, or Montreal warehouse is ready to use 3D Virtual Tours, contact Point3D to get started.