Primus’ second cold storage design build project for industrial real estate developer Saxum is located in Jacksonville, FL. The 334,000 SF greenfield cold storage warehouse will have 32 dock doors, a QFR blast freezing area, de-slat area, a USDA room, freezers with temperatures ranging from -10° to 35° and the usual support spaces (conference rooms, break areas, office space, etc.).
What’s different about it is how Project Manager Dennis LeDrew and Superintendent Kane Little are incorporating technology to improve operational excellence. “We’re maximizing the Oracle Cloud platform,” Dennis said. “It’s having a dramatic impact on cost and schedule.”
Below are a few of the interesting ways he is deploying this scheduling software.
SIX-WEEK LOOK AHEAD SCHEDULES
This project is utilizing the Last Planner System (LPS) in the field. Dennis is amplifying its effectiveness by integrating 4D scheduling into the six-week look ahead schedule. He creates printouts that feature the schedule alongside an image of the 3D model of the expected work for each of the six weeks. Kane hangs these up above their respective weeks on the LPS board. This gives our subcontractors a visual representation of the work they are expected to complete. It also allows the team to find potential schedule challenges.
An example of this took place on site recently. While reviewing the 4D six-week look ahead, the team noticed that installing panels on the main part of the building first, then moving on to the QFR freezer, was not the most efficient plan because of crane location and panel storage challenges. They determined that if they flipped that sequence (paneled the QFR freezer first), they would have a smoother transition. This decision benefitted the project’s schedule and safety.
ISOLATING TRADE PARTNER SCHEDULES
Dennis also uses codes to isolate subcontractor schedules. Doing so provides our trade partners with a customized view of their work. Durations, expectations and deadlines are clearly communicated with no room for misinterpretation.
CUSTOMER UPDATES
Finally, Dennis uses 4D scheduling to provide our customers with detailed progress updates. “The 4D model gives the owner a visual comparison of what we planned to have completed at a certain date versus what we actually completed,” he said. This provides a level of transparency and accountability that keeps the project on track.
The right technology used the right way can result in efficiency, transparency and accountability. Congratulations to Dennis and Kane for finding ways to maximize our existing technology.